I Love Casinos: Game

Spanish 21 is an exciting, fast-paced version of regular Blackjack (21). It’s played with a deck consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Jack, Queen, King, & Ace...no 10 ’s! This changes the odds of certain combinations, and therefore requires that you throw out the 'basic strategy' most blackjack players utilize to maximize success.

While basic Blackjack rules apply, it’s the Match Play, Bonuses, Super Bonus and Late Surrender rules that make this game a casino favourite.

Understand the special rules that are to a player's advantage in Spanish 21. Unlike in regular blackjack, you are allowed to split aces and receive more than one card on each. You also have the option to 'take back' half of your wager if the double-down card you receive displeases you. Taking advantage of these differences can help you stay ahead of the house edge.

Learn the special bonus payouts that Spanish 21 offers. You are supposed to receive better than 1-1 odds on certain winning combinations, like a 5-card 21, having a 6-7-8, or three 7's. Because dealers may not deal this game with any regularity, it behooves you to notice when these extra payments are due to come your way, just in case an inexperienced dealer forgets to make them.

Ignore the circle on the table signifying a side bet called 'Match the Dealer.' This is a sucker bet that pays you 3-1 if you get the same numerical value as the dealer's upcard. It also pays out 12-1 if either of your two cards matches the dealer's upcard in both number and suit. Even if you do happen to win this bet, the true payout should be so much greater that you're actually losing money even if you hit this extra wager.

The player may double down on any total, even after taking hit cards.
In some casinos, players may double double down, or redouble up to two times after doubling down. For example: The player bets one unit and is dealt 2-3, giving a hand total of 5; the dealer is showing a 6. The player doubles the first time and draws a 3. The hand total is now 8 and the total amount wagered is two units. The player doubles a second time and draws a 3. The hand total is now 11 and the total amount wagered is four units. When the player doubles a third time on 11, the total amount wagered will be eight units. Redoubling is a profoundly player-advantageous rule, when optimally executed. The house edge for 6-deck H17 without redoubling is 0.78%, and with redoubling is 0.42%. The double double down rule is not offered in S17 games.
There are a few additional rule variations associated with the double double down rule. Many casinos will not permit players to double down for less than their original wager. In cases where double down for less is permitted, the player forfeits the option to redouble. Most casinos cap the double down wagers to the posted table maximum bet. For example, the table maximum is $100; the player makes an initial wager of $75; then, the player doubles down by wagering another $75 (for a total bet of $150). If the player wishes to double down a second time, they may only wager an additional $100 rather than the full $150 because of the cap. There are a few casinos which will not permit the player to redouble if the proper size of the redouble wager exceeds the table maximum bet.