Spanish 21: A Guide to the Blackjack Variant – Rules, Instructions & Strategy Tips

Introduction

Spanish 21 is a blackjack variant that’s become quite popular in casinos, and is one of my favorites. It’s similar to the traditional game but has some key differences that make it unique. I can tell you that Spanish 21 is one of those games that’s easy to learn but offers enough complexity to keep you coming back, especially if you’re already familiar with the basics of Blackjack.

In short, the game uses decks that are missing the 10s, which changes the odds and strategies quite a bit and tilts the game in the dealer’s favor. Because of this, you’re typically gonna get some better payout options which often makes it the game in the casino with the lowest house edge.

It started showing up in casinos in the 1990s and has been popular since. People I know love it because it offers more ways to win and has bonus payouts that you don’t get in regular blackjack. Let’s dive into what makes Spanish 21 a game worth learning and how you can get good at it.

Rules for playing Spanish 21

Understanding the rules is key to getting good at Spanish 21. The game is played with six or eight Spanish decks, which are standard decks minus the 10s. Here’s a breakdown of the rules that are usually ‘fixed’:

1. Player 21 Always Wins: A player achieving a hand totaling 21 always triumphs, regardless of the dealer’s hand, providing a consistent advantage.
2. Player Blackjack Superior: If both the player and the dealer achieve a blackjack, the player’s blackjack takes precedence, granting them the victory.
3. Late Surrender: Some casinos permit players to surrender their hand after the dealer checks for blackjack, potentially salvaging a portion of their bet if they feel their hand is weak.
4. Doubling on Any Number of Cards: Players have the freedom to double down on any hand they choose, enhancing their flexibility and strategic options.
5. Double after Split: This rule allows players to double down on their bet after splitting a pair, potentially increasing their winnings if they believe they have a strong hand.
6. Re-splitting Aces: Certain establishments allow players to split their aces again if they receive another ace after the initial split, offering more opportunities for favorable hands.
7. Surrender after Doubling: Known as “double down rescue,” players can surrender after doubling down, albeit forfeiting an amount equivalent to their initial bet.

You’re also likely to find some specific house rules, which again depend on the casino / venue you’re playing at, in my experience. These are commonly:

• Dealer may hit or stand on a soft 17.
• 6 or 8 Spanish decks can be used.
• Some casinos allow redoubling, up to three times.
• I have heard of some casinos not allowing surrender or drawing to split aces, but it isn’t the norm.
• A face card and ace after splitting has been known to count as a blackjack, at at least one casino.
• There has been a lot of debate through the years whether the bonuses are payable after a split. First, there is almost no argument that they do not pay after doubling. However, the way the game was designed, all bonuses except the Super Bonus are supposed to be payable after splitting. However, most casinos do not pay the bonuses after a split. The effect of not allowing the bonuses after splitting is very small, around 0.01%.

These rules make Spanish 21 a dynamic game where the action can change quickly. You have more options than in traditional blackjack, which means more chances to beat the dealer.

Surrendering in Spanish 21

Surrendering is an option available that lets you forfeit your hand and recover half of your initial bet. This strategic move is typically employed when a player believes that their hand is unlikely to beat the dealer’s, based on the cards they have been dealt and the dealer’s visible card. By choosing to surrender, a player can minimize their losses in situations where the odds are heavily stacked against them.

The specific rules regarding surrender can vary depending on the casino or the version of Spanish 21 being played. Some games may offer early surrender, where a player can surrender their hand before the dealer checks for blackjack, while others may only offer late surrender, which can be done after the dealer checks for blackjack but before any additional action is taken by the player.

Equipment and Setup for Spanish 21

To play Spanish 21, you need a special deck of cards called a Spanish deck. It’s just like a regular deck but without the 10s. You’ll also need a table with the game layout, chips for betting, and a dealer who knows the rules. The setup is similar to blackjack with spots for the players’ bets, and the dealer stands behind the table.

How to Play Spanish 21

Playing Spanish 21 is a lot like playing blackjack, but with a few twists. Here’s how it goes:

1. Key Game Mechanics: You’re trying to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. You can hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender.
2. Setup: Each player places their bet, and then the dealer gives out two cards to each player and two to themselves, with one face up.
3. Gameplay: Players decide their moves based on their cards and the dealer’s up card. After all players are done, the dealer plays their hand.
4. End of the Game: If you beat the dealer without busting, you win! If the dealer busts and you don’t, you also win.

During the game, you’ll go through these phases:

1. Initial Deal: You get your two cards and see the dealer’s up card.
2. Player Decisions: You decide to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender based on your hand.
3. Dealer Play: The dealer reveals their hidden card and plays their hand according to set rules.
4. Payouts: If you win, you get paid based on your bet and any bonus payouts for special hands.

How to Win at Spanish 21

Winning at Spanish 21 involves understanding the odds and knowing when to take advantage of the game’s unique rules. Here are some tips:

1. Learn the basic strategy for Spanish 21. It’s different from regular blackjack because of the missing 10s.
2. Always take the match-the-dealer side bet if it’s available. It can pay off big.
3. Remember that you can double down on any number of cards, so take advantage of that when it’s smart.
4. Use the late surrender option when you have a bad hand against a strong dealer up card.

The house edge in Spanish 21 is usually lower than in traditional blackjack, but it depends on the specific rules at the casino. Knowing the odds and probabilities can help you make better decisions.

Best Strategies for playing Spanish 21 game

To really get good at Spanish 21, you need to dive into the strategies. Here’s what you should focus on:

1. Memorize the basic strategy chart for Spanish 21. It tells you the best move for every possible hand.
2. Pay attention to the bonus payouts. Some hands like 5-card 21s pay extra, so sometimes it’s worth it to hit instead of stand.
3. Practice! The more you play, the better you’ll get at making quick, smart decisions.

Strategic plays like hitting on soft 17s or standing on hard 16s against certain dealer cards can increase your chances of winning. It’s all about playing the odds and knowing the game.

Basic strategy chart for Spanish 21

Player’s Hand	Dealer’s Upcard	Action
2-3, 7-A	2-9	Hit
4-6	2-9	Hit
8-11	2-9	Hit
12	2-6	Hit
12	7-A	Hit/Split
13-14	2-6	Hit
13-14	7-A	Hit/Split
15-16	2-6	Hit
15-16	7-A	Hit/Split
17	2-8	Hit
17	9-A	Hit/Split
18	2-8	Stand
18	9-A	Hit/Split
19-21	2-9	Stand
19-21	10-A	Stand
A-2, A-3	2-9	Hit
A-4, A-5	2-8	Hit
A-4, A-5	9-A	Hit/Split
A-6	2-6	Hit
A-6	7-A	Hit/Split
A-7	2-8	Stand
A-7	9-A	Hit/Split
A-8, A-9	2-9	Stand
A-8, A-9	10-A	Stand

Variations

There are a few variations of Spanish 21 out there. Some casinos offer different bonus payouts or side bets. There’s also a version called Pontoon, which is similar but has some different rules. It’s fun to try these variations to see which one you like best.

One rule variation you might encounter is the “No Draw to Split Aces” rule. This means that after splitting a pair of aces, you won’t be allowed to draw any more cards. Keep in mind that at places like the Mohegan Sun, this rule can tilt the odds slightly in favor of the house to give a better house edge to the venue.

Another variation involves the payout for getting an ace and a 10 after splitting aces. While there are rumors about certain casinos paying out 3 to 2 for this combination, it’s essential to verify such claims. However, if true, this rule could potentially lower the house edge, giving players a slightly better chance.

Then there’s the rule regarding doubling down. Some casinos might restrict doubling down to only the first two cards dealt. This limitation can affect your strategy, especially if you’re used to doubling down on any hand. If this rule is in place, it could increase the advantage for the house.

Understanding these rule variations is crucial for any blackjack player. While some rules may seem minor, they can have a significant impact on your overall gaming experience and potential winnings. Keep an eye out for these variations and adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize your chances of success.

Scenarios

In Spanish 21, you’ll face good and bad scenarios. For example, if you have a soft 18 and the dealer has a 6, that’s a good scenario. You can double down and have a good chance of improving your hand. A bad scenario would be if you have a hard 16 and the dealer has a 10. In that case, you might want to consider surrendering if it’s allowed. Always think about your options and the dealer’s up card.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Spanish 21 game

Here are some common questions and answers:

1. Q: Can I split aces? A: Yes, and you can hit and double down after splitting them too.
2. Q: What’s a ‘match-the-dealer’ bet? A: It’s a side bet where you win if one or both of your initial cards match the dealer’s up card.
3. Q: Is Spanish 21 better than blackjack? A: It depends on what you like. Spanish 21 has more options and bonus payouts, which some players prefer.

Additional Subtopics

There are a few more things to know about Spanish 21:

1. Card Counting: It’s harder in Spanish 21 because of the missing 10s, but some players still try it.
2. Dealer Tells: Paying attention to the dealer’s body language can sometimes give you clues about their hand.
3. Bankroll Management: Always bet responsibly and within your limits. It’s easy to get carried away with the fast pace of the game.

External Links

For more information on Spanish 21, check out these resources:

Wizard of Odds – Spanish 21

The Best of all Blackjacks – Spanish 21 [Video]