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Read Full BioWelcome to our Spanish 21 guide — a modern take on a classic card game. Spanish 21 has been compared to blackjack, but it is faster, riskier, and packed with action.
Key Beats
- Spanish 21 is a card game not dissimilar to blackjack. In this version, however, only 48 cards are used as the tens are removed from the deck.
- The game is very ‘player-friendly’; unlike in blackjack, should the player and the bank both get a count of 21, the player wins.
- Another cool feature is the Spanish 21 Super Bonus, which, if played, rewards every player at the table if anyone receives 7-7-7.
What Is Spanish 21?
Spanish 21 is a casino card game that closely resembles blackjack. The core difference is that the game is played with a Spanish deck, a 48-card deck that omits all the tens.
It might sound like a game that has been around for hundreds of years, but in fact, Spanish 21 was invented in 1995 by Colorado-based game developers Masque Publishing Inc.
The company created classic boxed board games before developing free casino games for websites. Spanish 21 first appeared in casinos in Nevada in the 1990s and is today available at gaming venues and casinos.
The Spanish 21 Deck
A Spanish deck contains 48 cards, as all four tens are removed. However, the Jacks, Queens, and Kings remain. In the casino, Spanish 21 is typically played with a shoe containing six to eight decks of cards. Card values (minus the tens) are the same as in blackjack.
Objective of the Game
The objective of Spanish 21 is the same as blackjack — beat the dealer without going over 21. However, one very player-friendly rule change (and the polar opposite of pontoon) is that should the player and the dealer both hit a count of 21, the player always wins, which is a considerable advantage!
Spanish 21 Rules Explained
If you want to know how to play Spanish 21 at a casino, we recommend double-checking the rules before playing. The rules are often fluid and can vary from casino to casino. That said, here are the basics that every new player must know:
- A player’s 21 always beats the dealer’s 21.
- Players can double down on any number of cards.
- Players can surrender late, even after doubling down.
- Players can multi-hit split aces (not allowed in most blackjack games).
- Blackjack (Ace and a face card) pays 3:2.
- Bonus payouts can be higher.
- Side bets, such as Match the Dealer, are common, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Dealer Rules
As in blackjack, casino dealers have to follow a strict set of rules:
- Always hit on soft 17 (a 17 that includes an ace as 11).
- Stand on hard 17 and above.
- The dealer makes no other decisions.
Player Options
Hit
Take another card.
Stand
Keep your current hand.
Double down
Double your bet, take one more card only. This can be done after taking extra cards. Not just on the first two.
Split
Split identical cards into two hands. You can hit split aces more than once (in regular blackjack, you can only draw a single card on split cards).
Surrender
Forfeit your hand and half your bet (available even after doubling).
Match the dealer
Optional side bet based on matching the dealer’s upcard.
How to Play Spanish 21
Although there are subtle rule differences between Spanish 21 and blackjack, the basic gameplay remains the same. It’s a casino card game where players at the table compete against the house.
- First, choose your stake and any optional side bets like ‘Match the Dealer’.
- The player and the dealer are dealt two cards—one of the dealer’s cards is face up.
- The player can then choose to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender.
- Once the players have made their decisions, the Dealer plays according to the rules of the house (usually hits on soft 17).
- The showdown occurs, and the best hand wins—payouts vary based on hand strength and bonuses.
Playing Spanish 21 online is a great way to learn the game and its quirks. You can choose between RNG (random number generator) or live dealer tables. Interfaces typically include autoplay, re-bet, and history features. Live casinos offer real-time video streams and chat features.
Spanish 21 Payouts & Bonuses
Spanish 21 is all about the bonus payouts. It adds to the fun. The number of 10s in the deck makes naturals rarer. This is why the bonus system is so rewarding.
Most winning hands at Spanish 21 pay even money except the following:
- Player natural (Ace plus 10 value card) – pays 3 to 2
- Insurance (if the dealer has a blackjack) – pays 2 to 1
- Bonus hands (varies) – pays up to 3 to 1
- Match the Dealer side bet pays based on the type of match (rank or rank + suit)
Spanish 21 Payout Charts
| Result | Payout |
|---|---|
| Winning hand (non-blackjack) | 1:1 (even money) |
| Player blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) | 3:2 |
| Insurance bet (if the dealer has an Ace up) | 2:1 (if the dealer has blackjack) |
| Pushes (ties) | Only occurs if under 21 and both tie |
| Tied 21 | Player wins automatically |
(Spanish 21 pays bonus rewards for making 21 in specific ways. These bonuses still pay even if you’ve split cards. These bonus hands must total exactly 21.)
| Hand Type | Payout |
|---|---|
| 5-card 21 | 3:2 |
| 6-card 21 | 2:1 |
| 7+ card 21 | 3:1 |
| 6-7-8 (mixed suits) | 3:2 |
| 6-7-8 (same suit) | 2:1 |
| 6-7-8 (all spades) | 3:1 |
| 7-7-7 (mixed suits) | 3:2 |
| 7-7-7 (same suit) | 2:1 |
| 7-7-7 (all spades) | 3:1 |
| Super bonus (7-7-7 + dealer 7) | $1,000+ payout (conditions apply) |
The Spanish 21 Super Bonus
The Super Bonus is triggered when the player receives three 7s of the same suit (7-7-7), and the dealer’s up card is also any seven. It’s rare, but when it lands – everyone’s a winner!
The payout varies from casino to casino. It’s often one of the biggest fixed bonus payouts in table games.
A $25+ bet will reward $1,000 for the winning player, with a $50 envy bonus to every other player at the table. For table limits lower than $25, the jackpot is more likely to be $500 or less.
Side Bets
The most common side bet is Match the Dealer. This is Spanish 21’s signature side bet and is available at most tables.
To play, place a small extra wager that your first one or two cards will match the dealer’s upcard. Matches can be by rank (number only) or rank and suit (hearts, clubs, diamonds, spades).
Payouts vary depending on whether one or both of your cards match.
| Match Type | Payout |
|---|---|
| 1 matching rank | 3:1 |
| 2 matching ranks | 6:1 |
| 1 suited match | 12:1 |
| 2 suited matches | 24:1+ (varies by casino) |
6 Spanish 21 Strategy Tips
Understanding the rules is just the beginning. Here are some Spanish 21 strategy tips to improve your chances:
- Don’t take insurance, as it’s rarely worth it unless you’re counting cards.
- Always hit soft 17 or less, especially against a dealer’s seven or higher.
- Use a basic strategy. There are many strategy charts explicitly for Spanish 21.
- Card counting in Spanish 21 is made more complex due to the absence of 10s.
- Take advantage of bonus payouts by playing conservatively to build large hands.
- Avoid the Match the Dealer bet unless you’re playing for entertainment. It has a high house edge.
Conclusion
If you want to try something different at the casino tonight but don’t want to stray too far from your comfort zone, then Spanish 21 vs Blackjack is the decision you need to make.
All the blackjack vibes are still there. Just served with a side of extra bonuses and features. Spanish 21 is a great diversion and a lot of fun to play. Just remember, whichever game you choose – play responsibly.
FAQs
Spanish 21 rules include 48-card decks, a player’s 21 always wins, late surrender, bonus payouts, and more liberal player options.
Master strategy, aim for multi-card 21s, and take advantage of bonus payouts. Avoid taking risky side bets unless you’re playing for entertainment purposes.
The main differences include no 10s in the deck, more player-friendly rules, and higher bonus payouts. Spanish 21 gives players more flexibility and better odds overall.
Yes, but it’s more difficult due to the absence of 10s. Still, some players use adjusted counting systems to track aces and high-value cards.
A Natural 21 (Ace + face card) is excellent, but the 777 with the dealer showing a seven can trigger massive bonus payouts and jackpots.
