Surrender, dealer advice and losing one's head

5 August 2013

By Frank Scoblete

FROM BERNIE: Early surrender is available at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas and also at Wynn casino but most people are not aware of this. Please pass this on to your readers.

FRANK’S RESPONSE: Early surrender is a great option. I just alerted my readers to it. I am sending you my new book “The Virgin Kiss” for your letter.


FROM PAUL: Recently I was playing a blackjack game at a casino in Tunica that offered surrender. I did so with a hard 16 against the dealer’s 10 and the dealer told me it wasn't a good move.

Why would she tell me that? Most things I've ever read about surrender say to do that. Am I missing something?

I mean the dealers should know about the game, right?

FRANK’S RESPONSE: Dealers know how to deal but many are not away of the proper plays for every hand. They know what they must do with their hands but obviously the dealer who told you that surrendering your 16 against the dealer’s 10 was wrong was, well, wrong.

You made the right move. Surrender is a great option if used correctly and in this case you used it correctly.

I am sending you a free copy of my new book “The Virgin Kiss” for your letter.


FROM THOMAS: I'm the guy in Christchurch, New Zealand that mailed you a while back in regards to my local casino introducing a couple of double-zero wheels, while leaving the wheel number layout the same as a single-zero wheel but jamming the 00 at the bottom between numbers 10 AND 5.

Yes, those wheels are still spinning away but however I have another question you might be able to help me with regarding roulette, the only game I play.

My problem is regarding loss limits. Frank, the answer to my question may seem self-evident but would just like some comment from someone like yourself.

I'm not a big player and usually take just $100 each time I visit the casino which is mostly only about once or twice a week at the most, sometimes I get ahead and make a profit and seem to handle my profits reasonably well but it's my loss limits due to my weak willpower that are getting the better of me, even though I have made so many promises to myself to call it quits after losing $50.

When things are going against me I just cannot seem to stop, like a couple of days ago. I just played on and lost the $100 then woke up next morning kicking my own butt.

Now I was just wondering what in my case you think of the idea of me just bringing $50 each time to the casino and of course in a bad session when that has all gone I cant blow that other $50 that I normally would have still had with me? Also wondering if I did that for a while it would get me used to stopping at $50 then later I could go back to bringing the $100. Any ideas Frank?

I've also read many roulette books over the years including your very informative "Spin Roulette Gold." I have tried many different strategies also, but nowadays I mostly play outside bets with a few inside number splits occasionally, but as you would no doubt agree all the strategies in the world are useless without those critical loss limits, as I would like to have a future in this game.

Anyhow, take care, Frank.

FRANK’S RESPONSE: I do think you answered your own question about how much to bring with you to play. Just make it that $50. There is no need to cash into a game for $100 with the idea of leaving if you lose $50 -- you are just putting yourself in a situation where you will dip into the rest of the money. The temptation is just too great.

I also think -- and this will seem radical to you -- forget all those inside bets. Make only one bet on either red/black or odd/even or high/low. Some casinos allow you to only lose half that bet should a 0 or 00 hits. If you only place one bet, you are generally extending your time at the table. Also with a $50 bankroll make that one bet the table minimum.

Join me on my website at www.frankscoblete.com. If I publish your letter I will send you a free copy of my book "The Virgin Kiss."