Spanish 21 Blackjack

Spanish 21 is a variation of Blackjack. If you are looking for a change of pace from the traditional game then Spanish 21 is the Blackjack game for you. Spanish 21 is more fun than Blackjack and is great as in it the dealer stands on a soft 17 or redoubling is allowed.

Spanish 21 Rules

Spanish 21, unlike regular Blackjack, uses six or eight Spanish decks. Spanish decks are standard 52-card decks, without the four tens (totaling 48 cards). The removal of these cards from the deck moves the odds in favor of the dealer. To make up for this, Spanish 21 offers the player a host of bonuses and favorable rules. Spanish 21 rules are based on 6-8 deck Blackjack rules, including late surrender, double after split, and ace re-splitting. In addition, Spanish 21 features the following improvements:

1. Player Blackjack beats dealer Blackjack.
2. A player 21 always wins.
3. Player may hit and double down after splitting aces.
4. Player may double on any number of cards.
5. Player may surrender half of total bet after doubling down (known as "double down rescue.")
6. A mixed-suit 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 pays 3:2, of the same suit pays 2:1, and of spades pays 3:1.
7. Suited 7-7-7 when the dealer has a seven face up pays $1000 for bets of $5-$24 and $5000 for bets of $25 or over. In addition, all other players receive a $50 "envy bonus." This rule does not apply after splitting.
8. A five-card 21 pays 3:2, a six-card 21 pays 2:1, and a seven or more card 21 pays 3:1.

   Blackjack History notes that Spanish 21 resulted due to a huge groundswell of support for the game. There were ideas at once stage to introduce Italian 21 and Chinese 21 but these didn’t happen. Spanish 21 has a cult following and is a great game. It is very popular among the young people staying in Ibiza. For more Spanish 21 information go to the library.

Notes:

• Usually 6-8 Spanish decks are used.
• Dealer usually hits a soft 17.
• All 21 bonus hands do not count if the result of doubling.
• Some casinos allow redoubling, up to three times.