While Spanish 21 may not be as common in brick-and-mortar casinos as it once was, it’s still widely popular online! The game has retained a dedicated following, and once you realize why it vanished from physical casinos — players were winning too much money — you’ll want to try your hand at Spanish 21 too!
At first glance, Spanish 21 might look like traditional blackjack, but it comes with a bunch of player-friendly rules that make it a favorite for those looking to maximize their chances of beating the house. However, if you aren’t aware of these rules or how to take full advantage of them, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
In this article, we’ll highlight some key Spanish 21 strategies that every player needs to know. These strategies are your key to winning, and we’re going to share with you TheSportsGeek’s top five tips to help you maximize your gains. Let’s dive in!
Spanish 21 Rules
So, why is Spanish 21 better than regular blackjack? It’s because the casino gives you a lot of extra options that you won’t find in a typical blackjack game. Let’s go over some of the most player-friendly rules that make a real difference.
Doubling Down Flexibility
One of the biggest perks in Spanish 21 is the flexibility around doubling down. In a traditional blackjack game, you can usually only double down on your first two cards, and often only when your total equals 10 or 11.
In Spanish 21, you can double down at any time, no matter which cards are in your hand. You’re even allowed to double after doubling, which adds significant opportunities to increase your bets. Plus, you can double after splitting — a precious option in certain situations.
Surrender Anytime
No one likes to surrender in blackjack, but sometimes it’s the smartest move you can make. In Spanish 21, you have the ability to surrender at any time — even after a split or a double down! This feature gives you a bit of insurance, particularly when you’re doubling aggressively. If the cards don’t fall your way, you can still walk away with part of your bet.
Bonus Payouts for Special Hands
What draws casual players to Spanish 21 are the extra payouts for hands that wouldn’t get any special attention in regular blackjack. Normally, blackjack only pays out 3:2 or 6:5 for a natural blackjack, but in Spanish 21, there are extra payouts for various 21s:
- A 5-card 21 pays 3:2
- A 6-card 21 pays 2:1
- A 7-card 21 pays 3:1
- A 21 with three suited 7s earns a whopping $1,000 bonus!
This means you can get paid for more than just blackjacks, which adds an exciting element to the game. And when you hit 21 or blackjack, you get paid immediately, with no risk of a push even if the dealer ends up with a 21 too.
Splitting Up to Four Times
Ever been frustrated after splitting aces, only to draw another ace? In regular blackjack, you’re usually stuck at that point. But in Spanish 21, you can split pairs up to four times, including aces! This flexibility allows you to play up to four hands at once, giving you multiple chances to hit big wins.
The 10s Are Missing
Now, you might wonder how Spanish 21 offers so many great player-friendly rules without the casino losing out. Well, the catch is that all the 10s are removed from the deck, which leaves only 48 cards instead of the usual 52. While this may seem minor, it has a significant impact on the house edge.
Fewer 10s in the deck means the dealer and players are less likely to bust, and since the dealer plays last, they’ll win more hands. But don’t worry — even with the missing 10s, Spanish 21 remains a profitable game for players who understand the strategies behind it.
Spanish 21 Strategies
Now that you’re familiar with the special rules of Spanish 21, let’s talk strategy! Here are five crucial strategies to help you increase your chances of winning.
Be Bold with Doubling Down
In Spanish 21, being aggressive with your double-downs can make a huge difference. Thanks to the liberal doubling rules, you have more opportunities to increase your bet and maximize your winnings.
Let’s say you’re dealt a 9 against the dealer’s 6 and decide to double down, but then you draw a 2. In traditional blackjack, you’d be stuck with an 11 and just hope the dealer busts. In Spanish 21, the smart play is to double down again because your 11 still plays well against the dealer’s weak hand.
You’ll also want to be more aggressive when you have a soft hand, such as soft 12 or 13, against the dealer’s 5 or 6. With fewer 10s in the deck, your chances of improving your hand are better, so doubling down is often the right call.
Don’t hesitate to Surrender
This strategy ties in with the previous one. When you’re playing aggressively and doubling often, there will be times when the cards don’t go your way. In Spanish 21, surrendering becomes an important backup plan.
Since the dealer busts less often in Spanish 21 due to the missing 10s, hoping for them to go bust on a weak hand is often not realistic. Being able to surrender even after doubling down provides you with a safety net, allowing you to play aggressively without taking on too much risk.
Take Advantage of Bonus Payouts
One of the most exciting aspects of Spanish 21 is the potential for extra payouts. As mentioned earlier, you get rewarded for making 21 with multiple cards, and these bonuses can really boost your bankroll. Always be on the lookout for these hands, and take calculated risks to aim for them when the opportunity arises.
Split Wisely
With the ability to split up to four times, there’s a lot of potential to play multiple hands and maximize your winning chances. If splitting is the right move the first time, it’s likely the right move again. Don’t hesitate to keep splitting when it makes sense, especially when you have a strong hand like a pair of aces.
Keep the Missing 10s in Mind
Lastly, always remember that the deck in Spanish 21 is missing the 10s. This changes the odds significantly, especially when it comes to bust potential. The dealer will bust less often, and you need to adjust your strategy accordingly. Knowing that 10s are off the table will help you make smarter decisions, especially when doubling or surrendering.
Conclusion
Spanish 21 offers players a unique and exciting version of blackjack with plenty of advantages, as long as you know how to use them. By taking advantage of the game’s player-friendly rules — like flexible doubling, strategic surrendering, and bonus payouts — and keeping the missing 10s in mind, you can greatly increase your chances of winning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Spanish 21 better than regular blackjack?
Spanish 21 offers more player-friendly rules like flexible doubling, surrendering anytime, and special bonus payouts for making 21.
2. How does the removal of the 10s affect the game?
With no 10s in the deck, both the dealer and players are less likely to bust, which increases the importance of smart play and proper strategy.
3. Can I win consistently in Spanish 21?
While no strategy guarantees consistent wins, understanding the rules and using proper strategies, like aggressive doubling and surrendering, can improve your chances.
4. What are the bonus payouts in Spanish 21?
In Spanish 21, you get special payouts for making 21 with multiple cards, including payouts for 5, 6, and 7-card 21s.
5. Is surrendering a good strategy in Spanish 21?
Yes, surrendering is an important strategy in Spanish 21, especially with the ability to surrender even after doubling down.
