We want to remind you that Spanish 21 is a version of blackjack that is quite popular in some countries. Sometimes it can be found under the name of Spanish Blackjack. The main feature of this game is the fact that it is played using so-called Spanish decks consisting of forty-eight cards (without four tens). Since the absence of tens significantly increases the house edge, additional bonus payouts (for 777, 678, and other combinations) are provided. The rules are also more liberal (in split, surrender, and insurance options).
Spanish 21 blackjack available at Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Showboat Atlantic City, and Bally’s Atlantic City.
The main idea of the game is to get as closer as possible to the 21 points without going bust which means not to exceed 21. It seems to be very easy at first sight, but in order to be successful, players have to learn how to play blackjack by memorizing the basic blackjack strategy and make use of blackjack tips given by experienced players.
Spanish 21 Strategy Chart
Spanish 21 is a variation of one of the most iconic casino games, Blackjack. Spanish 21 offers some new and interesting changes that shift the dynamic of the game, one of which is the removal of all number ‘10’ cards from the deck. This leaves the dealer with decks of 48 cards, rather than 52. Spanish 21 strategy for soft totals. Always stand on soft 19, 20 or 21. Otherwise, use the following strategy: Soft 13, 14 and 15: Always hit. Free super jackpot party. Soft 16: Double down if the dealer shows a 6, except just hit if the 16 consists of four or more cards. Just hit against other up cards. Soft 17: Hit against 2, 3 and 7 or higher.
This makes Spanish 21 even more profitable for casino visitors than most other variations of blackjack. However how such rules may affect card counting? Does it make sense for counters to sit at the Spanish 21 table? Or is it better to play more traditional versions of blackjack?
The presence of bonus payouts for hands composed of sixes, sevens, and eights significantly increases the value of these cards in Spanish 21 compared to blackjack. On the other hand, it does not have valuable tens. Best free casino bonus no deposit. It may seem that such redistribution makes card counting inefficient or even useless. However such changes even contribute to card counting. For some reasons, which are discussed below, Spanish 21 is more profitable for card counters than blackjack.
Spanish 21 Blackjack Strategy
An ace seems to be the most beneficial card. Since there are no tens, it appears more often than in traditional blackjack (1/12 compared with 1/13).
In Spanish 21 it is allowed to re-split aces and hit more than one card after splitting aces, making an ace even more favorable for players.
Blackjack is paid 3:2 even if the dealer also has blackjack (due to higher values of aces).
Card counters make doubles more often than it is recommended by the basic strategy if the score reaches high levels. Since in Spanish 21 it is allowed to double on any number of cards and points, it is very profitable to players to count cards under favorable circumstances.
In both versions of blackjack players often receive two-card hands that after hitting may form twenty-one. The basic strategy recommends that it is necessary to stand on a 13-17 against a dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 and on a 12 if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6. When the score increases, the player virtually has no choice for his further action. Taking a look at the Spanish 21 optimal strategy, you can see that in this game there is a higher number of options. This fact is favorable to counters.
Many casinos don't treat Spanish 21 as a game suitable for card counting, so gamblers may easily operate with bets without being afraid of the fact that these establishments may suspect them in card counting. In other words, there is no need to hide their activities, which is obligatory for counters in traditional blackjack.
Spanish 21 Strategy Chart Printable
As you can see, Spanish 21 provides card counters with a much wider opportunity to check their skills and higher chances of winning. In addition, this game does not exclude the use of such alternative skills as shuffle tracking, sequencing , etc.