“Surrender in Blackjack” is one of the moves a player can use in Blackjack games — as it helps you save half of your bet by folding your first two cards and the dealer up card. This move works in some land-based casinos and in many online casinos with a live dealer Blackjack game.
You can make use of the surrender move when you’ve got a hand with only a 50 percent chance of winning against the dealer. Moreover, there are two types of surrender in Blackjack, which include early and late surrender.
In this article guide, we’ll explain about early and late surrender in Blackjack — including when you can use surrender in Blackjack and many more.
Table of Contents
What is Blackjack Surrender?
Surrender in blackjack allows a player to fold their hand after seeing their initial two cards and the dealer’s upcard, losing only half their bet. This option acts as a safety net, helping players avoid bigger losses in tough situations. While not all blackjack tables include this rule, it’s a valuable tool for managing risk when the odds are stacked against you.
Early Surrender
Early surrender lets players forfeit their hand before the dealer checks for a blackjack, typically when the dealer shows an Ace or a 10-value card. This rule is highly favorable as it protects players from losing their full wager against a potential dealer blackjack. However, it’s rare in U.S. casinos today due to its player-friendly nature, often found only in specific or older game variants.
Late Surrender
More common in the U.S., late surrender allows players to give up their hand after the dealer confirms they don’t have a blackjack. If the dealer’s upcard is strong (like a 10 or Ace), players can opt to lose half their bet instead of playing out a weak hand. While less advantageous than early surrender, it still offers a way to cut losses in challenging scenarios.
Early Surrender vs. Late Surrender Table
| Aspect | Early Surrender | Late Surrender |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Before dealer checks for blackjack | After dealer checks for blackjack |
| Prevalence | Very rare, limited to specific games | More common in U.S. casinos |
| Benefit to Player | Significant, lowers house edge greatly | Moderate, reduces losses in weak hands |
| Common Use Case | Against dealer’s Ace or 10-value card | Against dealer’s strong upcards (9, 10, Ace) |
Surrender Hand Signal
In brick-and-mortar casinos, players signal a surrender by drawing a horizontal line behind their bet with their finger or saying “surrender” clearly. Some venues may prefer verbal confirmation to avoid confusion, so always check the casino’s rules. In online blackjack, a “Surrender” button is typically available on the game interface for easy use.
When to Surrender in Blackjack
Deciding when to surrender depends on your hand, the dealer’s upcard, and the game’s rules (e.g., whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17). Surrender is most useful when your win probability is low, typically below 25%. Key situations include:
- Hard 16 vs. Dealer 9, 10, or Ace: A hand like 10-6 or 7-9 is weak against strong dealer cards, making surrender a smart move.
- Hard 15 vs. Dealer 10: A hand such as 9-6 or 10-5 has a high chance of losing, so surrendering saves half your stake.
Surrendering with Hard 16
A hard 16 is a tricky hand, especially against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace. For instance, holding a 10-6 against a dealer’s 10 puts you at risk of busting if you hit or losing if you stand, as the dealer is likely to make a strong total. Surrendering here recovers half your bet, preserving funds for better opportunities. However, against weaker dealer cards (e.g., 6 or below), other actions like hitting may be preferable.
Surrendering with Hard 15
A hard 15 against a dealer’s 10 is another scenario where surrendering shines. With cards like 8-7 or 10-5, hitting risks a bust, and standing often loses to the dealer’s likely strong hand. Surrendering in this case minimizes losses, particularly in games where the dealer stands on soft 17, as the dealer’s odds of improving are high.
Why Surrender in Blackjack?
Surrendering is a strategic choice that lowers the casino’s edge by letting players exit hands with poor odds. It’s especially useful in games with higher house advantages or when facing daunting dealer upcards. By surrendering, you protect your bankroll, allowing you to stay in the game longer and capitalize on better hands later.
Blackjack Surrender Strategy
To optimize the surrender option, follow these guidelines for standard U.S. blackjack rules (6-8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17):
- Surrender hard 16 (excluding pairs like 8-8) against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace.
- Surrender hard 15 against a dealer’s 10 or Ace (if the dealer hits on soft 17).
- Avoid surrendering strong hands (e.g., hard 17 or above) or when the dealer shows weak cards (e.g., 4-6).
Game variations, like the number of decks or dealer rules, can affect these decisions. Consult a blackjack strategy chart specific to surrender rules for precise guidance.
Where Can You Play Blackjack Surrender?
U.S. players can find blackjack surrender at select casinos, both online and offline:
- Land-Based Casinos: Some Las Vegas venues, like Caesars Palace or The Venetian, may offer blackjack tables with surrender, often in high-stakes areas. Always verify table rules before playing.
- Online Platforms: Legal online casinos in states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, such as FanDuel Casino, Bet365, or Golden Nugget, often feature blackjack games with surrender. Check the game’s rules or filter for “Surrender Blackjack” to confirm.
Mobile apps from trusted operators also support surrender-enabled blackjack, providing flexibility for U.S. players to practice this strategy on the go.
