What is blackjack surrender?

(Credit: pato_garza) 

You might have noticed that the option to surrender at blackjack is offered sometimes, but by no means all the time. As it's not available in many cases, a lot of players are not familiar with it. But you can greatly benefit from it if you know how to use it properly.

The option to surrender is offered after your first two cards, and this means that you can surrender and forfeit your cards. You will then receive half of your original wager while the house retains the other 50%. This can be useful if you have a poor hand. It does sound a bit like giving in, but it can be the right move for the player in some cases - it gives you the option of saving half your bet in cases when you have the lowest chance of winning.

Here is an overview of when you should surrender:

1) You hold a hard 16 and the dealer has a 9, ten or ace

2) You have a hard 15 and the dealer has a ten

The exceptions are: if you have a pair of eights or a soft hand (i.e. a hand which contains an ace) in which case you are better off to play the hand out according to basic strategy.

But beware: Don't surrender too easily, otherwise the casino will still make money from this option.

Try out your blackjack skills here!