Spanish 21 is a fun game to try if you're getting bored with blackjack. It uses all the good rules you find at different blackjack games, and eliminates the bad ones. Even using decks missing the 10's, Spanish 21 is one of the best games in the casino when you consider the house edge. Spanish 21 is a form of blackjack at online casino sites where players will play with decks that don't have the 10 card. That is, there are only 48 cards in each deck. This means that the dealer has slightly better odds at the start. However, there are plenty of added rules to the game with the intention of giving the player more ways to win. Spanish 21 Spanish 21 is a variation of one of the most iconic casino games, Blackjack. Spanish 21 offers some new and interesting changes that shift the dynamic of the game, one of which is the removal of all number ‘10' cards from the deck. This leaves the dealer with decks of 48 cards, rather than 52. Spanish 21 vs Blackjack The main difference between Spanish 21 and most other forms of Blackjack is that it is played with a Spanish deck of cards that has 48 cards instead of the usual 52 – the deck is the same with all 10's removed.
This is a blackjack variation that got its name because it is played with six or eight Spanish decks – a regular 52 card deck from which the four tens cards are taken out. Beside some of the common blackjack rules, such as number of decks, double after split and resplit Aces, Spanish 21 offers some exciting bonuses with good payouts. These bonuses and the 48 card decks make this a unique and popular blackjack variation.
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Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack found at casinos across the globe and online. The game is owned by Maque Publishing. A variation of 'Spanish 21' called Pontoon is available in Australia and Malaysia, but this version of Spanish 21 has significant rules differences from both regular blackjack and from Spanish 21.
On this page, you will find additional information about the game rules of Spanish 21 Blackjack, the house edge of the game and the optimal playing strategy for securing the best possible odds for the player.
Rules and Special Features
The most usual form of the game is played with six or eight decks of 48 cards, while the four 10s are removed. The player is allowed to surrender and double after splitting the cards. Resplitting Aces is allowed and the player can hit or double down after splitting them. In addition, the player can double on any number of cards and surrender after doubling. Some of the rules that favor the player are: player 21 wins and player blackjack beats dealer blackjack.
The rules explained above are rules common for every Spanish 21 game. However, there are some variables that should be mentioned. For example, the dealer in some variations is allowed to hit on soft 17, while in others he stands on soft 17. At certain casinos redoubling is allowed up to three hands and somewhere a split Ace and a face card are counted as a blackjack.
In any case, what make Spanish 21 so unique and thrilling are the many bonuses. This blackjack variation awards five-card 21 with a 3:2 payout, a six-card 21 with a 2:1 payout and a 7+ card 21 with a 3:1 payout. If the player gets a combination of unsuited 6-7-8 or 7-7-7, a 3:2 bonus payout is granted to him. If the same combination is suited the payout is 2:1, while 6-7-8 and 7-7-7 of spades has the best payout of 3:1. Furthermore, suited 7-7-7 across a dealer's 7 is considered to be a super bonus and pays £1,000 for bets from £5 to £24 and £5,000 for £25+ bets.
House Edge and Soft 17
Certain rule variations affect the house edge of the game. If the game is played with eight decks and the dealer stands on soft 17 the house has an edge of 0.38%. Reducing the number of decks to six will immediately lower the house edge to 0.37%. Hitting on soft 17 increases the house edge to 0.78% when played with six decks and to 0.80% when played with eight decks. Usually, this variation allows the player to surrender. However, if this rule is changed, the house edge grows for 0.006% (dealer hits on soft 17) or 0.018% (dealer stands on soft 17).
Side Bets and Bonuses
In Spanish 21 usually a side bet known as Match the Dealer is offered. The point of this bet is the player's cards to match the dealer's face up card. For example, if the dealer's card is 9 of spades, the player should have 9 of spades, 9 of any kind or a total card amount of 9 in order to win the side bet. Depending on the number of decks, the payout varies and can be 4:1 (6 deck) or 3:1 (8 deck). Furthermore, a perfect match or rank pays 9:1/12:1. Additionally, if the player has 9 of spades and 9 of diamonds, he will get two bonuses.
Game Play Strategy
Because of the many rule variations that significantly change the optimal Spanish 21 strategy, here is discussed the best strategy when the game is played with eight decks and the dealer hits on soft 17. First, in case of receiving a pair of 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and Aces, the played is advised to split. Some exceptions apply whatsoever. In case of suited 7-7 when the dealer holds 7 it is the best to hit, while 8-8 across a dealer's Ace signals the player to surrender. The player should stand with a pair of nines if the dealer has 2, 7 or Ace. If the dealer shows 9 or Ace and the player have 2-2, 3-3, 6-6 or 7-7 hitting another card is a good move.
Second, in case of hard 4-14 the player should hit no matter the dealer's card. However, exceptions are situations when the dealer has 4 and 5, while the player has a hard 14 and 6 across player hard 13 or 14. Hard 15+ is a sign to stand, unless the dealer has 7, 8, 9 or Ace and hitting is a good option. Hard hand of 10 or 11 is a good time for doubling, however you should pay attention to the number of cards you have. For example, if you have three cards and a hard 10, it would be the best to hit instead of double. Hard 16 and 17 when the dealer holds Ace should result in player's surrender.
Finally, soft 12-17 should motivate the player to hit, no matter the dealer's hand. Same goes if the player has soft 18, while the dealer holds 9 or Ace. To stand is a good move when you have soft 18 and 19. However, it is also important how many cards you hold. In a case of a soft 19 and six card hand you should hit. Soft 17 and 18 across dealer's 4, 5 or 6 is a sign to double.
Overview
Spanish 21 is a very exciting blackjack variation. There are some rules that make it favorable to the dealer and some that are better for the player. Depending on the rules modifications it can have a low to medium house edge compared to other blackjack games. However, the many bonuses and the Match the Dealer side bet make it very interesting and challenging for the players. Using the optimal playing strategy can increase the player's chances to win and turn this blackjack variation in a long lasting entertaining experience.
One exciting thing about blackjack is that it offers a number of cool variations. And Spanish 21 is one of the most popular blackjack variants because it has unique rules.
Here are the main changes that you'll see in Spanish 21 rules:
- 10s are removed from the deck.
- This creates a 48 card deck, instead of the standard 52 card deck.
- You can double down after any number of cards, rather than just your first two.
- Late surrender after doubling down (a.k.a. double down rescue).
- Either 5, 6, or 7 card Charlie is offered (automatically win after so many dealt cards).
- Player 21 always wins, even when the dealer gets a multi card 21.
- Five card 21 pays 3 to 2; six card 21 pays 2 to 1; seven card 21 pays 3 to 1.
- Match the Dealer side bet (explained later).
- Mixed 6 7 8 or 7 7 7 pays 3 to 2.
- Suited 6 7 8 or 7 7 7 pays 2 to 1.
- 6 7 8 or 7 7 7 of spades pays 3 to 1.
- Suited 7 7 7 when dealer has a 7 upcard pays $1,000 for bets less than $25.
- Suited 7 7 7 when dealer has a 7 upcard pays $5,000 for bets over $25.
Based on all of these rule variations, you can see that Spanish 21 has different strategy than regular blackjack. But there are some no-brainer tips that can help you quickly learn how to win in this game.
On this page, you will find additional information about the game rules of Spanish 21 Blackjack, the house edge of the game and the optimal playing strategy for securing the best possible odds for the player.
Rules and Special Features
The most usual form of the game is played with six or eight decks of 48 cards, while the four 10s are removed. The player is allowed to surrender and double after splitting the cards. Resplitting Aces is allowed and the player can hit or double down after splitting them. In addition, the player can double on any number of cards and surrender after doubling. Some of the rules that favor the player are: player 21 wins and player blackjack beats dealer blackjack.
The rules explained above are rules common for every Spanish 21 game. However, there are some variables that should be mentioned. For example, the dealer in some variations is allowed to hit on soft 17, while in others he stands on soft 17. At certain casinos redoubling is allowed up to three hands and somewhere a split Ace and a face card are counted as a blackjack.
In any case, what make Spanish 21 so unique and thrilling are the many bonuses. This blackjack variation awards five-card 21 with a 3:2 payout, a six-card 21 with a 2:1 payout and a 7+ card 21 with a 3:1 payout. If the player gets a combination of unsuited 6-7-8 or 7-7-7, a 3:2 bonus payout is granted to him. If the same combination is suited the payout is 2:1, while 6-7-8 and 7-7-7 of spades has the best payout of 3:1. Furthermore, suited 7-7-7 across a dealer's 7 is considered to be a super bonus and pays £1,000 for bets from £5 to £24 and £5,000 for £25+ bets.
House Edge and Soft 17
Certain rule variations affect the house edge of the game. If the game is played with eight decks and the dealer stands on soft 17 the house has an edge of 0.38%. Reducing the number of decks to six will immediately lower the house edge to 0.37%. Hitting on soft 17 increases the house edge to 0.78% when played with six decks and to 0.80% when played with eight decks. Usually, this variation allows the player to surrender. However, if this rule is changed, the house edge grows for 0.006% (dealer hits on soft 17) or 0.018% (dealer stands on soft 17).
Side Bets and Bonuses
In Spanish 21 usually a side bet known as Match the Dealer is offered. The point of this bet is the player's cards to match the dealer's face up card. For example, if the dealer's card is 9 of spades, the player should have 9 of spades, 9 of any kind or a total card amount of 9 in order to win the side bet. Depending on the number of decks, the payout varies and can be 4:1 (6 deck) or 3:1 (8 deck). Furthermore, a perfect match or rank pays 9:1/12:1. Additionally, if the player has 9 of spades and 9 of diamonds, he will get two bonuses.
Game Play Strategy
Because of the many rule variations that significantly change the optimal Spanish 21 strategy, here is discussed the best strategy when the game is played with eight decks and the dealer hits on soft 17. First, in case of receiving a pair of 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and Aces, the played is advised to split. Some exceptions apply whatsoever. In case of suited 7-7 when the dealer holds 7 it is the best to hit, while 8-8 across a dealer's Ace signals the player to surrender. The player should stand with a pair of nines if the dealer has 2, 7 or Ace. If the dealer shows 9 or Ace and the player have 2-2, 3-3, 6-6 or 7-7 hitting another card is a good move.
Second, in case of hard 4-14 the player should hit no matter the dealer's card. However, exceptions are situations when the dealer has 4 and 5, while the player has a hard 14 and 6 across player hard 13 or 14. Hard 15+ is a sign to stand, unless the dealer has 7, 8, 9 or Ace and hitting is a good option. Hard hand of 10 or 11 is a good time for doubling, however you should pay attention to the number of cards you have. For example, if you have three cards and a hard 10, it would be the best to hit instead of double. Hard 16 and 17 when the dealer holds Ace should result in player's surrender.
Finally, soft 12-17 should motivate the player to hit, no matter the dealer's hand. Same goes if the player has soft 18, while the dealer holds 9 or Ace. To stand is a good move when you have soft 18 and 19. However, it is also important how many cards you hold. In a case of a soft 19 and six card hand you should hit. Soft 17 and 18 across dealer's 4, 5 or 6 is a sign to double.
Overview
Spanish 21 is a very exciting blackjack variation. There are some rules that make it favorable to the dealer and some that are better for the player. Depending on the rules modifications it can have a low to medium house edge compared to other blackjack games. However, the many bonuses and the Match the Dealer side bet make it very interesting and challenging for the players. Using the optimal playing strategy can increase the player's chances to win and turn this blackjack variation in a long lasting entertaining experience.
One exciting thing about blackjack is that it offers a number of cool variations. And Spanish 21 is one of the most popular blackjack variants because it has unique rules.
Here are the main changes that you'll see in Spanish 21 rules:
- 10s are removed from the deck.
- This creates a 48 card deck, instead of the standard 52 card deck.
- You can double down after any number of cards, rather than just your first two.
- Late surrender after doubling down (a.k.a. double down rescue).
- Either 5, 6, or 7 card Charlie is offered (automatically win after so many dealt cards).
- Player 21 always wins, even when the dealer gets a multi card 21.
- Five card 21 pays 3 to 2; six card 21 pays 2 to 1; seven card 21 pays 3 to 1.
- Match the Dealer side bet (explained later).
- Mixed 6 7 8 or 7 7 7 pays 3 to 2.
- Suited 6 7 8 or 7 7 7 pays 2 to 1.
- 6 7 8 or 7 7 7 of spades pays 3 to 1.
- Suited 7 7 7 when dealer has a 7 upcard pays $1,000 for bets less than $25.
- Suited 7 7 7 when dealer has a 7 upcard pays $5,000 for bets over $25.
Based on all of these rule variations, you can see that Spanish 21 has different strategy than regular blackjack. But there are some no-brainer tips that can help you quickly learn how to win in this game.
That said, let's look at seven Spanish 21 tips that beginners can master.
1 – Get the Proper Spanish 21 Strategy Chart
Blackjack Vs Spanish 21
The best way to learn basic blackjack strategy is by getting a strategy chart. These show you what decisions to make based on your total and the dealer's upcard.
The problem that beginning Spanish 21 players run into is using a regular blackjack strategy chart on this game.
This is a blunder because Spanish 21 calls for different decisions in many situations. Let's look at some different examples:
Example #1
- You have 9 and the dealer's upcard is 5.
- Spanish 21 = Hit
- Regular blackjack = Double down
Example #2
- You have 17 and the dealer's upcard is 7.
- Spanish 21 = Stand
- Regular blackjack = Hit
Example #3
- You have a pair of 6s and the dealer's upcard is 3.
- Spanish 21 = Hit
- Regular blackjack = Split
These are just some of the many situations where Spanish 21 and common blackjack differ. You'll definitely want to find the appropriate strategy chart so you can master these scenarios.
The easiest way to do so is by googling 'Spanish 21 strategy chart' and looking in the images. You can either refer to the chart through your computer/mobile device or print it out.
2 – Avoid Match the Dealer Side Bet
Spanish 21 has a fun side bet called Match the Dealer. This wager is based on matching either of your first two cards with the dealer's upcard.
Here are the possible outcomes and payouts for each:
Blackjack Vs Spanish 21 Odds
- Two suited matches = 18:1 payout
- One suited and one non suited match = 13:1 payout
- One suited match = 9:1 payout
- Two non suited matches = 8:1 payout
- One non suited match = 4:1 payout
The good thing about Match the Dealer is that there are a variety of ways to win. And you have big payout potential too because two suited matches brings you an 18:1 payoff.
Blackjack Spanish 21 Strategy
The downside – as with any blackjack side bet – is that the house edge is larger than what's featured in the main game.
Match the Dealer carries a 2.99% house edge with 8 decks, and a 3.06% house advantage with 6 decks.
The worst house edge that you'll find at land based Spanish 21 tables is usually 2%. In many cases, you'll face less than a 1% house advantage when using good strategy.
You want to avoid Match the Dealer if your main goal is having the best possible chance of winning. But if you can't resist the urge to play for big payouts, note that Match the Dealer has one of the lowest house edges among side bets.
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3 – Know Situations Where You Always Hit and Stand
Spanish 21 is a complex game that involves quite a bit of strategy. This is why my first tip was to look for a strategy chart that specifically matches Spanish 21.
But there are two situations where you don't need to refer to a chart, including the following:
- Always hit when your total is a hard 8 or lower.
- Always stand when your total is a hard 17 or higher.
The reasons why you always hit with 8 or less are as follows:
- You can't bust out.
- You're not in a good enough position to double down.
- You're not in a good enough position to split.
The reasons why you stand with a hard 17 include the following:
- You have a decent hand.
- Your chances of busting out are 69.2%.
The only exception that you'll find to standing on a hard 17 every time is when the dealer has an ace upcard. You should choose late surrender in this scenario.
4 – Know How to Play Hard Totals
We just covered two absolutes with regard to playing hard totals in Spanish 21. Now let's look at how to play the rest of the hard totals:
- Hard 9 – Double down against a dealer 6. Hit in all other scenarios.
- Hard 10 – Double down against a dealer 2 7. Hit against dealer's 8 or higher.
- Hard 11 – Double down against dealer's 2 8. Hit against dealer's 9 or higher.
- Hard 12 – Always hit.
- Hard 13 – Stand against a dealer 6, except when you have 4 or more cards. Hit in all other scenarios.
- Hard 14 – Stand against dealer's 4 6, except when you have 4 or more cards. Hit in all other scenarios.
- Hard 15 – Stand against dealer's 2 6, except when you have 4 or more cards against dealer's 2 5. Hit in all other scenarios.
- Hard 16 – Surrender against a dealer ace. Stand against dealer's 2 6, except when you have 4 or more cards against dealer's 2 4. Hit in all other situations.
- Hard 17 – Surrender against a dealer ace. Stand in all other situations.
The Charlie rule – where you automatically win and receive a bonus after being dealt a certain number of cards – comes into play in many situations.
This is why it pays to use a Spanish 21 strategy chart so you can spot these subtle differences. It's also nice to memorize playing hard totals just in case you don't have a chart in a live game.
5 – Know How to Play Soft Totals
As with any blackjack game, soft aces change how you play many hands. Here's a look at how to play soft totals in Spanish 21:
- Soft 13 (A2) and 14 (A3) – Always hit.
- Soft 15 (A4) – Double down against a dealer 6, unless you have 4 or more cards. Hit in all other situations.
- Soft 16 (A5) – Double down against dealer's 5 6, except when you have 4 or more cards. Hit in all other scenarios.
- Soft 17 (A6) – Double down against dealer's 4 6, except when you have 4 or more cards. Hit in all other situations.
- Soft 18 (A7) – Double down against dealer's 4 6, unless when you have 4 or more cards. Stand against dealer's 2 3 and 7 8, except when you have 4 or more cards. Hit against dealer's 9 A.
- Soft 19 (A8) and up – Always stand.
6 – Know When to Split Hands
Here's what to do with pairs in Spanish 21:
- Pair of 2s or 3s – Split against dealer's2 8. Hit against dealer's 9 A.
- Pair of 4s – Always hit.
- Pair of 5s – See strategy for a hard 10.
- Pair of 6s – Split against dealer's 4 6. Hit in all other scenarios.
- Pair of 7s – Split against dealer's 2 7. Hit in all other situations.
- Pair of 8s – Surrender against a dealer ace. Split in all other scenarios.
- Pair of 9s – Split against dealer's 2 6 and 8 9. Stand against dealer's 2, 7, and 10 A.
7 – Search for the Best Spanish 21 Rules
One of the top tips for any blackjack game is to search for the best games. The same reigns true for Spanish 21 because casinos can vary on certain rules.
Here are the main variable rules that you should keep in mind during your search:
- Dealer hits or stands on a soft 17 – You want them to stand.
- 6 or 8 decks – You want 6 decks.
- Number of times you can redouble – You want 3 times.
- Split hand with ace and face card counts as blackjack – This rule is rare.
- Match the Dealer and Super bonuses paid after split – This rule is rare.
The biggest rule that you want to look for is the dealer standing on a soft 17. This improves your chances of winning by 0.2%.
The other rules aren't quite as impactful, but it's still nice when they go in your favor.
Here's a look at the common house edges for the main variable rules in Spanish 21:
- Dealer stands on a soft 17 – 0.4% house edge
- Dealer hits on a soft 17, redoubling allowed – 0.42%
- Dealer hits on a soft 17, redoubling not allowed – 0.76%
Conclusion
Spanish 21 features a number of rules that make it more exciting than your average blackjack game. My personal favorites include the Super Bonus, Charlie rule, late surrender, and doubling down on any total.
But the drawbacks are that all 10s are removed from the deck, and the game always uses either 6 or 8 decks.
All of the rule differences combine to give Spanish 21 different strategy than a standard blackjack game.
This will throw you off initially when you're used to playing common blackjack games. But the strategy differences won't be overbearing.
Again, the first thing you want to do is find a Spanish 21 strategy chart on either Google or Bing. This gives you a good strategy base to work off of in the beginning.
The other main things you should do include searching for the best rules and avoiding the Match the Dealer side bet.