Spanish 21 Blackjack is one of the many blackjack variants found at online casinos. It’s very similar to classic blackjack, but there are some differences in the game’s basic rules, particularly when it comes to splitting pairs and doubling down. Interested in learning more about this fun take on the classic card game?
I will explore these rule differences as well as other important differences in payouts, bonus payouts, and the cards used in this Spanish 21 Blackjack online guide. Keep reading to get all the necessary information before playing Spanish blackjack for real money at an online casino.
What is Spanish 21 Blackjack?
Spanish 21 Blackjack is one of the lesser-known variants of blackjack, but it’s very similar to the traditional version in many ways. Like most blackjack games, Spanish 21 is played with a standard 52-card deck. However, the most notable difference about it is that the 10-value cards are removed from the deck, which means there are 48 cards in total.
With fewer cards in the deck, the odds change quite significantly. This version also has some unique rules and a variety of bonus payouts that aren’t available on most blackjack tables. Overall, Spanish 21 is a fun twist on the traditional way of playing blackjack that’s worth checking out if you like the game.
Spanish 21 vs Classic Blackjack
Spanish 21 and classic blackjack are similar in many ways, but there are also some significant differences in the basic rules. It’s important to be aware of this before playing blackjack with Spanish 21 rules. I also suggest playing free Spanish 21 blackjack games before playing with real money to get a better understanding of the rules and game features.
♠️ Spanish 21 | 🃏 Classic Blackjack |
The 10 cards are removed from the deck. | A regular 52-card deck is used. |
This variant offers a wider range of side bets. | The most common side bet in Classic Blackjack is the insurance bet. |
The Super Bonus payout and other payouts for specific card combinations are available. | Payouts are different in Classic Blackjack. No Super Bonus is available. |
Aces can be split more than once. | You can only split Aces once in Classic Blackjack. |
Spanish 21 has a slightly lower house edge of 0.40% with basic strategy. | The house edge is around 0.50% (with basic strategy) |
What Are the Rules of Spanish 21?
Spanish 21 uses particular rules that are quite different from the traditional European blackjack rules. Although they may vary slightly from one table or casino to another, these are the standard blackjack rules for most Spanish 21 games.
- ✅ A standard 52-card deck is used, with the 10s removed. This means 48 cards remain in the deck.
- ✅ The dealer gets a hole card as they do in traditional blackjack. The dealer’s hole card is revealed when players have played their hand.
- ✅ The dealer draws until they reach a soft 17 and hit on 16. In some tables, the dealer hits on a soft 17 as well.
- ✅ Doubling down is allowed on any two initial cards. In this game, you can double down for less than your original wager.
- ✅ Splitting is allowed up to a maximum of four hands, including Aces. In regular blackjack games, Aces can only be split once.
- ✅ The surrender option is available after doubling down, also referred to as forfeit or double down rescue.
- ✅ If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, the late surrender option is also offered.
- ✅ A total of 21 for the player will automatically win; it doesn’t push against the dealer’s blackjack.
How to Play Spanish 21?
With a basic understanding of the rules of Spanish 21 Blackjack, you can start playing the game by following the step-by-step how to play blackjack guide below. Remember, the game rules may vary slightly from table to table, so it’s important to read the information and review the paytable before playing.
- Choose a Spanish 21 blackjack table.
- Place your original bet. You can also place a variety of side wagers.
- The dealer deals the first two cards to each player, both facing up.
- The dealer gets two cards, one of which is a hole card (facing down).
- Play your cards by deciding whether you want to hit, stand, double, etc.
- A total of 21 wins against the dealer. If you go over 21, you bust.
Spanish 21 Charts
Using a blackjack basic strategy chart is widely considered the best way to play blackjack. However, one of the most common mistakes players make is choosing the wrong chart for the game. Before using a strategy chart, check that your selected game and the chart have the same rules, particularly when the dealer hits or stands.
Here are some other tips and rules to remember when following a basic strategy chart:
- Choose the correct Spanish 21 strategy chart based on the same rules and number of decks.
- Remember that the player’s hand is always on the left. The dealer’s upcard is in the top row.
- The player’s side is split into soft and hard totals. The way soft hands are played is usually different from the way hard hands should be played.
One of my top tips for this game is to practice what you learn from these charts by playing Spanish 21 Blackjack for free. This can help you play blackjack more confidently if you play for real money at any of the top online casinos like Betiton UK. You’ll also be able to play your cards faster if you’re playing in a real casino without needing a strategy chart beside you.
Spanish 21 Odds & Payouts
Spanish 21 offers several bonus payouts that are unavailable when playing blackjack with traditional rules. Although the odds of winning these payouts aren’t high, they’re automatically awarded if the following card combinations occur:
- A five-card 21 pays 3:2.
- A six-card 21 pays 2:1.
- A seven-card 21 pays 3:1.
- A 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 combination pays 3:1.
- A suited 7-7-7 card combination pays the Super Bonus if the dealer also has a seven as their upcard.
- If the Super Bonus is won by any player, an Envy Bonus is paid out to the rest of the players at the table. A side wager isn’t required to win this bonus, but if a player doubles or split cards, it voids the bonus.
Spanish 21 Blackjack also offers the Match the Dealer side bet, which offers a range of payouts if your first two cards match the dealer’s upcard if they have the same suit. If they’re unsuited but have an equal value, the bet also wins.
The House Edge in Spanish 21
The house edge in Spanish 21 is usually lower than in blackjack games with standard rules. However, it’s crucial to remember that your skills can also influence the house edge. If you’re not playing with the correct basic strategy or making the wrong moves with your cards, you’ll give the casino an even bigger advantage.
It also depends on the rules, the number of decks used, and the payout for a natural blackjack. However, if you play your cards correctly, the average house edge in Spanish 21 is around 0.40%.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Spanish 21
Spanish 21 provides many advantages, like bonus payouts, a favourable house edge, and other player-friendly rules, so it’s easy to see why it’s quite popular. However, it’s also a more complex version of blackjack that might be difficult for beginners to grasp initially.
Below, I’ve compared some of the pros and cons of Spanish 21 blackjack.
➕ Advantages | ➖ Disadvantages |
✅ You can double up to four times and even hit after doubling. | ❌ Without 10s in the deck, it’s harder to reach 21. |
✅ Doubling after hitting is also allowed. | ❌ Up to eight decks are used, making it difficult to count cards. |
✅ Various bonus payouts can be won. | ❌ The usual basic strategy doesn’t apply since there are no 10s. |
✅ You can split Aces more than once. | |
✅ Spanish 21 usually has a lower house edge. |
Why Play Spanish 21?
Spanish 21 offers a unique way of enjoying the traditional blackjack game, but it’s very important to consider the pros and cons before playing it. The bonus payouts, especially the Super Bonus, are certainly enticing, but the chances of winning these are quite low. The right blackjack skills can increase your odds of beating the dealer, but bonuses are random. Nevertheless, many players like to try their luck on the best Spanish 21 blackjack tables.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackjack Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is played like regular blackjack in many ways, including placing an original wager, choosing an optional side bet, and playing your cards right to get as close to 21 as possible.
Spanish 21 is similar to regular blackjack but has several different rules, side bets, and bonus payouts that aren’t found in traditional blackjack.
You can double down up to four hands in this blackjack variant.
Spanish 21 typically uses six to eight decks with 48 cards each because the 10 cards are removed from the decks.
A natural blackjack pays 3:1 in Spanish 21, while a total of 21 pays 1:1 (even money).