Spanish 21 - Spanish Blackjack
How To Play Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a variation of the popular game, blackjack.
This game is owned
by the gaming publishing company, Masque
Publishing, Inc. Even though the name is different, Spanish
blackjack is the same thing as Spanish 21. Additionally, other
countries play a game known as Pontoon, which features similar
rules.
Spanish 21 Playing Table
In most cases, Spanish 21 is played on a regular blackjack table;
the same kind that you see anytime you are walking through a casino.
Even though this game has some similarities to standard blackjack,
there are some noticeable differences that set Spanish 21 apart from
this game.
The game of Spanish 21 can be played with four, five, six, or eight
decks. This all depends on the type of dealing and shuffling methods
used at the casino. Unlike standard blackjack, a game of Spanish 21
only uses a 48 card deck. The only difference between this deck and
a standard 52 card deck is that the four 10's are removed.
With Spanish 21, getting blackjack or 21 pays at a rate of 3:2. No
matter what the dealer has in his or her hand, a score of 21 will
ensure that you win. Additionally, just like standard blackjack,
insurance is paid at 2:1.
After the first two cards are dealt, the dealer will look to see if
they have an ace or face card showing. If so, they will then proceed
to look under it to see the value of the other card. If the dealer
has blackjack, the hand ends right there with all players losing.
With the removal of the four 10's, leaving only 48 cards, the house
advantage is approximately 2 percent. Although this does not
guarantee a win, it is far from being the largest house advantage
that you will come across.
Spanish 21 Game Variations
Finally, keep in mind that not all casinos play Spanish 21 the same
way. For instance, in some casinos the dealer will stand on soft 17
whereas in others he will hit soft 17. Obviously, this will change
the outcome of the hand in many cases.
As you can see, Spanish 21 is similar to standard blackjack. The
table is the same, and most of the rules are very close if not
identical. As long as you are aware of the subtle variations, you
will have no problem quickly catching onto Spanish 21.