The Role of Surrender in Blackjack

What is Surrender in Blackjack?

Surrender is a blackjack game option that allows players to lose half of their original bet and end their participation after being dealt an initial two-card hand. The main purpose of the surrender option is to minimize your losses when you have a weak hand against a potentially strong dealer’s up-card. Typically, the surrender rule is rare in online blackjack, making it an essential game aspect to look for if you prefer playing it.

Key Features

• Players can surrender and reclaim half of their bet if they believe they have a losing hand.
• If the dealer shows an Ace or face card worth 10 points, you’ll get half of your original bet back.
• The game typically uses six or eight decks.
• Standard blackjack rules apply, with the addition of the surrender option.

Game Details

• RTP: 99.62%
• House Edge: 0.38%
• Payout: 3:2
• Developer: NetEnt
• Best Casino to Play: 888 Casino

Appropriate Betting Strategies

• Knowing when to surrender is key in this variant.
• Strategic thinking and card-counting skills are essential. 
• Used correctly, the surrender move tactfully keeps the house’s advantage at a minimum.

Types of Surrender: Early and Late

Early Surrender	Late Surrender
You need to give up your hand before the dealer checks for a natural blackjack.	Here, you can only give up your hand after the dealer checks for blackjack.
You lose half your bet and give up the game.	If the dealer has a natural blackjack, you lose your entire wager, but if the dealer does not, you can choose the surrender option and forfeit half your bet.
It significantly reduces the house edge because you can end the hand before you potentially lose your entire wager to a dealer blackjack.	While late surrender does not have the same advantageous reduction in house edge as early surrender, it can still be a helpful option when used strategically.
Early surrender is rarely found in online blackjack games, as it is more favorable to the player and less profitable for the casino.	Late surrender, on the other hand, is a more commonly offered option in online blackjack games.

Online Blackjack Variations Offering Surrender

While the surrender option is not available in all online blackjack variants, some specific games allow players to surrender their hands. They are:

1. Atlantic City Blackjack: In addition to both early and late surrender, Atlantic City Blackjack offers other player-friendly rules, such as doubling down on any two cards, re-splitting pairs, and multiple deck use.
2. Vegas Strip Blackjack: This variant offers the late surrender option and a relatively low house edge. It also has favorable rules such as doubling down on any two cards, splitting pairs and the dealer is standing on Soft 17.
3. Spanish 21: Spanish 21 offers late surrender and features unique rules, including removing all 10-value cards from the deck. In addition to surrendering, Spanish 21 offers bonus payouts for specific hands and allows players to double down on any number of cards.
4. Blackjack Switch: This online blackjack game features the late surrender option. Here, you receive two hands and can “switch” the top cards, potentially creating stronger hands. Surrender is allowed after switching, giving you another strategic option in this game variant.

When to Use the Blackjack Surrender Option?

Although not commonly used, surrendering in blackjack can be a valuable option for you when employed in the right circumstances. 

Assess your Hand

Consider the value and composition of your two cards. Generally, you tend to surrender when you have a weak hand, which can lead to a low probability of winning against the dealer.

However, not all high-value hands should result in surrender. For example, if you have a hand totaling 16 made up of two 8s, it would be wiser to split the 8s rather than surrender, as this action would increase your potential for improved hands after the split.

Evaluate the Dealer’s Upcard

The dealer’s face-up card provides players with essential information on the dealer’s possible hand strength. When the dealer’s upcard indicates a strong position (such as an Ace, 10, or 9), surrendering your weak hand can be a more viable option.

On the other hand, if the dealer’s upcard reveals a weaker card (such as a 2 through 6), you should be more inclined to play out your hand rather than surrendering, as the dealer has a higher chance of busting.

Refer to Basic Strategy Charts

Basic strategy charts consist of a chart that outlines the optimal decision for every possible combination of your hand and dealer upcard. Using these charts can be beneficial in determining when the surrender option might be the best choice for a specific hand and dealer upcard scenario.

Blackjack Surrender Strategy Chart

Player’s Hand	Dealer’s Upcard	Should you Surrender?
16 (except 8-8)	9, 10, Ace	Yes
15	10, Ace	Yes
17 or higher	Any	No
14 or lower	Any	No
8-8	10, Ace	Yes
16 (Ace-5)	10	Yes
16 (9-7)	9, 10, Ace	Yes

Risks and Rewards of Surrender

Reduces Potential Losses

Surrendering is a smart move when the dealer’s upcard is extremely strong, and the player’s hand has a high chance of ending up as a losing hand. You can cut your losses in half, and it is an active decision to minimize losses when the odds are stacked against you.

Preserves Bankroll for Future Hands

For players on a tight budget, managing your bankroll is crucial to extend your playtime and give yourself the best possible chance to win. By surrendering and only losing half the wager, you can keep your bankroll healthy and continue to play more hands.

The risk lies in using the surrender option too often, which can gradually drain the bankroll. You must weigh the pot odds to ensure that surrendering is the most profitable option in the long run.

Explore Other Options: Split, Double Down, and Hit

Although surrendering may seem like the safer option, sometimes it is better to explore other options, such as splitting, doubling down, or hitting. Opting for one of these might yield better results depending on the specific situation.

For example, if a player has a pair of 8s and the dealer has a 10-value card, surrendering, in this case, would be a mistake. It would be best to split the 8s, as each eight has more potential to yield a winning hand when separated.

Understand the House Edge Impact

Using the surrender option wisely can reduce the house edge in a blackjack game, increasing your chances of winning.

However, certain rules could increase the house’s edge in surrendering situations. For instance, if a casino only allows late surrender, folding the hand might only be available after the dealer checks for blackjack. This rule restricts your ability to use the surrender strategy effectively and could increase the house’s edge, making it a less profitable move to pursue.

Common Misconceptions About Blackjack Surrender

The Impact on Card Counting Strategies

Some players may believe that surrender will negatively impact their card-counting efforts because it contributes to an increased loss in their hands, thus decreasing their overall profits. In reality, surrender can benefit card-counting strategies when used appropriately.

Misinterpretation of Basic Strategy Suggestions

Some players perceive basic strategy as an all-or-nothing recommendation, where they surrender only when the chart suggests it. Players should understand that basic strategy suggestions are not instructions set in stone but guidelines to help them make informed decisions based on probabilities.

For example, if a player uses other strategies, such as card counting or betting systems, incorporating surrender might become more or less useful, depending on the situation.

Overuse of the Surrender Option

Some players might develop an excessive reliance on surrender to avoid difficult playing decisions. Surrendering too frequently can lead to substantial losses over time, as the player loses half of their bet every time they choose to surrender.

Employ surrender only when the odds of winning a hand are considerably low.

Can a Player Partially or Fully Insure their Hand instead of Surrendering in Online Blackjack?

Yes, insurance is an alternative to surrender in some online blackjack variants. Players can insure their hand to protect from potential dealer blackjack at the cost of an additional bet, either fully or partially, depending on the game rules.