Spanish 21 Strategy

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We want to remind you that Spanish 21 is a version of blackjack that is quite popular in some countries. Sometimes it can be found under the name of Spanish Blackjack. Jungle wild slot machine. The main feature of this game is the fact that it is played using so-called Spanish decks consisting of forty-eight cards (without four tens). Since the absence of tens significantly increases the house edge, additional bonus payouts (for 777, 678, and other combinations) are provided. The rules are also more liberal (in split, surrender, and insurance options).

This makes Spanish 21 even more profitable for casino visitors than most other variations of blackjack. However how such rules may affect card counting? Does it make sense for counters to sit at the Spanish 21 table? Or is it better to play more traditional versions of blackjack?

In Spanish 21, hands that total 21 can qualify for a bonus payout according to the following table: These bonuses are very enticing to the player, but they can also encourage the player to violate basic blackjack strategy in order to get a bonus payout. The Objective and Rules on Spanish 21 Like in every blackjack variation, the main objective of players is to beat the dealer by getting closer to the total of 21, without going bust. Learn Spanish 21 basic strategy with this free Flash Spanish 21 game and trainer. Select the Spanish 21 or Pontoon game, and choose the hands you are dealt. Your Spanish 21 basic strategy at your web site gives the opposite tables for dealer hitting soft 21 and standing on soft 21 from those given in Casino Player September edition. Casino Player magazine gives table 1 for dealer hitting a soft 17 and table 2 for standing. Your web site gives the opposite charts.

The presence of bonus payouts for hands composed of sixes, sevens, and eights significantly increases the value of these cards in Spanish 21 compared to blackjack. On the other hand, it does not have valuable tens. It may seem that such redistribution makes card counting inefficient or even useless. However such changes even contribute to card counting. For some reasons, which are discussed below, Spanish 21 is more profitable for card counters than blackjack.

  • An ace seems to be the most beneficial card. Since there are no tens, it appears more often than in traditional blackjack (1/12 compared with 1/13).
  • In Spanish 21 it is allowed to re-split aces and hit more than one card after splitting aces, making an ace even more favorable for players.
  • Blackjack is paid 3:2 even if the dealer also has blackjack (due to higher values of aces).
  • Card counters make doubles more often than it is recommended by the basic strategy if the score reaches high levels. Since in Spanish 21 it is allowed to double on any number of cards and points, it is very profitable to players to count cards under favorable circumstances.
  • In both versions of blackjack players often receive two-card hands that after hitting may form twenty-one. The basic strategy recommends that it is necessary to stand on a 13-17 against a dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 and on a 12 if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6. When the score increases, the player virtually has no choice for his further action. Taking a look at the Spanish 21 optimal strategy, you can see that in this game there is a higher number of options. This fact is favorable to counters.
  • Many casinos don't treat Spanish 21 as a game suitable for card counting, so gamblers may easily operate with bets without being afraid of the fact that these establishments may suspect them in card counting. In other words, there is no need to hide their activities, which is obligatory for counters in traditional blackjack.

As you can see, Spanish 21 provides card counters with a much wider opportunity to check their skills and higher chances of winning. In addition, this game does not exclude the use of such alternative skills as shuffle tracking, sequencing , etc.

Learn How To Play Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack found at casinos across the globe and online. The game is owned by Maque Publishing. A variation of 'Spanish 21' called Pontoon is available in Australia and Malaysia, but this version of Spanish 21 has significant rules differences from both regular blackjack and from Spanish 21. The goal of this article is to explain the differences between Spanish 21 and regular blackjack, so that you can learn how to play Spanish 21.

The Deck In Spanish 21

The biggest difference between Spanish 21 and standard blackjack is the deck. While most blackjack-style games still use a 52-card deck, Spanish 21 uses a 48-card deck (the four tens are removed). While taking out the tens gives an advantage to the house, numerous other rules are in place to benefit the player. In fact, when properly played, Spanish 21 can offer some of the best odds at the casino.

In Spanish 21, cards have the same value as in traditional blackjack. No deposit bonus blog. An ace counts as 1 or 11. Cards 2 through 9 are scored at face value. Face cards are worth 10 points. The big difference with regular blackjack is that there are no tens in Spanish 21.

Spanish 21 Bonus Payouts

One of the biggest advantages enjoyed by Spanish 21 players is the fact that a player 21 always wins. In other words, a player blackjack always beats a dealer blackjack. Spanish 21 also offers bonus payouts as follows:

  • A five card 21 pays out at 3:2.
  • A six card 21 pays out at 2:1.
  • A seven card 21 pays out at 3:1.
  • A 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 pays 3:2.
  • If these cards are of the same suit, then they pay out at 2:1.
  • If they are comprised only of spades, then they pay out at 3:1.
  • If the player gets a suited 7-7-7 when the dealer has a seven card face up, he receives $1000 for bets ranging from $5 to $24 and $5000 for bets over $25. All other players will also get a $50 'envy bonus.'
  • Any and all of hese bonuses are cancelled out if the player doubles down.
Spanish 21 strategy

Spanish 21 Strategy Trainer

While the bonus for the suited 777 when the dealer has a 7 face up sounds generous, keep in mind that the odds of winning one are 1 in 3.2 million when playing Spanish 21 with 8 decks.

Doubling Down and Splitting in Spanish 21

Spanish 21 players are allowed to double down on any number of cards. In most casinos, players may also hit and double down after splitting aces. After doubling down, a player may also surrender by giving up his original bet. This is known as 'double down rescue.'

Even though Spanish 21 players are allowed to double down on any number of cards, you will probably double down less often than that because of the lack of tens in the deck. This may also lead to players hitting where they might stand in traditional blackjack.

How To Play Spanish 21

Spanish 21 Strategy

Spanish 21 Strategy Trainer

While the bonus for the suited 777 when the dealer has a 7 face up sounds generous, keep in mind that the odds of winning one are 1 in 3.2 million when playing Spanish 21 with 8 decks.

Doubling Down and Splitting in Spanish 21

Spanish 21 players are allowed to double down on any number of cards. In most casinos, players may also hit and double down after splitting aces. After doubling down, a player may also surrender by giving up his original bet. This is known as 'double down rescue.'

Even though Spanish 21 players are allowed to double down on any number of cards, you will probably double down less often than that because of the lack of tens in the deck. This may also lead to players hitting where they might stand in traditional blackjack.

How To Play Spanish 21

If the dealer stands on a soft 17, the house edge on Spanish 21 is only 0.40%. If the dealer hits on a soft 17 with redoubling allowed, the house edge is 0.42%. If the dealer hits on a soft 17 with redoubling not allowed, the house edge rises to 0.76%. These house edges assume perfect strategic play.

Spanish 21 Strategy Chart Printable


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