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Spanish 21 Variation of Blackjack

Spanish 21 is a type of Blackjack that is played with no 10s. Many players think this game favors the dealer, and it does by removing the 10s. However, there are other rules that work in favor of the player. Because of this, in many cases Spanish 21 is even better for the player than traditional Blackjack. Knowing this will help you increase your edge. There are three different rules that may be applied in Spanish 21.

One of them is that the dealer either hits or stands on a soft 17. The next one regards whether redoubling s allowed in the game. The following table shows how the house edge is affected by these rules.

In some casinos a side bet is offered on Spanish 21. This is not a good idea in most cases because the house edge is usually close to 3%. Many expert players are aware that side bets are not a worthwhile option, except in very extreme circumstances. Because of this, it is best to avoid side bets in Spanish 21 and all other forms of baccarat.

The basic strategy used in Spanish 21 is significantly different than traditional blackjack simply because there is the desire to reach 5 cards and bonuses. This version involves more hitting, too. If you choose to play Spanish 21 you should know the basic strategy for it rather than using basic strategy from conventional blackjack. The reason why is that by playing traditional blackjack basic strategies means the house edge is increased .48% on soft 17 hits and by .53% on holds.

If you want to play Spanish 21, but are unsure about the rule and house edge then simply print the tables and take them with you. This should provide you the information you need to help you make the best decisions while playing.

Finally, never, never choose to buy insurance on Spanish 21. That’s because with the 10s removed from the deck the house edge skyrockets to almost 25%.

Rules for Spanish 21
The rules of Spanish 21 are similar to blackjack with some notable differences. In general, it is played on a regular blackjack table. However, there are some differences. Check out the following rules of Spanish 21:

• A continuous shuffling machine with four,5, 6, 7, or 8 decks is used for the game.
• A Spanish deck is used, which consists of 48 cards rather than the standard 52. The four 10 cards are removed. All cards have the same values that they do in traditional blackjack.
• A hole card is dealt to the dealer
•  Blackjack always wins and pays 3:2, even if the dealer has blackjack
• Insurance in Spanish 21 pays 2:1.
• Some casinos hit soft 17 and others stand on soft 17.
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• The rules of Blackjack for standing, hitting, and splitting are the same in Spanish 21.
• Including aces, players can split as many as four hands.
• Players can surrender if the dealer does not have blackjack in many casinos. They get half their bet and quit the hand. This is called a late surrender.
• Even after doubling a player can still surrender. He keeps the original bet while the dealer takes the double portion.
• If the dealer has a face or ace card showing he checks to see if he has 21. If he does, all other players lose unless they have blackjack, too.
• Even after taking hit cards, the player can double down on any total.
• After doubling down the player may redouble up to two times. That is on some casinos.
• The player with 21 always wins, it is never against the dealer’s 21.
• Five card 21 pays at 3:2 while a 6 card 21 pays at 2:1. A payout of 3:1 goes for 21 with 7 cards or more.
• A suited 7-7-7 against any dealer 7 pays a super bonus of $1000 for bets under $25 and $5000 for bets over $25.

Removing the 10s from the deck will give the dealer a 2% advantage.

House Edge for Spanish 21 (Pontoon)

The House Edge for Spanish 21 is further demonstrated in the graph below. The rules explained here are the ones used in North America.