How Blackjack Surrender Works

Some people may consider Blackjack Surrender not really a variant but more of a feature of the game, while others may disagree. What both parties agree on is that it is becoming an integral part of many strategies.

The most important characteristic of Blackjack Surrender is that you are given the choice of laying down your hand and losing only half the amount that you wagered. This option alone makes the game attractive to players, but you should be aware that while there are several types that utilize this feature, their application can vary between casinos.

In several land based and online casinos the Blackjack Surrender option is permissible only when you have been dealt the second card, and at no other time before or after that. While this option is nice, a late surrender is even better.

In Blackjack games that allow late surrender, you are given the opportunity to lay it down at other points, i.e., when you have been dealt a hand and did not improve. For example, if you get 2 and 6 you might, in an early surrender game, lay it down right there. But with late surrender you can get an additional card, and if it is a 9 or 10, you will likely win. This single example shows how crucial the late lay down option is.

Blackjack Surrender games, of course, are very important for players, especially for those new ones who need to keep track of their bankroll. With a hand of 15, and the dealer showing an Ace, you can lay down your hand and give up half your wager. With this option (or variant, as some call it), you will also have an easier time making the correct decisions. For instance, if you hold a low hand and the dealer has a high up card, you can choose to surrender.

The origin of this concept is not clear, but it has become very popular in casinos all over North America, Europe and the Internet. Some will include it as one of their variants, while others will include it in their rule innovations. If you can't find a variant in your favorite online casino, it could have been implemented in the traditional Blackjack game, so check the rule section carefully.

Whenever possible you should look to play Blackjack Surrender. The concept is one of the most advantageous ever designed for players. For new and conservative players it can be a kind of "crutch", and for longtime aficionados it presents one more opportunity to gain an extra edge.