Lowomg

• Free Online Blackjack No Download

Spanish 21 Blackjack Game – Rules, Review & Strategy. This is a blackjack variation that got its name because it is played with six or eight Spanish decks – a regular 52 card deck from which the four tens cards are taken out. Spanish Blackjack is offered at online casinos such as BlackjackBallroom.com.The best Microgaming casinos like JackpotParadise.com also offer several versions of Spanish 21 to play. Other casinos offer a similar game called Match Play 21. Spanish Blackjack Instructions.

Spanish 21, also known as Pontoon, is a unique variation of blackjack. It shares the same objective as traditional blackjack, to beat the dealer without exceeding 21 points. However, that’s where the similarities end.

The biggest difference between Spanish 21 and blackjack is that, in Spanish 21, all the 10-point cards are removed, leaving only the face cards. This increases the house edge by 2%. That’s not all, though. Spanish 21 is also played with 6 or 8 decks.

Players aren’t totally screwed though. Player blackjacks beat the dealer’s blackjacks, whereas before it was a push. 21 point hands win (every time), too. Players are also able to double down after splitting, split up to 3 times to make 4 separate hands and late surrender whenever they want, even after doubling down.

Ultimately, the player options even out the edge created by the casino using multiple decks and removing the 10-point cards. According to the Wizard of Odds, the house edge will be between .40% and .76%, depending on the casinos’ rules and whether or not you use optimal strategy.

So all in all, Spanish 21 is a unique and exciting blackjack variation. You still get to have a lot of fun, all the while keeping the house edge (and your losses) to a minimum.

The following lists are the rules and payouts for Spanish 21.

• Players can double down after they hit.
• Players can split up to 3 times, making 4 playable hands. This includes aces.
• Players can double down on split aces.
• Players can double down after splitting.
• Players can late surrender anytime. This includes after doubling down, which is also known as 'double down rescue.' The player forfeits an amount equal to his original bet.
• Players blackjack will beat the dealer’s blackjack.
• Players 21 point hands always wins.
• Players can take insurance at 2:1 odds.

Dealer Rules

• Dealers use 6 or 8 decks.
• Dealer may hit or stand on soft 17.

Payouts

• 5-card 21 pays 3:2
• 6-card 21 pays 2:1
• 7-card+ 21 pays 3:1

None of these bonuses are paid if the player doubles down.

A hand of 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 pays:

• Mixed suit pays 3:2
• Same suit pays 2:1
• Spades pays 3:1

These bonuses are not (usually) paid after doubling or splitting.

A hand of: 7-7-7 pays…

• $1000 for bets of $5-$24
• $5000 for bets over $25

… when the dealer has a 7 face up. The other players receive a $50 envy bonus, too. This has a probability of 1 in every 668,382 hands in a 6-deck game, and 1 in 549,188 with 8-decks.

Spanish 21 Side Bets

Match the Dealer – A side bet that one or both of the player’s cards will match the dealer’s up card. In a 6-deck game a non-suited match will pay 4:1, suited match pays 9:1. In an 8-deck game a non suited match pays 3:1 and suited 12:1.

Learn How To Play Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack found at casinos across the globe and online. The game is owned by Maque Publishing. A variation of 'Spanish 21' called Pontoon is available in Australia and Malaysia, but this version of Spanish 21 has significant rules differences from both regular blackjack and from Spanish 21. The goal of this article is to explain the differences between Spanish 21 and regular blackjack, so that you can learn how to play Spanish 21.

The Deck In Spanish 21

The biggest difference between Spanish 21 and standard blackjack is the deck. While most blackjack-style games still use a 52-card deck, Spanish 21 uses a 48-card deck (the four tens are removed). While taking out the tens gives an advantage to the house, numerous other rules are in place to benefit the player. In fact, when properly played, Spanish 21 can offer some of the best odds at the casino.

In Spanish 21, cards have the same value as in traditional blackjack. An ace counts as 1 or 11. Cards 2 through 9 are scored at face value. Face cards are worth 10 points. The big difference with regular blackjack is that there are no tens in Spanish 21.

Spanish 21 Bonus Payouts

One of the biggest advantages enjoyed by Spanish 21 players is the fact that a player 21 always wins. In other words, a player blackjack always beats a dealer blackjack. Spanish 21 also offers bonus payouts as follows:

• A five card 21 pays out at 3:2.
• A six card 21 pays out at 2:1.
• A seven card 21 pays out at 3:1.
• A 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 pays 3:2.
• If these cards are of the same suit, then they pay out at 2:1.
• If they are comprised only of spades, then they pay out at 3:1.
• If the player gets a suited 7-7-7 when the dealer has a seven card face up, he receives $1000 for bets ranging from $5 to $24 and $5000 for bets over $25. All other players will also get a $50 'envy bonus.'
• Any and all of hese bonuses are cancelled out if the player doubles down.

While the bonus for the suited 777 when the dealer has a 7 face up sounds generous, keep in mind that the odds of winning one are 1 in 3.2 million when playing Spanish 21 with 8 decks.

Doubling Down and Splitting in Spanish 21

Spanish 21 players are allowed to double down on any number of cards. In most casinos, players may also hit and double down after splitting aces. After doubling down, a player may also surrender by giving up his original bet. This is known as 'double down rescue.'

Even though Spanish 21 players are allowed to double down on any number of cards, you will probably double down less often than that because of the lack of tens in the deck. This may also lead to players hitting where they might stand in traditional blackjack.

If the dealer stands on a soft 17, the house edge on Spanish 21 is only 0.40%. If the dealer hits on a soft 17 with redoubling allowed, the house edge is 0.42%. If the dealer hits on a soft 17 with redoubling not allowed, the house edge rises to 0.76%. These house edges assume perfect strategic play.

Free Online Blackjack No Download