A Guide to Blackjack Surrender

Written by Amelia Thompson

Amelia Thompson

Author

Updated: February 15, 2023

What does Blackjack surrender mean and when can you use it? Let’s see which surrender type suits you best and how you can make the most of it!

• What does Surrender mean in Blackjack?
• How to Play Blackjack Surrender
• Blackjack Surrender Options
• When to surrender in Blackjack?

What does Surrender mean in Blackjack?

If you are a pro and you already know about it, you will agree that this is an option that can help players limit their losses while playing blackjack.

With this system for blackjack surrender, you can save 50% of your bet on losing poor hands. Our guide takes you through everything you have to know about this blackjack variant, including rules and types.

Why you should be aware of this move

It is a move that allows you to save 50% or half of your wager by folding your poor hand. It is an option you take based on your hole cards and the dealer’s up cards.

Due to this variant’s option, it features a smaller house edge than standard blackjack variations. The game appeals to strategic UK gamblers looking to maximise their bets while playing blackjack.

How to Play Blackjack Surrender

As stated earlier, the game shares the same objective and rules as a traditional blackjack game. So, whether you know how to play blackjack or not, you will find it easy to wager real money on this variation too.

However, apart from knowing when to stand, hit, split or double down, you must also learn how and when to opt for this feature. You can either “get out” early or late in this game.

There are many UK online casinosthat offer this variant in either the live or the computer mode.

Blackjack Surrender Options

Early Surrender

This option lets you fold your hand and forfeit half of your initial bet before the dealer checks for a winner. It is the most favourable option during this game, reducing its house edge by 0.62%.

Circumstances to consider the early surrendering option

• When you hold a hard 5 to 7, and  your dealer holds an ace against them;
• If the one who’s dealing holds one ace and you have a hard 12 to 17;
• If your croupier has one ace against your pair of 3s, 6s, 7s, or 8s;
• When your dealer has a ten, and you hold a hard 14 to 16;
• When the croupier has a ten against your pair of 7s or 8s (8s only in a single-deck variant).

Late Surrender

The following option allows you to fold your hand at half the sum of your main bet after the croupier turns in their cards or checks for who won.

With the option, you can keep half of your initial bet if the dealer doesn’t win the round. However, if he does, you will lose your bet, which is what will happen anyway unless you play the late “giving-up” move.Many other strategies, such asBlackjack Insurance, are meant to help players.

Blackjack Late Surrender Rules

Here are some strategy rules you need to adopt to maximise your late surrendering option. You should only use this option when faced with these scenarios:

• Apply this method when you hold a total of 17 against the dealer’s Ace. Disregard this rule if your dealer stands on soft 17;
• Get out with a total of 16 against a dealer’s Ace or 10-value card;
• Use this method when you have 15 when the one dealing shows an Ace. Disregard this if the variant allows the croupier to hit on soft 17;
• Don’t make this move when you hold a total of 16 and the dealer gets 9;
• Avoid this option on a hand total of 15 or 17 against the croupier’s soft 17.

When to surrender in Blackjack?

It is a tempting feature in Blackjack, especially when your hands are bad. But factually, you can’t apply this option every time. There are a few scenarios when considering whether the early or late surrender rule could help your bankroll.

Knowing these situations means you won’t consider blackjack surrendering or folding your hand at any given opportunity. You will learn to use other moves to your advantage.