Spanish 21 Blackjack Guide
One of the most popular blackjack variants in Indian online casinos, Spanish 21 has a unique approach to the game. The minor tweaks to the rules actually paint a pretty different blackjack picture, but one that’s nonetheless a masterpiece.
Our guide will tell you all you need to know about the game and how to play it in the best Indian online casinos.
How does Spanish 21 work
The minor tweaks to the blackjack rules make Spanish 21 a completely different blackjack game. In this variant, 10 cards are removed from the deck. This leaves only 48 cards in the deck which makes for quite an interesting gameplay.
Additionally, you can also double down after any number of cards and late surrender after doubling down.
- Far more exciting than original blackjack
- Players can split up to 4 hands even on aces
- A superb bonus is paid on suited 7-7-7 against a dealer’s 7
How to play Spanish 21
Playing Spanish 21 is pretty simple. If you ever played a round of blackjack, you already know most of the rules. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find a good live casino
- Find Live Spanish 21 in the library
- Start the game by placing a bet
- Your objective is still the same – win the race to 21 before the dealer does
If you manage to get a 7-7-7 suite or a mixed suite (6-7-8) you’re in for nice payouts. The fact that it is played with 10 cards less and slightly tweaked rules make Spanish 21 a very popular blackjack variant.
Bets and payouts on Spanish 21
The bets and payouts in Spanish 21 differ from original blackjack. You still get a 3:2 payout on a natural and 2:1 on the Insurance side bet. A 5-card hand pays 3:2, while a 6-card and 7-card hands pay 2:1 and 3:2 as well.
Special bets such as mixed 6-7-8 suite or a 7-7-7 mixed or same suite also pay 3:2 and 2:1 respectively. Thanks to that, most Indian players find Spanish 21 far more exciting than regular blackjack.
Comparing Spanish 21 to Blackjack
The most notable difference between Spanish 21 and blackjack is the fact that the latter uses a so-called Spanish deck. As mentioned, it’s a deck with 10 cards less which makes for quite an exciting game.
Other differences are the late surrender option even after doubling down. You can even double down after splitting which is obviously a rule in favour of the player.
Re-splitting aces is another rule Spanish 21. Finally, the fact that ANY player total of 21 wins against the dealer is another major change to regular blackjack where a round can end in a tie.
Spanish 21 Rules
Due to the tweaked rules, the game is far more in favour of the player. You can surrender late in the game after the dealer has checked for a blackjack and double down after splitting.
You also win against the dealer automatically if you have a hand count of 21. It’s pretty easy to see that this rule is extremely favourable for players.
The fact that the game has introduced new rules regarding payouts on various mixed hands makes Spanish 21 a very exciting online blackjack variant. You can win 3:2 on most of these hands just like a natural, so it’s no wonder why so many players are in love with this variant.
Betting
The minimum bet on Spanish 21 isn’t set by the game itself, but by the casino. A casino imposes limits on all its tables so make sure to check the rules and fine print before you sit at one.
Always pick the live Spanish 21 tables that pay 3:2 for a natural. Any other payout should be a sign that you should leave. The game is suitable for new players and high rollers as well thanks to the added payouts for a bunch of various hands.
Can I use a Strategy?
Yes, of course you can. Since the house edge for all blackjack games is significantly lower when you use a basic betting strategy, we strongly advise you learn one.
This goes for basic blackjack strategies only, not card counting or other controversial techniques. A basic blackjack strategy will help you learn more about the game and become a better player. That’s what every player should be hoping for.
Why you should play Live Spanish 21?
Because it’s fun and exciting variant of good old blackjack. If you want a bigger challenge and more fun gameplay, Spanish 21 is the variant to pick. Since most rules and payouts are the same, it’s a great variant for casual and new blackjack players too.
- Blackjack pays the same
- You get nice payouts on various hands
- Most of the tweaked rules are in favour of the player (e.g. any hand of 21 automatically wins)
- It’s easier to play than blackjack
Find the game in our recommended Indian online casinos and give it a try. We’re sure you’ll love it.
Disadvantages of Live Spanish 21
Just like any casino game, Spanish 21 comes with its own set of pros and cons. While it is easier to play than regular blackjack and there are nice bonus payouts, some of the bets might be a bit too high on the house edge for some players.
- More chances to win against the dealer
- Some bets have a pretty high house edge
Spanish 21 Live Dealer
Live Spanish 21 elevated the experience up a notch. Instead of playing against a computer, you can test your skills against a human dealer. The live dealer hosts the game and deals the cards and of course, announces bets or losses.
You can even chat with the dealer but make sure to stick to the live chat etiquette. This is not a random Zoom meeting.
Spanish 21 History
Spanish 21 first appeared in Nevada casinos in the mid-1990s. The licensed variant of the game is owned by Masque Publishing, a company based in Colorado.
The origins of the name are probably taken from blackjack’s precursor called ‘Twenty-One’ and a tale in a Spanish book. The first mention of that game was in Miguel Cervantes’ book Rinconette y Cortadillo where the titular characters played the game with a baraja deck with 10 cards less.
The Spanish deck and Twenty-One were combined to give this exciting variant its simple name.
Why You Have to Try This Game
One of the most popular blackjack variants in online casinos, Spanish 21 offers plenty of fun and pretty nice bonus payouts. It is played with a deck that has 10 cards fewer, so it is easier to play than regular blackjack.
New Indian players will love the game’s simplicity and the rules that go in their favour. If you want something to pique your blackjack curiosity, Spanish 21 is a great choice.