Spanish 21 Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, and has been for decades. It's so popular that many other games based on blackjack and side bets for the base game have been created.

• Spanish 21 Blackjack Strategy
• Spanish 21 Blackjack For Free
• Spanish 21 Blackjack Card Game

Spanish 21 play is actually a little different than normal blackjack play. If you were to play Spanish 21 using normal blackjack strategies, the odds would be more than 1% additional against the player than if you modified the play for Spanish 21. Why would this be you might ask? The 10 cards are missing from the deck. This changes the strategy. Perfect Pairs Blackjack; Matchplay 21; In-BETween Blackjack; High Streak Blackjack; Free Bet Blackjack; Double Blackjack; Tips to Follow When Playing Spanish 21. If you wish to improve your Spanish 21 gameplay, then there are a few tips you can follow. There is a separate strategy chart on this exact variation of the game that one can easily.

Some of these games are better than others, but one that you should know more about is Spanish 21.

Spanish 21 uses most of the same rules that you can find at the blackjack table, but it combines all of the best rules and adds a few more bells and whistles.

The strategy for such blackjack variation as Spanish 21 was developed by many different blackjack experts, including Arnold Snyder and John Grochowski: actually, these two blackjack authors were the most successful ones who perfectly described Spanish 21 Strategy in a way understandable for average players. Spanish 21 has a unique way of rewarding 21's and Blackjacks. The most lucrative is the fact that the dealer cannot tie when the player has 21 or Blackjack. All player 21's and Blackjacks beat the dealers 21 and Blackjacks. Not only do you always win with 21, it also pays off if you make 21.

The only down side is that the game uses a Spanish deck of cards instead of a normal 52 card deck.

A Spanish deck only has 48 cards. All of the 10's have been removed from a regular deck. This is bad because it reduces your chances of making a total of 21. In a regular blackjack game this would make the house edge so high that the game would be unplayable.

But Spanish 21 has so many good rules that it makes up for the lack of 10's in the deck. You can learn more about the house edge in the first section, but the bottom line is that in many casinos the Spanish 21 game offers a better game than the blackjack tables.

Here's a list of the main rules for Spanish 21:

• Uses a Spanish deck with 48 cards
• Dealt from a six deck or eight deck shoe
• You always win with a total of 21
• Your natural blackjack beats a dealer blackjack
• Late surrender is allowed
• You can split aces multiple times
• You can double after splitting
• You can double down on any number of cards
• In some casinos you can double down a second time
• You can double down after splitting aces
• You can surrender after doubling down
• If you get six, seven, and eight or three sevens of different suits it pays 3 to 2
• If you get a six, seven, and eight or three sevens of the same suit it pays 2 to 1
• If you get a six, seven, and eight or three sevens of spades it pays 3 to 1
• If you get a five card 21 it pays 3 to 2
• If you get a six card 21 it pays 2 to 1
• If you get 21 with seven or more cards it pays 3 to 1
• If you get a suited seven, seven, seven it pays $1,000 or $5,000 – Bets of $25 and higher get $5,000 and lower bets receive $1,000

The first time you play Spanish 21, especially if you're used to playing blackjack, can be a little confusing. But once you get used to the game with all of the good rules that you wish blackjack used, you won't have any problems.

Spanish 21 is basically the same game that's called Pontoon in Australia. You can also find games using different names that have slight rules variations around the world. If you find a game that looks the same under a different name, make sure to compare the rules. One or two rule changes can change the game in a big way, and alter the house edge enough to make it a poor choice.

Most Spanish 21 rules are the same from casino to casino. The only big rule variation you need to be aware of is whether the dealer stands or hits on a soft 17. When the dealer stands on a soft 17, the house edge, if you use the best strategy, is around .4%. Few games in the casino offer an edge of less than a half percent.

If you play where the dealers always hit on soft 17, the house edge is close to .75%. This is still a low house edge, but most blackjack games are a little better. But, there's one more Spanish 21 rule variation to be aware of.

The good news is if the dealer hits a soft 17, but you can double down a second time on the same hand, it brings the house edge down to almost the same as when the dealer stands on soft 17. If the rule isn't clear and you double down and have a situation where you want to double down again, you should try to double down a second time. The worst that can happen is the dealer won't let you.

Here's an example:

You receive a five and a three, and the dealer has a six face up. You double down and get a two. This gives you a total of 10, which is even better for doubling down. Slide out another bet and say double down again.

Blackjack games have several rules variations that alter the house edge. Some blackjack games have rules combinations that create a lower house edge than Spanish 21, but many games have an edge of .5% or higher. This makes Spanish 21 a better bet in some casinos.

One thing you need to understand about the house edge in Spanish 21 and blackjack is that you have to use the best strategy in order to keep the edge as low as you can. You can pick up strategy cards for blackjack in most casino gift shops, but finding the best strategy for Spanish 21 is harder.

Here are a couple resources to help you get started:

Katarina Walker wrote the best book about the game, titled 'The Pro's Guide to Spanish 21 and Australian Pontoon.'

Here are a few more things to know about Spanish 21 and the house edge.

You should never take insurance while playing Spanish 21. It's a bad bet at the blackjack table, and is even worse when playing Spanish 21. The insurance bet is really a separate bet on whether the dealer has a down card worth 10.

Because all of the 10's have been removed, the dealer has a lower chance to have a 10 value card, so the edge on the insurance wager is almost 25%.

The match the dealer side bet pays 4 to 1 if one of your first two cards is the same rank as the dealer's up card if the casino uses a six deck shoe, and 3 to 1 if they use an eight deck shoe.

If one of your first two cards matches both the rank and suit of the dealers up card, it pays 9 to 1 using a six deck shoe, and 12 to 1 using an eight deck shoe. You can win on both cards if they both match the dealer's up card.

Here's an example:

You're playing an eight deck shoe and the dealer is showing a five of spades. You receive a five of spades and a five of diamonds. You win 12 to 1 for the five of spades and 3 to 1 for the five of diamonds. This is a total of 15 to 1.

Though the match the dealer side bet looks good when you get a win, in the long run it's a bad bet. The same bet can be found as a side bet on some regular blackjack games.

How many times have you been playing blackjack, got 21, and still didn't win because the dealer ended up with 21 too? I don't know about you, but this is one of the things that irritate me the most.

It just seems like if you get 21, which is what blackjack is often called, you should win no matter what. But when you tie the dealer with 21 in blackjack it's a push.

Of course, natural blackjacks are harder to get in Spanish 21 because of the lack of 10's, but you still have all of the face cards available to match an ace.

Surrender is one of the best rules you can find at the blackjack table, but very few offer it. Late surrender is a rule that lets you fold your hand and take back half your bet after the dealer checks his or her cards. This can be advantageous, especially when you have a hard total like 16 against a dealer ace or face card.

Some Spanish 21 games even let you surrender after doubling down. This is a great rule for you, because sometimes when you double down you get a terrible card.

Here's an example:

You have a five and a six and double down. You receive another five, giving you a hard total of 16. A hard 16 is the worst hand to have, and in this situation you doubled your bet to get it. The ability to surrender after doubling down is a big positive for you.

4 – Double Down after Split

In most blackjack games you don't have the ability to double down after splitting. But in Spanish 21 you can. This is great for you especially when split aces.

Here's an example:

You bet $20 and receive a pair of aces. You split them by sliding out another $20. Then you double down on each ace, sliding another $20 out for each hand. Instead of betting $20, now you have $80 on the table with a good chance to win on each hand.

One of the rules I look at when deciding on a blackjack table is the ability to re-split aces. When you get a pair of aces and split them, sometimes one or both of the aces gets another ace. If you can re-split aces, you can split the second pair of aces again.

Sadly, most regular blackjack games don't allow re-splitting aces. But it's a regular rule in Spanish 21, so you can always re-split aces.

6 – Double on Any Number of Cards

The ability to double down in profitable situations is one of the reasons that blackjack has a small house edge. But in regular blackjack you can only double down on your first two cards. In Spanish 21 you can double down on any number of cards. This is a big advantage.

If your next card gives you a total of 10 or 11 you have to take another card, and you have a good chance of drawing a card that gives you a total of 18 to 21. In Spanish 21 you can double your wager by doubling down after you draw an extra card or two.

Here's an example:

Your first two cards are a two and a four. This is a hard total of six. This isn't good, so you take another card. The new card is a five, giving you a hard 11. In blackjack you have to take another card while only risking your original bet.

But since you're playing Spanish 21 you slide out another bet equal to your first bet and double down and you have twice as much in play with a good chance to win the hand.

Many experienced blackjack players have learned that you can use care counting techniques to beat the game. Dozens of books have been written about how to beat blackjack using different counting systems, and many players try it.

Though it looks complicated at first, learning how to count cards isn't really hard. It just takes a great deal of time and practice to get good at it. The casinos have learned that card counters can hurt them, so the casinos watch for card counters.

When casinos look for card counters, it's called heat. Blackjack games are watched more by the pit and security department than any other game. Professional blackjack card counters have to disguise their play and move from table to table and from casino to casino to try to avoid being caught.

Some of the smartest advantage gamblers have learned that Spanish 21 can be counted and the casinos don't tend to watch the games as close as they do blackjack games.

The basic counting principles are the same for blackjack and Spanish 21, but it's more complicated overall to count Spanish 21 because of the removal of the 10's from the deck.

The best way to learn more about how to beat Spanish 21 by counting is the book by Katarina Walker I mentioned in the first section, titled The Pro's Guide to Spanish 21 and Australian Pontoon.

You still need to be aware that the casino can make you stop playing if they think you're counting Spanish 21. You can usually get away with wider bet spreads, which is a big deal for counters, but you still need to do everything you can to keep the casino in the dark.

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. In many ways, it's even better than blackjack.

Spanish 21 was one of the earliest blackjack variants to be spread in a casino. It has seen a revival in recent years. However, the rules are not as generous as they once were.

Spanish 21 is a difficult game to learn by most standards. The strategy varies drastically from most other blackjack variants.

There are two reasons for this. One is because there are no tens in the deck. Jacks, queens, and kings remain. Another is bonus pays that have to do with making hands that equal 21.

It is difficult to find Spanish 21 these days. Venetian and Palazzo offer it in Las Vegas. Most Atlantic City casinos spread it.

Otherwise, it is nearly extinct, apart from at many online casinos, though it is sometimes referred to by another name.

Differences Between Spanish 21 and Traditional Blackjack

There are many differences between Spanish 21 and the traditional version of the game.

The most obvious difference is the absence of tens in the deck. Other 10-value cards are in there. This makes each deck 48 cards. Live Spanish 21 games use six or eight decks.

A player blackjack always wins, even if the dealer also has one. If a player draws to 21, the hand wins immediately.

Double down is permitted on any number of cards. Players may surrender at any time, even after a double down. This is referred to as double down rescue. Split aces may be hit, re-split, and doubled.

There are special payouts for certain 21 hands.

• A 21 with a 6, 7, and 8 or with three 7s receives 3-2 if it is not suited
• A 21 with a 6, 7, and 8 or with three 7s receives 2-1 when suited (excluding spades)
• A 21 with a 6, 7, and 8 or with three 7s receives 3-1 when all spades
• A five-card 21 pays 3-2
• A six-card 21 pays 2-1
• A seven-card 21 pays 3-1

None of these bonus payouts occur if the player doubles down.

The first step in playing Spanish 21 is making a wager.

At a live casino, place your wager in the betting circle in front of you. You may play more than one hand for double the minimum bet.

At an online casino, click the denomination of chips that you would like to use. After that, click the betting circle the number of times that equals the bet that you would like to make.

Once your bet is established, each player receives two cards. The player's cards are dealt face up. The dealer has one card placed up and the other down.

If the player has a blackjack, it is paid 3-2 immediately. If the dealer shows an ace, insurance is offered. It pays 2-1.

The dealer will check for blackjack if showing a jack, queen, king, or ace. If the dealer has blackjack, all players still in the hand lose. Player blackjacks are already paid at this point. If the dealer does not have blackjack, the hand continues as normal.

Players have the option to hit, stand, double down, or surrender. To hit, or draw a card, tap the table in front of you at a live Spanish 21 game. At an online casino, click the hit button.

You may hit until you make a 21 or six-card charlie and automatically win or until your count is 22 or higher, which is a bust. If you bust, your bet loses.

To stand at a live game, wave your hand above your bet. At an online casino, there is a button that does this. This means that you are satisfied with your point total and do not want more cards.

To double down, meaning taking one card and standing, place an equal bet to the original one next to it. Simply click the appropriate button at an online version of Spanish 21.

You may double down on any number of cards, keeping in mind that bonus 21 pays do not apply if you do.

To surrender, run your finger in front of your bet. This option is also available at online casinos. You may surrender on any number of cards. It is also permitted after a double down.

Split is available if you are dealt a pair. Place an equal wager to the original bet to do this. This is the same live and online. This will turn your pair into two hands with a new card placed on each.

Double down and surrender are available after splitting on any number of cards. Aces may be hit, doubled, or re-split.

If the player makes a 21 at any time, it is paid immediately. Players cannot push on 21. Some 21s have bonus payouts, as previously outlined.

Once all players have acted, the dealer shows its hole card. If the dealer has 18 or higher, or hard 17, it stands. If it has 16 or lower, or soft 17, it hits. A soft 17 is an ace plus one or more cards that total 6. A hard hand is one that can bust.

Once the dealer's hand is established, it is compared to each player's cards.

• If the dealer has a higher total than the player, the player's bets lose
• If the player has a higher point total than the dealer, even money is paid unless the hand qualifies for a special payout or 21 is made. Those are paid instantly
• If the player and dealer have the same hand that is not 21, the hand is a push, and the bet is returned to the player

Spanish 21 Blackjack Strategy

Spanish 21 strategy differs substantially from the standard version of the game. This is due to the lack of tens in the deck and bonus payouts. Follow the list below for the best strategy to win at Spanish 21.

• 4 through 8: Always hit
• 9: Double down against a 6; otherwise, hit
• 10: Double down against 2 through 8; otherwise, hit
• 11: Always double down
• 12: Always hit
• 13: Stand against 6; otherwise, hit
• 14: Stand against 4, 5, or 6; otherwise, hit
• 15: Stand against 2 through 6; otherwise, hit
• 16: Stand against 2 through 6; surrender against ace; otherwise, hit
• 17: Surrender against ace; otherwise, hit
• 18 and higher: Always stand

A soft hand is one with an ace that cannot bust. Play those hands according to the following list.

• Soft 13 and 14: Always hit
• Soft 15: Double down against 6; otherwise, hit
• Soft 16: Double down against 5 and 6; otherwise, hit
• Soft 17: Double down against 4 through 6; otherwise, hit
• Soft 18: Stand against 2, 3, 7, and 8. Double down against 4 through 6; otherwise, hit
• Soft 19 and 20: Always stand

A player dealt a pair may split. The list below shows how to play them.

• 2s and 3s: Split against 2 through 8; otherwise, hit
• 4s and 5s: Never split
• 6s: Split against 4, 5, and 6; otherwise, hit
• 7s: Split against 2 through 7; otherwise, hit
• 8s: Always split, except surrender against an ace
• 9s: Stand against 2, 7, 10, and ace; otherwise, split
• 10s: Always stand
• Aces: Always split

There are several strategy changes once a hand is hit. The reason that changes is because of the payouts for winning 21 hands and six-card charlies.

The following rules apply to hard hands after hitting.

• 10: Hit against 8 on three cards, 7 on four cards, and 2 and 3 on five cards
• 11: Hit on three cards against 10 or ace, four cards against 2, 7, 8, and 9, and five cards against 3 through 6
• 13: Hit against a 6 with four or more cards
• 14: Hit against 4 on four cards and on 5 cards against 5 and 6 cards
• 15: Hit against a 2 on four cards and against 13 through 15 on five cards
• 16: Hit against 2 through 4 on six cards
• 17: Hit against 8, 9, or 10 on six cards

A soft hand is when a player has an ace, and the hand cannot bust. Follow the list below when you hold a hand like this after three or more cards.

Spanish 21 Blackjack For Free

• Soft 15: Hit against 6 on four cards
• Soft 16: Hit against 5 on three cards and 6 on four cards
• Soft 17: Hit against 4 on three cards, 5 on four cards, and 6 on five cards
• Soft 18: Hit on four cards against 2 through 4 and 8 on five cards against 6 and 7
• Soft 19 and 20: Always hit on 5 cards

Spanish 21 is spread at most Atlantic City casinos. The list includes Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Harrah's, Resorts, and Tropicana.

It is also found live at Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas. Most online casinos spread the game.

If you are in Atlantic City, we feel Borgata is the best choice for Spanish 21. That is because comps at Borgata have a higher value than most of its competitors.

If you prefer to play Spanish 21 at an online casino, Microgaming ones are the best. Many bonuses permit blackjack at a lower clear rate.

Spanish 21 can be a fun change of pace from traditional blackjack games.

Spanish 21 Blackjack Card Game

If you are skilled enough to learn the strategy for it, we recommend it. If you are not, we feel that you are better off playing one of the more traditional versions of the game.