Spanish 21 Blackjack is a popular variant of blackjack played with 'Spanish decks' - decks of 48 cards instead of the traditional 52. If you'd like to learn more about different blackjack variants, you can check out our page explaining the rules and variants in full. Spanish 21 is a blackjack variant owned by Masque Publishing Inc., a gaming publishing company based in Colorado.Unlicensed, but equivalent, versions may be called Spanish blackjack. In Australia and Malaysia, an unlicensed version of the game, with no dealer hole card and significant rule differences, is played in casinos under the name 'Pontoon'.It was first introduced about 1995.

Spanish 21 – Rules, Strategy & Tips

Now that you have some idea about the cards you are dealt during Spanish 21, it is equally important to know the ground rules. These are devised with the same principle – based on the original classic blackjack card game, with a few extra twists to give players some incentive. After all, the game creators needed to make up for what is Spanish 21’s greatest takeback – the lack of 10s in every card deck.

Go through the rules below, just to be clear on the specific ways to a valid win:

• A player’s 21 always wins.
• The player’s blackjack always beats the dealer’s blackjack.
• The player can double on any number of cards.
• Doubling after a split is allowed.
• Re-splitting aces is allowed.
• Players can hit and double down after splitting aces.
• A dealer hits on 16.
• A dealer can hit or stand on a soft 17.
• Multiple card draws are allowed after splitting aces.
• Players can make a late surrender move on the first two cards.
• The player can surrender after doubling down, known as ‘double down rescue’. In this case, the player loses the amount of their original bet.
• Additional payout opportunities are also included. Players have a real shot at winning at Spanish 21 due to the bonus payouts for specific hands – a 5-card 21, a combination of 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 (different or same suits) and more.

Spanish 21 Strategy

Even at that, some players find it difficult to rely solely on the hand they have been dealt. After all, it is widely known that blackjack is among the few casino games that allow players to make use of successful betting systems and gameplay strategies.

Just like the regular blackjack card game, Spanish 21 has a strategy chart that combines all the possible player hands with the best play for each one. While some players may find it difficult sticking to a particular gameplay pattern, it is just as practical to use it for guidance only. Even if you end up playing the hand differently, it is still helpful knowing that you have eligible advice at all times.

Spanish 21 Card Counting

Some tips from experienced players, as well as additional tricks and play moves can also come in handy in such situations. Stick around and collect some additional pointers on how to turn the game to your advantage; with the existing Spanish 21 rules of play, it can practically seem like the cards are in your favour.