Spanish Blackjack. One of the most popular Blackjack variants, Spanish 21, has found its way to the online market, becoming a part of Microgaming's regular and Gold series blackjack editions. Played with eight decks without 10 denomination cards, the game offers an additional paytable with higher potential payouts on specific hand combinations. As one might expect, Spanish 21 uses the Spanish deck, which is simply a normal deck with all of the tens removed. There are several rule variations for this game, especially as it is a popular game played in brick-and-mortar casinos all over the U.S.A., so it is important to understand what the house rules are and how they may affect the house edge. Spanish 21 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,. Spanish 21 Spanish 21. Spanish 21 is a form of blackjack at online casino sites where players will play with decks that don’t have the 10 card. That is, there are only 48 cards in each deck. This means that the dealer has slightly better odds at the start. Study Spanish for free with our bilingual OnLine Lessons, Learn Spanish with our free online tutorial with audio, cultural notes, grammar, vocabulary, verbs drills, games, worksheets and links to helpful sites. Learning Spanish with OnlineFreeSpanish is entirely free.
Spanish 21, or as our friends down under like to call it – Pontoon; is a version of Blackjack that is not only fun to play, but one of the best bets in a casino. If you are lucky enough to find the game that is. Spanish Blackjack isn’t spread as often as other Blackjack games due to the low house edge. As a rule of thumb, if you have the option to play Spanish 21, play it!
Spanish 21 is kind of like taking the best parts of every Blackjack version and creating a new Blackjack version around them. Most Blackjack games will have some good and bad. All the bad things like not being able to re-split Aces, are designed to give the house a higher edge. However, you can find just about all of the “Good” that is found in other versions.
Content
Free Games
Rules
Bonus Payouts
Online Games House Edge Comparison
Spanish Blackjack Tips
Rules
Bonus Payouts
Online Games House Edge Comparison
Spanish Blackjack Tips
Free Spanish 21 Blackjack
Where to Play for Real Cash
Casino | Bonus | Why it’s here | Best Game |
---|---|---|---|
100% up to $1000 | Best for USA and AUS casino | Single Deck – 0.08% house edge | |
100% up to £/$/€ 100 | Best for UK, Canada and EU | Classic Blackjack – 0.21% house edge | |
150% up to $1500 | Highest USA Blackjack Bonus | N/A |
Spanish 21 Rules
The main difference with this version is absence of all the 10’s. There are still Jacks, Kings and Queens; but the literal 10 cards are removed from the deck. A standard shoe consists of 6 to 8 decks with 48 cards in each deck.
![Spanish 21 online, free game download Spanish 21 online, free game download](https://www.casinoreviews.co.uk/pictures/blackjack/spanish-21-gameplay.jpg)
Double Down
As per standard Blackjack games, players can double down on their first 2 cards. However, Spanish 21 lets you double down on many occasions. You can double after a split. You can also double down after each hit if you prefer. Finally, there’s the option to double after splitting Aces. After doubling down you will receive only one additional card. Then you can either stand or surrender – double down rescue.
Splitting
You can split any two hands with similar value. You can also split and re-split Aces. The possible number of splits vary between the games, but usually it’s up to 3 hands.
Late Surrender
Spanish 21 also allows players to use the late surrender when a dealer shows a 10 or Ace.
21 and Blackjack
Spanish 21 has a unique way of rewarding 21’s and Blackjacks. The most lucrative is the fact that the dealer cannot tie when the player has 21 or Blackjack. All player 21’s and Blackjacks beat the dealers 21 and Blackjacks.
Not only do you always win with 21, it also pays off if you make 21 a certain way.
- 5 card 21 pays 3-2
- 6 cards pays 2-1
- 7 or more pays 3-1
Dealt Blackjacks pay the traditional 3-2. While all other 21’s are paid even money.
Bonuses
Spanish blackjack has a few other tricks up its sleeve. These tricks, or treats if you will, come in the form of bonus payouts for getting certain card combinations.
![Aol spanish 21 masque publishing Aol spanish 21 masque publishing](https://www.spinzwin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/spanish-21.jpg)
- 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of different suits pays 3-2
- 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of the same suit pays 2-1
- 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of all spades pays 3-1
- 7-7-7 of the same suit when the dealer shows a 7 pay 50:1.
Most of these bonuses do not pay if you have split or doubled.
Online Games Rules & House Edge Comparison
You will find deviations of Spanish Blackjacks that will alter the house edge, but most casinos will use the same rules. The edge using the standard rules is 0.40%
Microgaming:
8 decks
You can split 3 times.
You can re-double once and receive additional card.
No US players
Odds: 99.58%
Where to play: Jackpot City Casino
Games OS:
8 decks.
Standard rules
No US players
Odds: 99.24%
Where to play: Guts Casino
BetSoft:
6 decks.
No Surrender available
Suited 7s with dealer’s 7 pay $1000 for $5 – $24 bets. $5000 for higher bets.
Spanish 21 Free Online
Additional Match the Dealer side bet.
USA friendly
Free no deposit. Odds: 99.30%
Where to play: Ignition Casino
RTG:
The number of decks is not disclosed.
Standard Rules
Suited 7s with dealers 7 pay 40:1.
USA friendly
Odds: 99.22%
Where to play: Vegas Casino Online
Aol Spanish 21 Masque Publishing
Spanish Blackjack Tips
The main strategy is to utilize the choice to double down at any time. Use this always when you have a total of 11, regardless of what the dealer shows. You also want to take advantage of the option to split Aces.
Avoid trying to hit the bonus payouts, such as going for a 5 card 21 and so on. Doing so will deviate from an optimal strategy; and the payoff when you do win the bonus will not compensate for the loss of statistical advantages.
Overall, Spanish 21 is a fun game to play and has a low house edge. So, if you’re looking for a new way to play blackjack, Spanish 21 could be your answer.