Is Spanish 21 the right blackjack game for you? We compare and contrast this unique variant with European Blackjack.
Online blackjack is still one of the most popular games available, with numerous variations on the classic.
Blackjack’s house edge can be as low as 0.5% when played correctly. However, basic European Blackjack does not provide much excitement for players.
Spanish 21 is a distinct variation on blackjack with a few subtle differences in how the game is played. Players can also enjoy placing a few side bets.
Here are the key differences between European Blackjack and Spanish 21, as well as some tips for making the most of the game.
How Do You Play Spanish 21?
A six-deck shoe is used when playing Spanish 21 Blackjack. Players are dealt two cards and must continue to receive cards until they decide to stop (‘stand’), without going over 21.
After placing a bet, the player receives their cards and must decide whether to hit or stand. The dealer will come after you. The highest-ranking hand wins.
In Spanish 21, players can choose to split their paired cards and bet with two hands. If the player is dealt another pair, he or she has the option to re-split. A winning hand is worth 1/1.
The Main Differences : European Blackjack Vs Spanish 21
The primary distinction between Spanish 21 and European Blackjack is the absence of tens. In Spanish 21, all ten cards from the deck are removed. As a result, players’ hands are frequently made up of a large number of low cards.
Side bets are not permitted in European Blackjack. Players can place an Insurance bet in the event that the dealer hits a natural blackjack. This wager pays 2/1. But that’s about it in terms of side action.
Spanish 21 offers a much broader selection of side bets. The Insurance bet, which pays 2/1, is also available. Look out for the following additional payouts that players can receive:
5-card hand: 3/2
6-card hand: 2/1
7-card hand: 3/1
21 with any three sevens: 3/2
21 with 6-7-8: 3/2
21 with three sevens of same suit: 2/1
21 with three sevens, with the dealer having the fourth seven: 50/1
A player 21 always wins in Spanish 21, and a player blackjack always beats the dealer blackjack. Of course, hitting a blackjack is much more difficult when there are no tens.
A dealer in European Blackjack will hit on 16 and stand on 17. The dealer may hit a soft 17 in some Spanish 21 games (a 17 with an ace). However, this slightly raises the house edge.
In Spanish 21, unlike in European Blackjack, a blackjack will not end in a tie. If both the player and the dealer have blackjack, the player wins (an ace and a picture card).
Best Tips for Spanish 21
The Insurance bet is one of the worst bets to make in traditional blackjack. The 2/1 on the dealer hitting blackjack does not even come close to reflecting the true odds.
Insurance can be obtained in Spanish 21. Despite having four fewer 10-value cards in each deck, it still pays 2/1. As a result, the dealer’s chances of having blackjack have decreased.
In reality, odds of 3/1 or 4/1 would be required to make the side bet appealing. In Spanish 21, this is a side bet to avoid.
The key to winning Spanish 21 is to pay attention to the side payouts. Whereas the double down is the best play in European Blackjack, it can cancel out some side bets such as the 7-7-7.
In Spanish 21, low cards are your friend. With a 3/2 and 2/1 payout on 5-card and 6-card hands, it’s best to split low pairs and continue hitting on two separate hands. The bonus payouts will account for the majority of your winnings.
Trying Spanish 21
When played correctly, Spanish 21 has a lower house edge than European Blackjack. When playing, there are many subtle but important differences between the two disciplines.
