How do you feel about unusual versions of blackjack? I've always been interested in them, but I've rarely dared to play them for real money. Below, I will tell you about a game called Spanish 21. It is not only fascinating, but also pleases with a high theoretical return.
General Description of Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack owned by Masque Publishing, located in Colorado. Other versions of this game can be referred to as Spanish blackjack. Pontoon, widespread in some countries, is very similar to Spanish 21. However, significant differences in the rules do not allow considering them to be the same game.
Six or eight 48-card Spanish decks without four tens are used in Spanish 21. This increases the house edge, but favorable rules and numerous bonus payouts equalize the chances. Moreover, this game is even more beneficial for the player than classic blackjack in some cases. It is possible to play it at any blackjack table, using the same equipment.
The aim is to beat the dealer by collecting twenty-one points or the hand whose score is as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
The value of cards in Spanish 21 is similar to their values in blackjack.
The number of boxes determines the maximum number of players at the table. However, players can make combined bets on one hand without exceeding the upper betting limit.
Spanish BJ Gameplay
As soon as all players have made bets, the croupier deals the cards according to the principles adopted in blackjack. He deals himself two cards. One of them is dealt face up. If this card is an ace or ten-value card, the dealer checks the hole card, finding out whether he has blackjack or not. If he has blackjack, all players' bets (except for the hands with a natural blackjack) immediately lose.
Players may hit if desired. If the player has blackjack, this box is paid immediately. When all the players have made their final decisions, the dealer reveals his second card and, if necessary, hits until he gets at least 17.
The dealer usually stands on a soft 17.
If the dealer busts, he loses, and all the boxes are paid. In other cases, the cards of the dealer and players are compared with each other.
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If the player has a total of 21, he will always beat the dealer with the same score. If both the player and the dealer have blackjack, the player always wins. T
- The winning hands are paid 1:1.
- Blackjack is paid 3:2.
There are also special payouts for some hands.
Special Payouts in Spanish 21
- The five-card hand whose score is 21 is paid 3:2.
- 6, 7, 8 of different suits are paid 3:2.
- 7, 7, 7 of different suits are paid 3:2.
- The six-card hand whose score is 21 is paid 2:1.
- 6, 7, 8 of one suit (except for spades) are paid 2:1.
- 7, 7, 7 of one suit (except for spades) are paid 2:1.
- The seven-card hand (and more) whose score is 21 is paid 3:1.
- 6, 7, 8 of spades are paid 3:1.
- 7, 7, 7 of spades are paid 3:1.
Some casinos also provide a super bonus whose size reaches one thousand dollars for bets that don't exceed twenty-five dollars and five thousand dollars for bets that exceed twenty-five dollars. If the dealer has a seven, it is paid out for three sevens of one suit. It is interesting to note that the other players at the table receive fifty dollars in this situation.
Bonus payouts are valid even for the hands formed due to the split. Yet, they are not paid out if the player has doubled their bet or split cards.
Additional Rules of Spanish 21
Additional rules common to most types of blackjack are available for players. However, they have some peculiarities.
- Split is allowed up to four times per hand. There are no additional restrictions for a split of aces. A 21 formed as a result of the split is not considered to be blackjack.
- Double is allowed on any number of points and cards. It is also possible to double after a split, including aces.
- Surrender is allowed on any player's cards and the dealer's upcard if the dealer does not have blackjack. It is also possible to fold after a double. In this case, the dealer collects the initial bet, and the player receives the chips that he has used to double.
- Insurance is paid 2:1.
Spanish 21 Versions
Various variations of rules for Spanish 21 can be found at different casinos.
- Six or eight decks are used.
- The dealer hits on a soft 17.
- It is allowed to double several times (up to three).
- The split of aces may be limited.
- The opportunity to surrender may be limited.
- Blackjack can be formed after a split.
- It may be allowed to double only when the player has two initial cards.
Sometimes there is an opportunity to make a side bet because the player's and dealer's cards will match. If one or two of the first player's cards match the dealer's cards, the bet is paid in accordance with a multiplier established by the rules. Payouts depend on the number of decks involved in the game and whether the cards match completely (rank and suit) or partially (only rank).
Spanish Blackjack Math
Data on the house edge for those who play by the basic strategy are provided (without considering the super bonus).
- If the dealer stands on a soft 17, the house edge is 0.37% (six decks) and 0.38% (eight decks).
- If the dealer hits on a soft 17 and it is allowed to redouble, the house edge is 0.42% (six decks) and 0.45% (eight decks).
- If the dealer hits on a soft 17 and it is prohibited to redouble, the house edge is 0.78% (six decks) and 0.8% (eight decks).
It is also important to note that insurance is highly unprofitable for players.
Considering that there are no tens in a Spanish deck, only three cards out of twelve can lead to the formation of the dealer's blackjack.
So, the probability of its formation is 25%. Insurance is paid 2:1. Therefore, the house edge, in this case, is almost 25%.
How to Win at Spanish 21?
The basic strategy for playing Spanish 21 differs from the variant for classic blackjack and deserves to be discussed in detail in a separate article. Once again: You cannot play Spanish 21 using the basic strategy for traditional blackjack. This will not maximize your RTP. This game is considered more suitable for card counters due to the favorable rules for players, which will be discussed in other articles on Casinoz.
Here are the other types of blackjack.
| Name | Soft | Return to player | ||
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99.78% | ||
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|
99.7% | ||
|
|
99.69% | ||
|
|
99.65% | ||
|
|
99.6% | ||
|
|
99.59% | ||
|
|
99.54% | ||
|
|
99.54% | ||
|
|
99.54% | ||
|
|
99.42% |
Where to Play Spanish 21?
Although this is not a very popular version of blackjack, you can easily find it in online casinos. For example, it is represented in Microgaming's portfolio, and hundreds of online casinos use this developer's software. There, you can play Spanish 21 for real money or test the model for free. We advise you to take a look at the establishments listed below. They are trusted by thousands of customers from around the world, which speaks of their honesty and high level of service.
Spanish 21 demos are offered on Casinoz. They are attached to the game reviews in a special section of the site. They can be opened without mandatory registration.
Personal Experience
As I mentioned above, I played this game mostly in free demos. Yes, it offers high chances of success, but I didn't have the time to study the optimal strategy, so I always favored the well-known to me classic types of blackjack with low casino superiority.
Do you enjoy playing Spanish 21 for free or for real money? Have you studied the optimal strategy? Can you suggest a good casino to play at?
Feel free to give advice to newbie Casinoz readers. Write your reviews in the comments.
