Spanish 21 Strategy Chart

Simple Spanish 21 Strategy. Spanish 21 strategy is a little different than that of blackjack because of the differences in the rules. In Spanish 21, always stand when the total is 18 or more than that and when the total is less than that of 8, always hit. Spanish 21 Basic Strategy The game Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack, that in some cases is the best bet in the casino. When the dealer stands on a soft 17, or redoubling is allowed, Spanish 21 may be a better bet than blackjack, but that all depends on the specific rules on where you are playing.

1. Spanish 21 Strategy Chart
2. Spanish 21 Blackjack Strategy

If the rules say that the dealer must stand on Soft 17, Spanish 21 may become more profitable than regular Blackjack.

Spanish Blackjack is considered by many to be one of the most profitable variations of the game, especially when it comes to the dealer standing on soft 17, or where players are able to redouble. This can lead to the game being classed as a better option than classic blackjack.

This version of blackjack is played with either six or eight Spanish decks, that being a standard 52-card deck with four tens removed to make 48. This does of course give the dealer a big advantage, although Spanish Blackjack does bring some favour back to the player with several differing rules.

Spanish 21 Blackjack Rules

Because Spanish 21 is a variation of the blackjack game, players will need to familiarize themselves with the specific rules tied to the game, which are as follows:

• A player with a hand worth 21 always wins, regardless of what the dealer holds

• Players may double down on any initial 2-card hand, regardless of the value

• Players may hit and double down after splitting any card values, even Aces

• Players may surrender after doubling, forfeiting their original bet but keeping their double down bet

• When a player wins with a 5-card 21, the payout is 3 to 2

• When a player wins with a 6-card 21, the payout is 2 to 1

• When a player wins with a 7 or more card 21, the payout is 3 to 1

• A 21 hand consisting of 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of mixed suits payouts out 3 to 2, or 2 to 1 of the same suit. Of spades, the payouts is 3 to 1

• When a player has a suited 7-7-7 hand and the dealer has a face up 7 card, the payout is $1000 if the player wagered $5-$24 and $5000 if the player wagered $25 or more.

Difference Between Classic Blackjack and Spanish 21

The obvious difference between classic and Spanish 21 Blackjack is that this version provides a bigger list of rules. However, it does also provide players more options when it comes to the playing of the game. Of course, as mentioned, this version of blackjack is only played with 48-card decks, whereas classic uses the full 52.

The different payouts for different collections of cards noted above is also different, as classic blackjack usually just features a standard payout of 3 to 2 for 21 blackjack hand, 2 to 1 on an insurance hand if the dealer has blackjack and 1 to 1 for a standard winning hand. This provides a much stronger attraction to Spanish 21, for obvious reasons.

Can Spanish 21 be Played Online?

The short answer to this is yes. While many online casinos offer Spanish 21 as a blackjack option, we'd highly recommend using the version offered by the game supplier Microgaming. They also have a Gold version of Spanish 21 that comes with added thrills and twists like the removal of all 10 value cards. You can play Microgaming's version by visiting 32Red Casino. UK players are eligible for £10 free no deposit chip.

If you consider yourself a bona fide real money blackjack specialist, but you've never played Spanish 21 before, boy, are you missing out.

This relatively new addition to the blackjack family tree branched off in 1995, when Masque Publishing decided to take its shot at the hybrid table game fad.

These days, Spanish 21 is largely relegated to the best US online casinos, but you can still find it kicking around at the Venetian and Palazzo casino resorts in Las Vegas. Smaller regional casinos across the country, especially in the Pacific Northwest, also spread Spanish 21 tables alongside their traditional blackjack games.

1 – Full Basic Strategy Chart Outlining Optimal Play for All Possible Scenarios

One of the saddest sights you'll see in the table game pit is a blackjack player trying to use their basic strategy skills in Spanish 21.

When they see a pair of sixes to start against the dealer's three, these players will split ‘em up, as per blackjack basic strategy. Little do they know, however, that Spanish 21 basic strategy says to take a hit with 6-6 against a dealer's three.

Same goes for something like a 17 versus the dealer's seven, which is a clear hit in regular blackjack. In this game though, the book advises sharp players to stand.

Little wrinkles like this aren't readily apparent, leaving even blackjack experts to flail around like tourists trying table games for the first time.

If you want to add Spanish 21 basic strategy to your gambling repertoire, look no further. To begin, just remember that many plays are no-brainers that don't require any thinking at all.

When you have a hard total of 8 or lower, just take your free hit and proceed from there, as you'll never run the risk of going bust. And with a hard 17 or higher, simply stand and avoid the 69% chance of busting that a hit will incur.

Those are the easiest plays anybody can make, so you'll need to study the tables below to master more complicated Spanish 21 spots.

2 – Primer on Why You Shouldn't Place Match the Dealer Side Bets

Every so often, you'll see a Spanish 21 player shout for joy as they collect a 'jackpot' payout of between 4:1 and 18:1.

Or should I say, not very often… Spanish 21 offers an optional side bet called 'Match the Dealer,' which pays out whenever one or both of your starting cards matches the dealer's up card.

The best scenario is two suited matches, or something like the 8 of clubs + 8 of clubs for you against the dealer's 8 of clubs. That's clearly a longshot, but even a single eight (suits don't matter here) matched with the dealer's eight pays out at 4:1.

But, as you can see below, that minimum payout of 4:1 only comes around roughly 1 in 10 hands.

One of the saddest sights you'll see in the table game pit is a blackjack player trying to use their basic strategy skills in Spanish 21.

When they see a pair of sixes to start against the dealer's three, these players will split ‘em up, as per blackjack basic strategy. Little do they know, however, that Spanish 21 basic strategy says to take a hit with 6-6 against a dealer's three.

Same goes for something like a 17 versus the dealer's seven, which is a clear hit in regular blackjack. In this game though, the book advises sharp players to stand.

Little wrinkles like this aren't readily apparent, leaving even blackjack experts to flail around like tourists trying table games for the first time.

If you want to add Spanish 21 basic strategy to your gambling repertoire, look no further. To begin, just remember that many plays are no-brainers that don't require any thinking at all.

When you have a hard total of 8 or lower, just take your free hit and proceed from there, as you'll never run the risk of going bust. And with a hard 17 or higher, simply stand and avoid the 69% chance of busting that a hit will incur.

Those are the easiest plays anybody can make, so you'll need to study the tables below to master more complicated Spanish 21 spots.

2 – Primer on Why You Shouldn't Place Match the Dealer Side Bets

Every so often, you'll see a Spanish 21 player shout for joy as they collect a 'jackpot' payout of between 4:1 and 18:1.

Or should I say, not very often… Spanish 21 offers an optional side bet called 'Match the Dealer,' which pays out whenever one or both of your starting cards matches the dealer's up card.

The best scenario is two suited matches, or something like the 8 of clubs + 8 of clubs for you against the dealer's 8 of clubs. That's clearly a longshot, but even a single eight (suits don't matter here) matched with the dealer's eight pays out at 4:1.

But, as you can see below, that minimum payout of 4:1 only comes around roughly 1 in 10 hands.

Spanish 21 Match the Dealer Hands and Payouts

Conversely, a whopping 85% of hands will result in a loss when playing Match the Dealer.

All told, this side bet carries a house edge of 3.05%, which is simply too high to chase when Spanish 21's primary game is already so great.

3 – Online Casino Guide to Find the Best Spanish 21 Tables

Nowadays, Spanish 21 is largely relegated to the realm of online casinos.

That's good news for fans though, as the best online casino platforms make sure to include Spanish 21 as a staple of their table games menu.

4 – ThePro's Guide to Spanish 21 and Australian Pontoon (2008) by Katarina Walker

When the game first hit casino floors, most gamblers assumed Spanish 21 was nothing more than a gimmick game like Triple Zero Roulette—something designed to separate suckers from their bankroll while smart players wisely avoided the additional action.

This misconception lingered until 2008, when advantage play specialist and casino game strategy writer Katrina Walker published The Pro's Guide to Spanish 21 and Australian Pontoon.

Walker herself posted insights to a popular online blackjack forum while explaining exactly why Spanish 21 is more beatable than standard blackjack.

And it's no coincidence that Walker's book was published just before the big casinos suddenly stopped spreading Spanish 21 as often, or at all. She really did crack the code for this game, so grab a copy of The Pro's Guide to Spanish 21 and Australian Pontoon and add this masterpiece to your gambling bookshelf.

Spanish 21 Strategy Chart

Conclusion

Spanish 21 isn't for everybody, but if you enjoy blackjack with a twist, it just might be the perfect game. Bonus payouts, automatic winners which should be pushes, and the freedom to make creative double down and split plays combine to make Spanish 21 a true player's game.

Spanish 21 Blackjack Strategy

Anyone can fly blind at the tables and find a few winners. But, armed with the four resources listed above, you'll be target shooting accurately in one of gambling's most player-friendly affairs.