"Surrender" in blackjack allows a player to forfeit their hand and recover half of their bet instead of playing out a likely losing situation. It is strategically advantageous when the odds heavily favor the dealer, such as when the player has a weak hand against a strong dealer upcard. By surrendering, the player minimizes losses in unfavorable situations where the probability of winning is low, preserving their bankroll for better opportunities. The surrender option is most commonly used with hands like 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace.