Spanish 21 is a game that is very similar to blackjack. The primary difference is that all of the 10s are removed. It is typically played with six or eight 48-card decks. While removing 10-value cards is disadvantageous to players, the numerous bonuses compensate. Playing Spanish 21 can be fun for players who need a break from the stricter rules imposed in blackjack by casinos.
As with any casino game of skill, you should not place bets with real money until you have learned how to play. But if you happen across a game of Spanish 21 and just want to try it out, it is best to treat it like a game of blackjack that is missing its 10s. Your betting patterns should stay about the same as in blackjack. While it may seem at first as if you are at a major disadvantage because of the lack of 10s, the more liberal rules compensate.
Examples of Spanish 21’s more liberal rules include unlimited hitting after splitting Aces, doubling after splitting, always being paid a 3:2 blackjack for natural blackjacks even if the dealer also has one, surrendering after doubling, always winning with a total of 21 regardless of the dealer’s hand, and certain suited bonuses. For instance, a five-card 21 counts as a blackjack, and some three-card 21 combinations also pay out as blackjacks. There is also a big bonus for suited triplets of 7s against a dealer’s 7 upcard.
When playing Spanish 21, it is important to remember that it takes more hits on average for everyone to bust. So while you might have stayed with a 13 vs. a 3 upcard in blackjack, you will hit in Spanish 21. This also means that you may want to be more conservative when doubling against the dealer’s 5s and 6s.