How to Play Spanish 21 Blackjack
Blackjack
Blackjack or 21 is the simplest, most popular card game there is. The player plays against the casino which is represented by the dealer. Whoever of the two sides scores highest without exceeding 21 wins. A natural or two-card hand totaling 21 is called a natural or blackjack. A blackjack normally pays the player 3 to 2.
There are many different versions of 21 or blackjack. One of these is called Spanish 21. This article explains how Spanish 21 differs from the standard blackjack.
Spanish 21 Deck
The most noticeable difference between Spanish 21 and standard blackjack is the deck. Blackjack normally uses a 52-card deck. In Spanish 21, the four 10 cards are removed. Now as card counters know, this must increase the dealer's advantage over the player. This is true, but there are other rules in the game that are very good for the player. In fact, Spanish 21 has some of the best odds of all casino card games.
Spanish 21 Card Values
In Spanish 21, the cards take on their usual values. Cards 2-9 have their pip values. Court cards are all counted as 10. Aces are 1 or 11. As said above, the 10 cards are removed.
Spanish 21 Blackjack
Another important difference between this game and the standard 21 is that here a player's blackjack always wins. In regular blackjack, if both player and dealer have a natural, there is a push or tie. But in Spanish 21, the player's blackjack is always the winner.
Spanish 21 Payouts
This game offers special bonus pay offs not found in regular blackjack:
5 cards that total 21: 3 to 2. 6 cards that total 21: 2 to 1. 7 cards that total 21: 3 to 1. A, 6, 7, 8 hand or 7, 7, 7 hand: 3 to 2. If of identical suit: 2 to 1. If only of spades suit: 3 to 1. If suited 7, 7, 7 when dealer has a 7 up card: $1,000 for bets anywhere from $5 to $24; $5,000 for bets over that amount. Other players receive $50 consolation bonus. All bonuses are canceled should the player double down.
Note that the odds for the multiple 7 bonus are about 1 in over 3 million when Spanish 21 is played with an 8-deck shoe.
Spanish 21 Double Down
Players may double down no matter what number of cards they have. They may also hit and double down after they split aces (generally).