Spanish 21 Blackjack Guide: Rules, Strategies, and Tips

Fans of traditional blackjack may want to add a little spice to their favorite game. Spanish 21 blackjack (sometimes just called “Spanish 21” or “Spanish blackjack”) brings some different rules to the table and also includes the chance at making a side bet that can pay off some nice bonuses.

Players will still find a low house edge and some of the fun from traditional blackjack. You may want to give the game a try on that next trip to Las Vegas or when playing at an online casino like Lucky Block.

What is Spanish 21 Blackjack?

A group of men engaged in a lively poker game around a green casino table, with cards and chips in play, emphasizing a casual, social atmosphere.

Spanish blackjack is a game that was invented and owned by Masque Publishing, a gaming company based in Colorado in the U.S. The game debuted in 1995 and is now found in casinos around the world. The game is sometimes called “Pontoon,” depending on where it’s played.

Thee are a few major differences between between Spanish 21 vs blackjack. The game is dealt with only 48 cards (known as a “Spanish deck”), with all 10s removed form the deck. This means players and the dealer have a slightly lower percentage at hitting blackjack. All other cards retain their traditional numeric values as in the classic game of blackjack. Spanish 21 strategy is also a bit different because of these unique rules and game play.

Basic Rules of Spanish 21

Spanish blackjack comes with some unique rules that are a bit different. Some of these changes mean favorable rules for players, such as player blackjacks always beating a dealer blackjack. On that same note, the player wins with any 21 over a dealer 21 as well. The goal is still to get as close to 21 without busting while still beating the dealer. The ability to make a side bet is also an option in this game.

How to Play Spanish blackjack?

Players can still take the same actions as they would in a regular game of blackjack, such as hitting, standing, doubling down, splitting, etc. Spanish blackjack is usually a six deck game but you may also experience an eight deck game as well at some casinos. Here’s a look at some other key rule changes to Spanish 21:

Double down – Players can double on any number of cards, a favorable rule especially when a hand reaches a count of 10 or 11.
Double down rescue – A player who double and receives a card that wasn’t a major help can “rescue” the double down bet and surrender their hand.
Surrender – Players can surrender on the first two cards for half their wager, but only after the dealer has checked for blackjack. You may have a likely losing hand, but only lose half the original bet.
Splitting – While splitting may be more limited in some regular blackjack games, in Spanish blackjack players can split up to three times including on aces. This means the potential for up to four hands and a real chance to win more.
Insurance – Insurance in blackjack is available as in traditional blackjack even though in Spanish 21 blackjack, a player blackjack (or any 21) beats the dealer’s blackjack.Additionally, hitting a 21 on five or more cards can bring additional payouts. For example, a five-card 21 pays out at 3 to 2 and a six-card 21 pays out at 2 to 1. There are other payouts for various combinations of 21 as well. Some rules regarding betting, splitting, splitting aces, and double down may still vary by casino.

Side Bets

Along with the fun rule changes outlined above, there are some additional blackjack side bets for players to test their luck. Some of those include:

Super Bonus

Find three sevens of the same suit (such as 7d-7d-7d) and the dealer’s upcard is also a 7, you then win a sizable jackpot.

Bonus 21

As part of the Super Bonus, you’ll also win a bonus when finding three sevens of any suit. Mixed suits pay out at 3 to 2, a suited match of sevens pays out at 2 to 1, and three sevens of spades pay out at 3 to 1.

Match the Dealer

As the name implies, players are betting that one or two of the dealer’s first two cards match the dealer upcard. Here’s a look at the traditional payouts for these Spanish 21 dealer match side bets:

Two suited matches – 24 to 1
One non suited match and one suited match – 15 to 1
One suited match – 12 to 1
Two non-suited matches – 6 to 1
One non-suited match – 3 to 1

Basic Spanish 21 strategies

An elegant casino setting with men in suits playing cards at a lush green table, meticulously placing bets, portraying a sophisticated gambling environment.

Whether playing a six deck game or an eight deck game, knowing blackjack basic strategy gives players the best chance to win and reduce the house edge. There are some key differences in basic strategy when considering Spanish 21 vs blackjack. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Use a Basic Strategy Chart

Spanish 21 strategy will differ significantly from traditional blackjack because of so many differences in the rules. A strategy chart is a simple way to make the best mathematical plays. When playing online, you can easily consult the chart. However, the exact strategy chart to use will depend on the casino’s rules.

Adjust Doubling Down Strategy

Because players can double down on any number of cards and also utilize double down rescue, a Spanish blackjack strategy chart will help make these decisions since there are many more options to consider.

Split Strategically

Not every blackjack hand should be split, but players may find more opportunities. Using a Spansih 21 basic strategy chart will help know when to split.

Avoid Taking Insurance

This is still a bad bet with a high house edge as in other blackjack variants.

How to Win at Spanish blackjack?

Spanish 21 blackjack has a small house edge that can be under 2%. This gives players a decent chance at winnings and here are a few things to keep in mind.

Master the Basic Strategy

This is the mathematically proven system offering the best system to win. Practice and use a Spanish 21 blackjack strategy chart.

Utilize Card Counting

Counting cards is possible, but it is a difficult process requiring plenty of practice. This will also be different than counting in a normal blackjack game.

Effective Bankroll Management

Set a blackjack bankroll and stick to it. Take a break and play responsibly when you hit a losing streak. Don’t wager money you can’t afford to lose.

Take Advantage of Bonuses

The side bets offer a chance to win some extra money as you play and players should weigh the option of making these bets.

What is the difference between Spanish blackjack and blackjack?

There are some key rule and strategy differences in Spanish 21 vs blackjack. That includes some unique blackjack rules not found in the traditional game such as all 10s removed, using only a 48-card deck.

You can also double on any number of cards, all player blackjacks and 21s are automatic winners, surrender a double down after an unfavorable card, make interesting side bets, and more.

Conclusion

There are some key differences between Spanish 21 blackjack and the traditional game . From a reduced deck to winning on all 21s and blackjack to favorable double down rules, Spanish 21 offer some great options and unique differences. It can also be a nice change and a lot of fun.

This also means adjusting to Spanish 21 strategy rather than utilizing basic strategy designed for traditional blackjack.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spanish 21 more difficult than regular blackjack?

That may depend on the player, but there are some different rules and strategy options you will want to become familiar with before playing.

Can you count cards in Spanish 21?

Yes, but become a card counter for this game means deviating from the strategy you might use on normal blackjack as there are fewer cards and different rules.

How popular is Spanish 21 in casinos?

The game is not as popular as traditional blackjack, but has developed a loyal following. Playing online offers players a better environment to learn the rules and become familiar with the game since there are some key differences between blackjack and Spanish 21.

Why is it called Spanish 21?

The game uses a 48-card Spanish deck.