Online Blackjack Variant: Spanish 21

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What is Spanish 21 Blackjack

Just like the game it commonly shares a name with (Pontoon), Spanish 21 has a history as old as if not older than Blackjack. It was mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes’ 1602 novella ‘Rinconete y Cortadillo’, and is 1611 was mentioned in the Spanish dictionary as part of the description for the word ‘card’. So, while many players may be experiencing Spanish 21 for the first time when playing blackjack online, the game is hundreds of years old.  

Spanish 21 differs from traditional blackjack thanks to the several winning choices available depending on the card combinations achieved. Although the game's fundamental guidelines are the same as typical blackjack, these small changes lead to a very different feeling to the Blackjack gameplay experience.

Basic Rules of Spanish 21 Blackjack

The basic rules of Spanish 21 are as follows:

• Objective: Blackjack's fundamental gameplay rules also apply to Spanish 21. Getting a hand that totals 21—or as near to it without going over—is the aim of the game.
• Unique Rules: Additional rules are abundant in Spanish 21, late surrenders are allowed, as are double splitting and resplitting aces. A player’s 21 will also beat the dealer's 21.

• Unique Payouts: The removal of 10s from the game allows for the addition of payouts for specific card combinations. A five-card 21 will award a 3:2 payout, while a six and seven will pay 3:1 and 2:1, respectively. A 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of mixed suits pays 3:2, while 6-7-8 of the same suit pay 2:1 which increases to 3:1 if the suit is spades. The top payout known as the ‘super bonus’ can be won for achieving a hand of 7-7-7 of a matching suit and the prize awarded for this varies between games.

• Deck: 6-8 Spanish decks are used in Spanish 21. These decks have 48 cards instead of the usual 52 because the four 10’s have been removed. 
• Dealer Rules: Depending on the individual rules the dealer can hit or stand on a soft 17.

How to Play Spanish 21 Blackjack

1. Start the Game: Load your chosen Spanish 21 game on your preferred device. Make sure to note the games’ table limits and any special rules. Next, you’ll need to make your bet. After betting, each participant gets two cards. The player receives two face-up cards. The dealer receives one face-up and one face-down.

Blackjacks are paid out at 3:2 instantly. If the dealer presents an ace, an insurance bet is offered. The payout is 2:1. If the dealer has a face-up jack, queen, king, or ace they will peek at their face-down card to check for blackjack. All players without a blackjack lose if the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack, play continues.

1. Player Options: Players can hit, stand, double down, or surrender. If you’re happy with your hand you can stand and allow the next player or the ealer You can hit until you make a 21 or a six-card Charlie or until you bust at 22 or higher. You can double down on any number of cards, but additional 21 pays do not apply. You can surrender any number of cards as well as after a double down. Paired hands can be split and aces can be re-split. The player gets rewarded immediately for any 21. Players cannot push 21.
2. Dealer’s Turn: After all players act, the dealer exposes their hole (face-down) card. If the dealer has 18 or hard 17, they stand. The dealer hits on 16 or lower or soft 17.

Winning and Losing: The dealer's hand is compared to each player's. Player bets lose if the dealer has a larger total. If the player has more points than the dealer, even money is paid unless the hand qualifies for a special payment or 21. These pay instantly. A push occurs when the player and dealer have the identical non-21 hand, returning the stake to the player.

Tips & Strategy When Playing Spanish 21 Blackjack

• Know the Special Rules and Optimal Gameplay Strategy: While blackjack is a game of chance, making the best possible choice for your given hand keeps the projected odds at their best values. Remember a player's natural Blackjack always beats a dealer's Blackjack. Late surrender is allowed in Spanish 21 and you can surrender after doubling down. Aces can be split several times and you can double down after splitting.
• Know When to Hit or Stand: While the choice is yours, many Spanish 21 players choose to hit on a hard 4–8 or 12 hands as well as hitting on soft 13 or 14 hands and doubling down on hands totalling 11. Conversely, most players opt to stand on hard 18 or higher hands as well as hands with two tens. While it's best not to split 4s or 5s, splitting on aces is advised.
• Remember the Special Bets: The defining feature of Spanish 21 is the selection of special bets and payouts on offer. Remembering these is vital for successful gameplay:
• 5 Card 21: Pays 3-2
• 6 Card 21: Pays 2-1
• 7+ Card 21: Pays 3-1
• 6-7-8 Mixed: Pays 3-2
• 6-7-8 Suited: Pays 2-1
• 6-7-8 Spaded: Pays 3-1
• 7-7-7 Mixed: Pays 3-2
• 7-7-7 Suited: Pays 2-1
• 7-7-7 Spaded: Pays 3-1

Spanish 21 Blackjack vs Classic Blackjack

Spanish 21 differs significantly from the classic version of the game.

The most noticeable difference is the removal of tens from the deck. This makes each deck contain 48 cards while classic blackjack uses 52 cards. Classic blackjack is most commonly played with 4 decks or more, while Spanish 21 is played with 6 decks or more. A player blackjack always wins, even if the dealer has one. If a player draws to 21, the hand is won instantly.

Double down is allowed on any number of cards. Players may surrender at any moment, including after a double down. This is known as double-down rescue. Split aces can be hit, re-split, or doubled; all of which are not permitted or limited in classic blackjack games.

Of course, a defining element of Spanish 21 are the extra bets which are not included in classic blackjack that have been explored throughout this article.

Conclusion

Spanish 21 is a game that feels like a hybrid between modern Pontoon and Classic Blackjack. Its special bet rules and flexibility regarding splitting and doubling down lend themselves to a more complex gameplay experience that seasoned online casino Blackjack players should find invigorating and challenging.

At Genting Casino you can play the best selection of live blackjack and online blackjack variants, including Spanish 21. At our live casino you can enjoy immersive blackjack entertainment in real time; spanning multiple creative versions and variations. Sign up and play today to discover more.

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