Surrender
A blackjack option to forfeit half the original bet and exit a hand before drawing any cards.
Detailed Explanation
Surrender is an optional blackjack player decision available (where offered) immediately after the initial two-card deal. By surrendering, the player forfeits exactly half their original bet and withdraws from the hand without drawing cards. 'Late surrender' is only available after the dealer has checked for blackjack; 'early surrender' (available before the check) is more powerful but rarely offered.
Surrender reduces the house edge by approximately 0.08% when used correctly. The correct surrender situations in standard 4–8 deck blackjack with H17: hard 16 (except a pair of 8s, which should be split) against dealer 9, 10, or Ace; hard 15 against dealer 10 or Ace.
When surrender is available at a table, verify whether it is late or early, and adjust the basic strategy accordingly. Surrender is not available at all properties — confirm with the dealer before your first hand.
Related Entries
Table Game Terms
Ante
A mandatory bet placed before any cards are dealt to initiate a round.
Table Game Terms
Burn Card
A card removed face-down from the top of the deck after a shuffle before dealing begins.
Table Game Terms
Color Up
Exchanging a stack of lower-denomination chips for fewer higher-denomination chips of equal total value.
Table Game Terms
Cut Card
A solid-coloured plastic card used by players to cut the deck before dealing begins.