Wendy Poli | May 12, 2023 | Updated on: May 12th, 2023
Spanish 21 is a popular variation of blackjack that is played in many casinos. It is a unique and exciting game that offers players a different set of rules and opportunities to win big. One of the main differences between Spanish 21 and traditional blackjack is that all of the tens are removed from the deck, leaving only 48 cards.
This change in the deck means that the odds of getting certain cards are different, and players need to adjust their strategy accordingly. In Spanish 21, players are also allowed to double down on any number of cards, which can be advantageous in certain situations. Additionally, players can make a special side bet on whether the dealer will bust with a total of 23.
Many casinos offer Spanish 21 as an option for players, particularly in regions with a large Hispanic population. It is a fun and exciting game that offers a fresh take on the classic game of blackjack. If you’re interested in playing Spanish 21, be sure to check with your local casino to see if they offer the game. With its unique rules and opportunities to win big, Spanish 21 is definitely worth checking out.
Where to Play Spanish 21
How is Spanish 21 different from traditional blackjack?
Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack that differs from traditional blackjack in several ways. Here are some of the main differences:
Deck Composition: In Spanish 21, all the tens are removed from the deck, leaving only 48 cards instead of the traditional 52. This change in the deck composition affects the odds of getting certain cards and alters the basic strategy of the game.
Bonus Hands: Spanish 21 offers players a variety of bonus hands that can pay out big rewards. These include hands like a five-card 21 or a six-card 21, which pay out 3 to 2 and 2 to 1 respectively.
Doubling Down: In Spanish 21, players are allowed to double down on any number of cards, not just the first two. This gives players more opportunities to take advantage of favorable situations.
Surrender: Spanish 21 allows players to surrender their hand and get back half of their bet, even after doubling down. This is not typically allowed in traditional blackjack.
Winning Hands: In Spanish 21, a hand of 21 always wins, even if the dealer also has a hand of 21. This rule is different from traditional blackjack, where a tie results in a push and the player keeps their bet.
Special side bets for Spanish 21
In Spanish 21, players have the option to make special side bets in addition to their main bet. These side bets can offer additional pay-outs if certain conditions are met. Here are some of the most common side bets in Spanish 21:
Match the Dealer: This side bet allows players to bet on whether one or both of their initial cards will match the dealer’s up card in rank or suit. If the player’s cards match, they win a pay out ranging from 4 to 1 to 18 to 1, depending on the specific casino and the type of match.
Super Bonus: The Super Bonus is a side bet that pays out if the player’s hand contains certain combinations of cards. For example, a hand of three sevens of the same suit can pay out 100 to 1, while a hand of three sevens of different suits can pay out 50 to 1.
21+3: This side bet combines the player’s two initial cards with the dealer’s up card to create a three-card poker hand. If the hand is a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, or straight flush, the player wins a pay out ranging from 5 to 1 to 100 to 1.
Bust It: This side bet allows players to bet on whether the dealer will bust (go over 21) with a total of 3, 4, 5, or 6 cards. The payout for this side bet can range from 1 to 1 for a three-card bust to 250 to 1 for a six-card bust.
How to Play Spanish 21
Objective: The objective of Spanish 21 is to have a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21.
Card Values: The card values are the same as in traditional blackjack, with Aces worth 1 or 11, face cards worth 10, and all other cards worth their face value.
Deck: Spanish 21 is typically played with a Spanish deck of cards, which includes 48 cards instead of the standard 52-card deck. The four 10 cards are removed from the deck, leaving only 36 cards in play.
Rules: In Spanish 21, players can double down on any number of cards, even after splitting. Players can also surrender their hand at any time, forfeiting half of their bet. Additionally, there are several bonus pay-outs for certain hands, such as 21 made up of 5 or more cards, or 7-7-7.
Gameplay: The game begins with players placing their bets. The dealer will then deal two cards to each player and two cards to themselves, with one card face up and one card face down. Players must then decide whether to hit (take another card) or stand (keep their current hand) in an attempt to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer will reveal their face-down card and hit or stand according to the rules of the game. The hand closest to 21 without going over wins.
Payouts: Pay-outs in Spanish 21 vary depending on the specific casino and the rules of the game. Typically, a winning hand pays out even money, while certain bonus payouts may be awarded for specific hands.