The Spanish 21 is one of the casino games based on the classic game of blackjack but has several rules are that are different from the traditional blackjack, as well as some exciting twists. The game is actually a blackjack variation that is property of Masque Publishing Inc. It is also known under different games and can also vary in some of its rules.
This is a table game that has been recently increasing its popularity. Spanish 21 formally “entered” the Las Vegas Casinos several years ago and is currently one of the most-preferred variations of Blackjack. There is also an online version of the game, which is even newer as it has been officially presented only a few years ago.
Overview
As mentioned above, Spanish 21 is a casino game based on the traditional blackjack game. Of course, there are some differences, which are crucial for making a distinction between the classic game and its variations.
Spanish 21 is played with only 48 cards, as tens are removed to provide the house with an increased edge. This is normally considered as a disadvantage, but is compensated with some additional bonus advantages, as well as with alternative rules that allow players to get the advantage back.
As already explained, the 52-card deck is replaced with a 48-card deck when it comes to a game of Spanish 21, as the tens are removed from the deck. Higher-valued cards such as Queens, Kings or Jacks are left in the deck.
Best Online Blackjack Bonuses
HarrahsCasino.com
100% up to
$100
+ 100 Spins
Sloto'Cash Casino
100% up to
$500
Uptown Aces
150% up to
$750
Lucky Tiger Casino
No Deposit Bonus
$ 55
Shazam Casino
Exclusive No Deposit Bonus
$ 50
Vegas Casino Online
No Deposit Bonus
$ 20
Rules
The game is played on a traditional blackjack table with a custom layout. There are several rules that differ from the ones in the original game.
First and foremost, the game is played with a total of six or eight decks, which are dealt from a shoe. Continuous shuffling machines are also used.
Super Bonus Rule
Probably the most specific rule that is distinctive for this variation of blackjack is the so-called “super bonus rule”. When the player gets a blackjack with a combination of three sevens from the same suit against a 7 drawn by the dealer, the player is granted a massive bonus. The bonus usually amounts to about $1,000 when the bet was equal to $25 or less, and to about $5,000 in case that a sum of $25 or more has been wagered.
The payout amounts is the range 3:2 when the player manages to receive a combination of unsuited 6, 7 and 8 or three 7s. In case that these combinations include any same-suited cards, no matter if they are diamonds, clubs or hearts, the player gets a payout of 2:1. If the player’s 6, 7 and 8 or three 7s combination includes spades only, the prize value is estimated to 3:1.
The afore-mentioned rules are applied even if the player wins after splitting. However, these exclusive payouts are not applied to doubled hands.
No Push Rule
Players always win when making a 21, even if the combination is different from 7-7-7 or 6-7-8. In Spanish 21, no pushes are allowed when the player manages to get a twenty-one, as ties are won. This rule is considered to be granting players with a major benefit against the house edge.
Stand, Hit or Split Rules
The Hit, Stand and Split Rules are unchanged in comparison to the ones in classic blackjack. Players be granted with the chance of having the number of hits they need to when splitting aces. In most casinos that offer Spanish 21, up to four decks are given the opportunity to to be split up, even when players hold aces. When doubling, players may receive a second card, or even more additional cards.
”Surrender” Rule
Late Surrender Rule are applied quite often in Spanish 21. The rule means that the player is allowed to surrender before they ask for a stand or a hit in case that the dealer does not hit a blackjack once they receive their second card.
However, players need to be aware of the fact that when they surrender, half of their bet is lost, and they receive absolutely no chance of winning the prize. The Surrender Rule is usually applicable when players consider that their odds of winning are smaller than 50%.
In addition, the Surrender Rule is also used after the player doubles down. Such cases are often call double-down rescue, concede or forfeit. The player loses their original wager, but the part that is doubled is actually brought back to them.
”Match the Dealer” Rule
There are some casinos that provide a side bet called “Match the Dealer” in Spanish 21. According to these rules, the casino gives the player a prize once one of the player’s cards manages to match the dealer’s card that is placed with its face up.
Players need to take into consideration the fact that this type of side bet almost always comes with a house advantage that is larger than the original wager.
House Edge
The Spanish 21 is considered to have a house edge higher than the traditional form of blackjack. Some players that are less experienced happen to believe that there is no difference between the house advantage of the standard blackjack and the Spanish 21 variation, but this is not true.
The good news is that players are usually provided with certain kind of bonus or an advantage that helps them neutralize the negative effects of the high house edge, and could be favored by this.
