In other variants the game may be called Spanish blackjack. Very similar to Spanish 21 is Pontoon, which is common in some countries, but significant differences in the rules do not allow them to be considered the same game.
Spanish 21 uses six or eight Spanish decks of forty-eight cards without the four tens. This increases the percentage of the casino’s mathematical advantage, but liberal rules and an abundance of bonus payouts balance the balance of power.
Moreover, in some cases this game is even more profitable for the player than classic blackjack. The game can be played at any blackjack table and using the same technical means.
Card denominations
The card denominations in Spanish 21 are similar to those accepted in traditional blackjack:
- Ace is one or eleven,
- The cards are ten,
- Other cards are by their numerical designation.
- The dealer counts the points during the game.
Number of players
The maximum number of players is determined by the number of boxes on the playing table, although they can bet together on the same hand, not exceeding the maximum set for that table.
The course of the game in Spanish 21
After all players have placed their bets, the dealer deals cards according to blackjack principles. He puts himself two cards, opening one of them. If that card is an ace, or its value is ten points, the dealer checks the closed card to see if he has blackjack. If he does have blackjack, all players’ bets (except the blackjack boxes) are lost immediately. Players draw cards for themselves if they wish.
If a player forms a blackjack, that hand is immediately paid. When all players have made their final decisions, the dealer reveals his second card and, if necessary, makes an extra card until he has seventeen or more points. On a “soft” seventeen, he usually stops drawing cards as well. If the dealer’s cards form more than twenty-one points, he loses, and all hands are paid. In other cases, there is a comparison of the dealer’s cards and the players’ cards.
Twenty-one points from the player always wins against the same amount of points from the dealer. If blackjack is formed in the player and the dealer, the player always wins.
- The winning hands are paid at a ratio of 1:1,
- Blackjack is paid 3:2.
There are also special payouts for certain card combinations.
Bonus payouts in Spanish 21
Provided the following increased odds by which the payout for special combinations of cards:
- Five cards of value 21 pays 3:2.
- 6, 7, 8 different suits – paid 3:2.
- 7, 7, 7 of different suit – it pays 3:2.
- Six cards of value 21 pays 2:1.
- 6, 7, 8 of one suit (except spades) – pays 2:1.
- 7, 7, 7 of one suit (except spades) – pays 2:1.
- Seven or more cards of 21 are paid 3:1.
- 6, 7, 8 spades – paid 3:1.
- 7, 7, 7 spades – paid 3:1.
In some casinos, there is also a “super bonus,” which amounts to one thousand dollars for bets under twenty-five dollars and five thousand dollars for bets of twenty-five dollars and above. It is paid for three sevens of the same suit from the player against the dealer’s seven. Interestingly, in this situation, the other players at the table receive a payout of fifty dollars.
Bonus payouts are even valid on boxes that have been formed as a result of a split. However, they are not paid out after doubling the bet or splitting the cards.
Additional rules
Players are also offered additional rules typical of most varieties of blackjack, but with their own peculiarities.
- Split (Split) – you can make up to four times on the box. There are no additional restrictions on split aces. Twenty-one points from two cards resulting from a split does not count as blackjack.
- Double – can be made on any number of points and cards. A double is also allowed after a split, including ace splits.
- Surrender – can be made on any player’s cards and on any dealer’s open card if the dealer doesn’t have a Blackjack. It is also possible to refuse to continue the game after a Double. In this case, the dealer takes the original bet, and the player is left chips that he delivered when doubling.
- Insurance – Insurance is paid in the amount of 2:1.
Other options are also possible, so check the rules directly at the gaming table.