We want to remind you that Spanish 21 is a version of blackjack that is quite popular in some countries. Sometimes it can be found under the name of Spanish Blackjack. The main feature of this game is the fact that it is played using so-called Spanish decks consisting of forty-eight cards (without four tens). Since the absence of tens significantly increases the house edge, additional bonus payouts (for 777, 678, and other combinations) are provided. The rules are also more liberal (in split, surrender, and insurance options).
This makes Spanish 21 even more profitable for casino visitors than most other variations of blackjack. However how such rules may affect card counting? Does it make sense for counters to sit at the Spanish 21 table? Or is it better to play more traditional versions of blackjack?
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 Blackjack Game – Rules, Review & Strategy. 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.
https://downloadalarm.mystrikingly.com/blog/card-counting-rules. The presence of bonus payouts for hands composed of sixes, sevens, and eights significantly increases the value of these cards in Spanish 21 compared to blackjack. On the other hand, it does not have valuable tens. It may seem that such redistribution makes card counting inefficient or even useless. However such changes even contribute to card counting. For some reasons, which are discussed below, Spanish 21 is more profitable for card counters than blackjack.
- An ace seems to be the most beneficial card. Since there are no tens, it appears more often than in traditional blackjack (1/12 compared with 1/13).
- In Spanish 21 it is allowed to re-split aces and hit more than one card after splitting aces, making an ace even more favorable for players.
- Blackjack is paid 3:2 even if the dealer also has blackjack (due to higher values of aces).
- Card counters make doubles more often than it is recommended by the basic strategy if the score reaches high levels. Since in Spanish 21 it is allowed to double on any number of cards and points, it is very profitable to players to count cards under favorable circumstances.
- In both versions of blackjack players often receive two-card hands that after hitting may form twenty-one. The basic strategy recommends that it is necessary to stand on a 13-17 against a dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 and on a 12 if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6. When the score increases, the player virtually has no choice for his further action. Taking a look at the Spanish 21 optimal strategy, you can see that in this game there is a higher number of options. This fact is favorable to counters.
- Many casinos don't treat Spanish 21 as a game suitable for card counting, so gamblers may easily operate with bets without being afraid of the fact that these establishments may suspect them in card counting. In other words, there is no need to hide their activities, which is obligatory for counters in traditional blackjack.
Spanish Blackjack Tips. The main strategy is to utilize the choice to double down at any time. Use this always when you have a total of 11, regardless of what the dealer shows. You also want to take advantage of the option to split Aces. Avoid trying to hit the. Spanish 21 Introduction. Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack, that in some cases is the best bet in the casino. In locations where the dealer stands on a soft 17, or redoubling is allowed, Spanish 21 may be a better bet than blackjack, depending on the specific blackjack rules. Spanish Blackjack is a fun game to play but if you insist on protecting your bankroll, you should stick to the optimal strategy that corresponds to this blackjack variation. And just to warn you in advance, it is far more complex than the strategy for regular blackjack because of the liberal doubling and splitting conditions.
As you can see, Spanish 21 provides card counters with a much wider opportunity to check their skills and higher chances of winning. In addition, this game does not exclude the use of such alternative skills as shuffle tracking, sequencing , etc.
Betfair casino ny. 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:
Spanish Blackjack Strategy Charts
- 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
Spanish Blackjack Basic Strategy
- 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.
