Or of a verb attached to the smitten heroine of an overdone romantic novel. What can the term possibly mean in Blackjack? We invite you to read on to find out.
Surrender?
We can think of the Surrender as the opposite of the Double Down. The Double Down lets you react positively to two cards that you are happy to see sitting in your hand. The Surrender lets you react to two cards that you were hoping not to see in your hand. A Double Down lets you double your bet when you like the two cards that you've been dealt. The Surrender lets you give the dealer half of your initial bet and to gracefully retreat. The Surrender can be seen as the Bizarro World version of the Double Down. That is, if you like.
Sounds sweet. But when should I raise the white flag?
First – there is no white flag required. (This is a happy thing as they are rare in modern shops. And they are difficult to keep clean.) Most casinos prefer that you signal a Surrender. How? Simply put your finger on the layout – the fancy felt in front of you – and move it from right to left. You can use your words, as your kindergarten teacher no doubt used to advise you, though most casinos are partial to the signal.
OK – back to the when of the white flag...er, signal
- If you have a hand that gives the house – this is cool talk for "casino" –more than a 50% chance of winning the hand, it is a good time for you to signal your retreat.
- If you are playing a Blackjack game at a table that uses multiple decks of cards, you'd be wise to surrender when you are sitting with a not-sweet 16 and the dealer has a 9, 10, face card, or ace. There are few hard and fast rules in casino land, enjoy this one.
- Also, if you are playing a multi-deck game and you are pondering a hand that totals as 15 and the dealer is showing a 10 or a face card, it is time for a graceful signal.
- If the dealer smartly sends you two 8s, you should never surrender. (Like Churchill said.)
- If you have an ace in your hand, and it totals as with 15 or 16, you'd be a fool to surrender. (Or at least a conservative Blackjack player.)
- If the dealer is proudly showing an ace, it is against the rules for you to surrender.
There you have it. Another arrow to add to your Blackjack quiver. Another tool for your Blackjack toolbox. You should know that to surrender is by no means a lame move. On the contrary, it is a neat move that could see you add money to your Blackjack over time, if you commit to its steady and focused use.