Do you like playing Blackjack? Then you should definitely try out Spanish 21, which is a variation to the classic game. Aside from the original Blackjack, it’s one of the most popular versions, and you might have also heard that you have a higher edge from the casino.
The rules to Spanish 21 are slightly different from the classic game. Spanish 21 uses 6 or 8 decks of cards (all the tens are removed), so that each deck contains only 48 cards, which some people believe gives the dealer an advantage.
It is believed that the first game of Spanish 21 took place at one of the casinos in Vegas sometime in 1995 and has expanded to other countries outside of the U.S., such as Malaysia and Australia (some of the rules for this game are different in these countries). Although some of the rules are different from the original version, the overall objective remains the same. In order to win, you must reach a score as close as possible to 21 by beating the dealer’s hand without going over 21. The value of the cards remain the same as the original version. Continue reading below for more information on how to play Spanish 21 and learn about the rules, strategies as well as the odds to the game.
![Odds Odds](/uploads/1/2/5/1/125193917/191222548.jpg)
Spanish 21 Blackjack Game – Rules, Review & Strategy. This is a blackjack variation that got its name because it is played with six or eight Spanish decks – a regular 52 card deck from which the four tens cards are taken out. But giving the player more options reduces the house edge, so Spanish 21 compensates by using an altered deck. Let’s take a closer look at all these differences between blackjack and Spanish 21: Spanish 21 Deck: Spanish 21 uses a typical 52-card deck – but without the four Tens. The removal of the Tens creates a 48-card deck, in which only. Spanish 21 is a common form of blackjack played in many of the larger casinos. You’ll find the game played all over the world, though it originated in European casinos. Most gambling establishments in the United States didn’t offer the game until 1995 or later. If you live in Australia, you’ll know a quite similar game under the name. Feb 18, 2019 NFL Odds; College Football. Spanish 21 vs Blackjack. I haven't played regular black jack in like 10 years, only play BJ when there is no space on the spanish tables. Jul 11, 2019 Odds in blackjack. Comparing all the odds of the table games, blackjack has the best odds of all of them. It has a house edge of as little as 0.20% up to 0.63%, this can be determined by the number of card decks in the game.Your chances of winning can be increased by keeping an eye on the cards knowing when to choose which move.
Spanish 21 Rules
Blackjack Odds. Knowing the blackjack odds will make you a better player and hopefully beat the odds when playing at an online casino. If you want to apply any gambling strategy successfully you need to know the odds of the game you’re playing. It goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway: the odds are always in favor of the house. Standard Blackjack vs. Blackjack Switch or Spanish 21. After playing Blackjack Switch recently at our local casino, I decided to check out the wizard's pages to see what the odds are. For the purpose of this post, I am figuring a standard blackjack game that pays the true 3:2 on a natural, while Switch only pays 1:1 on a natural.
First of all, Spanish 21 is played on the same table as Blackjack, but includes 6 or 8 traditional decks of cards with all the tens being taken out, therefore each deck has only 48 cards instead of the original 52. Assuming you’re already familiar with the original version, below you’ll learn some of the important Spanish 21 Rules as well as how the game is played overall.
- Super Bonus – is one of the rules that probably stands out the most. What happens is, if you get a blackjack hand that includes three sevens with the same suit versus a 7 in which the dealer has, you automatically win a big bonus award. Your prize amount will vary depending on your initial bet. For example, if you bet anywhere from $5 to $24, you can win $1,000, and if you made a bet of $25 or more, you can win $5,000. The chances of getting a Super Bonus is somewhere around 1 in 668,382 or 549,11, depending if you’re using 6 or 8 decks of cards.
- Pair Splitting – is when you create up to 4 hands by splitting any cards that have the same value as each other. You can even hit and double on any of the split hands, however you don’t have the possibility of winning a Super Bonus if you do this.
- Doubling Down – you have the chance to double down for two or more cards and can make any bet as long as it’s not bigger than the initial one.
- Doubling Down Rescue – is a unique rule in which you are able to pull back your bet from the double down in case you’re not happy with your hand, as long as you don’t go over 21. If this move is made, you will lose your initial bet.
- Late Surrender – is another unique rule where if you’re not satisfied with the initial two cards you’re dealt, you are able to surrender your hand. By doing so, you will lose half of your initial bet. This is a special rule for Spanish 21 which improves the player’s odds.
Spanish 21 Strategy
Now that you understand the rules of the game, let’s go ahead and go over a Spanish 21 Strategy that can help lower the house edge before you start playing online, or even gambling with real money at one of the land based casinos.
First of all, if you have a hand that is worth 18 or more points, it’s best that you stick with it and do not “hit”. You should also stand when you have a soft 19, 20 or 21. If you are dealt two Aces, be sure to split them, and not split fours, fives or tens. Also, you shouldn’t make a draw for the bonus payouts or any side bets in which you have to pay extra for. In regards to surrendering, try not to do this too much. There are not many situations in which you can make a profit out of surrendering. If you’re holding cards that are worth 10 points, it’s a good idea to go ahead and request another card (or hit).
Spanish 21 Odds
Aside from the basic rules and strategies of the game, you should also know the Spanish 21 odds. At most of the casinos you’ll find that the house edge weighs in at about 0.8%, which makes this version one of the highest house advantages. The original Blackjack house edge is somewhere around 0.5%, however different rules can have an impact on the edge. For example, the house edge when playing with 8 card decks is around 0.38%, whereas playing with six decks is around 0.8%.
Overall, Spanish 21 is an awesome variation to the highly famed classic game of Blackjack. If you enjoy playing the original version, you must give this one a try. Before you do, make sure you fully understand the rules, strategies and get some practice in beforehand, especially if you plan on playing with real money. Most importantly, have fun!
Blackjack Odds Of Winning
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Spanish 21 first appeared in Nevada casinos in 1995 after being invented by Masque Publishing, a Colorado-based gaming company. Unlicensed versions of the game are popular and played under the name Spanish Blackjack. The game has also extended beyond the borders of the United States, and in Malaysia and Australia it can be played under the name Pontoon (although with a significant number of rules differences).
If trying an offshoot of the world’s most beloved casino banking game sounds like fun, this article should help you get started. I’ve included a section on how to play Spanish 21, as well as details on Spanish 21 odds and probability. All you need to do is read the article, practice until you’ve got the basics down, and then find a land-based or online casino that offers Spanish 21 and start playing.
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How to Play Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a blackjack variant, so the object of the game is the same as its predecessor. The player must collect two or more cards in an effort to get a score of 21 (or as close as possible). The dealer will be trying to reach this goal, as well, so the player must also beat the dealer’s score without busting (going over 21). All card values are the same as regular blackjack.
If a player or dealer’s first two cards equal 21, they are said to have a “natural blackjack.” This instant winner pays out at 3:2, which means you’ll win $3 for every $2 that you wagered.
Six or eight decks are most commonly used, but all 10-cards are removed from each 52-card deck. The absence of these cards give a distinct advantage to the house, but there are a series of variant rules and bonuses that help the players and actually make Spanish 21 one of the best bets in the casino. These include the following:
– If the player reaches a total of 21, they always win. This is unlike some versions of blackjack, in which a matching dealer 21 will result in a push.
– The dealer is required to hit on 16 and stand on 17, although some casinos require the dealer to hit on a soft 17 (a hand equaling 17 but containing an ace). In most cases, however, the dealer will also stand on a soft 17, as hitting increases the edge for the house.
– A natural blackjack is always a winner and always pays 3:2, regardless of the value of the dealer’s first two cards.
– Players are allowed to split cards until they have a total of four hands. This rule also applies to pairs of aces.
– Once cards have been dealt, the dealer always checks his hole card for a blackjack if he’s showing an ace or face card. A dealer blackjack results in an immediate loss for all players who don’t have the same (in which case they automatically win).
– The player may always choose to double down, regardless of the number of cards or the total.
– Late surrender is offered in most games of Spanish 21. This means that if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, players can choose to stop playing their hand and get back half of their initial wager.
– Players can also choose to surrender after doubling down. If this occurs, the player keeps the doubled portion of the bet, but the dealer gets the original wager. This is known as “concede,” “double-down rescue” or “forfeit.”
– Some casinos allow the player to double down twice after initially doubling down. When done correctly, this can give the player a major advantage over the house.
– Players can purchase insurance against a dealer blackjack, and it pays out at 2:1.
![Spanish Blackjack Vs Blackjack Odds Spanish Blackjack Vs Blackjack Odds](/uploads/1/2/5/1/125193917/992643006.jpg)
– Getting 21 with 5 cards pay 3:2, while 6 cards pay 2:1, and 7 or more cards pay 3:1. Splitting or doubling down cancels out these potential bonuses.
– Getting 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 of a mixed suit pays 3:2, while cards of the same suit pay 2:1. If the cards are all spades, the payout is 3:1. These bonuses are canceled if a player splits or doubles down.
– If the dealer has a 7 card face-up and the player gets a suited 7-7-7, a bonus of $1000 is paid on bets under $25 and $5000 on wagers over $25. Other players at the table also receive a $50 “envy bonus.” This bonus is eliminated if the player doubles down or splits.
– Some casinos offer a “match the dealer” side bet. If one or both of the player’s first two cards match the dealer’s up card, the payout is 3:1 for a non-suited match in an 8-deck game and 12:1 for a suited match.
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Spanish 21 Odds and Probability & House Edge
Buying blackjack insurance in Spanish 21 should be avoided, as the lack of 10-cards reduces the chances of a dealer blackjack when showing an ace to just 25%. This gives the house an edge of 24.7% on insurance, which is sure to rank among the worst bets at any casino.
Blackjack Odds Chart
Otherwise, Spanish 21 odds and probability tend to be favorable to the player. In games where the dealer stands on a soft 17, the house edge is 0.40%. If the dealer is required to hit on a soft 17 and redoubling is allowed, the house edge increases to 0.42% (in a six-deck game). Without the possibility of redoubling, the house advantage increases to 0.78%.
The lowest house edge comes in a six-deck game where the dealer stands on a soft 17. This lowers the casino advantage to just 0.37%.
The odds of hitting the super bonus are small. In a six-deck game, the chances are just 1 in 668,382, while it increases to 1 in 549,188 for an eight-deck version. Depending on the number of players and the amount of the wager, the house edge can be lowered further by this side bet.
Blackjack Odds Card
Like other blackjack variants, Spanish 21 delivers just enough differences from the original version of the game to provide players with a fun and unique gambling experience. Thanks to the additional rules and bonuses, it also happens to be one of the best bets in the casino (sometimes even better than regular blackjack). So if you’re looking for a new game that provides a decent expected return, find a casino that offers Spanish 21 and give it a try.