Blackjack Surrender Rules
Blackjack Surrender is a great option for those who are struck by bad luck. As the name suggests, players are given the option to surrender and lose the game, but also keep half of their bet amount. This option significantly reduces the house edge.
Table Of Contents
Surrender is a blackjack option that allows you to fold your hand and receive half your bet back. Instead of playing out the hand, you can surrender and automatically lose half your bet. Obviously this is an option that should only be used with really bad starting hands. Make sure to check the rules before playing to ensure that surrender is available. When to Surrender at Blackjack. The strategy of blackjack surrender depends on whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17. There are only four instances when a player should surrender when the dealer stands on soft 17.
The 'surrender bet' in blackjack is one of the least known moves in the game.
Available only in the blackjack surrender variant, this move let you save half of your bet by folding your hand before it meets that of the dealer.
In this beginner's guide to blackjack surrender, you'll learn:
- what is surrender in blackjack
- the rules of blackjack surrender
- when you surrender in blackjack
- and a lot more.
In other words, if you are looking for an all-in-one guide to blackjack surrender, you'll love this one.
Blackjack Surrender
If you've seen the table games section of at least one of these online casinos, you know there are countless blackjack variants online.
Blackjack surrender is one of them.
When it comes to this game, there are two schools of thought:
- Some players think blackjack surrender is a game for quitters
- Others consider it the best blackjack variant out there.
I lean toward the latter as I find blackjack surrender to be a great game.
Thanks to the reduced house edge (which comes from the possibility to surrender early), this variant of the game attracts smart players who like real money blackjack online and take things seriously.
When there's money involved, it's good to have the chance to quit before it's too late.
What is Surrender in Blackjack?
In a game that features the 'surrender' option, the player can fold a blackjack hand before drawing new cards.
When a player chooses to surrender, half of the original bet is returned to the stack, and half is forfeited to the dealer.
In a game of live blackjack, a player needs to swipe a finger behind the bet to indicate the intention to surrender and recoup half of it.
In online play, blackjack surrender games feature an extra button to call this special feature.
How to Play Blackjack Surrender?
If you know how to play blackjack, you know how to play blackjack surrender, too.
The rules of this game follow the same basic rules of 21.
In addition to knowing when to hit, stand, and split - to win at this game you need to know when it's the best time to surrender and forfeit your hand before you hand your bet to the casino.
A game of blackjack surrender gives you two options:
1. Early Surrender
The early surrender option allows you to quit the hand and pay only 1/2 of your initial bet before the dealer checks for a blackjack. This option is the best one for players, as the chance to use an early surrender reduces the game's house advantage by 0.62 per cent.
2. Late Surrender
The late surrender one, let you do the same only after the dealer turns their cards. In this case, you get to take half of your bet back only if the dealer's hand is not a blackjack.
When to Surrender in Blackjack?
To win at blackjack surrender, you need to know when it's the best time to surrender in a game of blackjack. And if you are new to this, it might not be obvious.
In short, you should surrender every time the odds are clearly against you.
The best times to surrender in blackjack are:
| Situation | Your hand | Dealer's card |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 16 | 9, 10, ace |
| #2 | 15 | 10 |
In the first case, you should not surrender when you get two cards of the value of eight. If this happens, you have more chances to win if you split them into two separate hands and continue to play.
Blackjack Surrender Online
All the sites in the list below offer games of blackjack surrender online for free and for real money.
Most of them feature only the late surrender option, so they are not ideal choices. The top three, however, are those where you get the best winning odds, since you have also the early surrender option.
All sites offer a welcome bonus on signup. You can use it to play blackjack surrender if this is the first time you play games there.
Blackjack Surrender Rules Against
Frequently Asked Questions
Vegas Blackjack Rules Surrender
In some circumstances, as when the odds are clearly not in your favour, surrender your blackjack hand is the best choice. To find all the combinations when surrender is the best move, check out this table.
The surrender move is not featured on all blackjack tables. If you want to use it to lower the casino advantage, ask the casino staff to direct you to the 'blackjack surrender' games.
To show the dealer that you intend to 'surrender,' you need to run your index finger behind the bet you placed on the blackjack table.
Yes. All these sites offer games of blackjack surrender online.
Want to know more about blackjack? Check out these articles!
The promotion presented on this page was available at the time of writing. With some Casino promotions changing on daily basis, we suggest you to check on the site if it still available. Also, please do not forget to read the terms and conditions in full before you accept a bonus.How to Play Blackjack Surrender
This game starts off like all other blackjack games. Players will first need to place their bets and then they will be dealt two cards. The dealer will receive two cards, too, one faced down and the other facing up. Then the action will start with the player closest to the left of the dealer.
Blackjack Surrender Rules
Here are the rules that the dealer and player must abide by.
- 4 decks are used.
- Players can split one time.
- Split aces will receive (only) one card.
- Players can double down after splitting their hand.
- The dealer will check for a blackjack with an ace or ten showing.
- Blackjack surrender uses the 7-card Charlie rule. Players that hit and receive 7 cards without busting will automatically win the hand, except for instances where the dealer has a natural blackjack. 7-card Charlies pay even money (1:1).
- Players can surrender after being dealt their hand.
- Players can accept insurance.
- Blackjack pays 3:2.
- Dealers stand on 17.
The objective is to make a better hand than the dealer, without exceeding 21 points (busting). If you bust, you automatically lose your hand, as does the dealer. If the dealer busts, all remaining players will automatically win, and will receive even money (1:1).
When to Surrender in Blackjack Surrender
Although you have the option to surrender, you shouldn’t do it whenever you want. There is a strategy for when to use this option. Here is when we recommend surrendering:
- You have 16 (including 8,8) – The dealer shows 9, 10 or ace
- You have 15 – The dealer shows 10 or ace
- You have 17 – The dealer shows an ace
Blackjack Surrender Rules
Stick to this strategy if you want to increase your odds against the house.