Spanish Blackjack rules are quite simple, while the game’s potential is massive due to the low house edge. However, articles with strategies for blackjack games can give people playing in Canada an additional advantage since it’s an opportunity to both understand the game better and avoid common mistakes. This way, you can place bets after a quality analysis.
💵 Spanish Blackjack Betting Systems
Betting systems are strategies or approaches that players use to manage their bets and potentially minimize their losses. We should note that no betting system guarantees consistent winnings. These systems aren’t based on game knowledge, so you can use them only to make your bets systematic.
Spanish Blackjack Betting Systems
| Martingale |
The basic idea of the Martingale system is to double the bet after each loss, with the goal of eventually recovering previous losses and making a profit when a win occurs. |
| Paroli |
The Paroli system is a positive progression betting system where players increase their bet after a win. |
| Oscar’s Grind |
Oscar’s Grind is a betting system that aims for small, consistent wins where the player increases their bet by one unit after each win and keeps the bet the same after a loss. |
| 1-3-2-6 system |
As for the 1-3-2-6 system, the player starts with a one-unit bet and increases the bet size after each win, following the sequence 1-3-2-6. |
🃏 Spanish Blackjack Card Counting
In Spanish Blackjack, card counting follows the same principles as traditional blackjack. However, since Spanish Blackjack uses a deck without the 10s, the card counting system needs to be adjusted accordingly. Typically, card counters assign point values to the cards as follows: Numbered cards (2 to 9) +1, Face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) 0, and Aces -1.
The card counting system used in Spanish Blackjack is often referred to as the ‘Unbalanced Zen Count’ or the ‘Spanish 21 Zen Count’. This unbalanced system does not require a conversion to the ‘true count’ (running count divided by the number of remaining decks), as the number of decks used is already known (typically one or six). However, we should warn you that the online version doesn’t allow Canadians to apply this strategy because the dealer uses a continuous shuffling machine for cards.
🎲 Spanish Blackjack Side Bets
This variation is extremely friendly to side bets that players can place alongside the main game. These bets provide an opportunity for CA players to wager on specific outcomes or combinations of cards, separate from the regular blackjack hand.
Spanish Blackjack Side Bets
| Match the Dealer |
Match the Dealer is a side bet where players wager on whether one or both of their initial cards will match the dealer’s upcard in rank or suit. Matches can result in bonus payouts. |
| 21+3 |
21+3 is a side bet that combines the player’s two initial cards with the dealer’s up-card to form a three-card poker hand (poker hand values, such as a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind). |
| Perfect Pairs |
The Perfect Pairs side bet allows players to wager on whether their initial two cards will be a pair, which is based on the type of pair formed (e.g. Perfect Pair with the same rank and suit). |
📊 Spanish Blackjack Odds
The odds in Spanish Blackjack are still in favour of the casino due to the removal of the 10s from the deck. The specific house edge and odds can vary depending on the rules and payout structures. In general, it’s considered that the house edge is as low as 0.37%, which looks very attractive, especially for players looking for simple table games with enough space for side bets.
The strategy employed by the player can also impact the odds. Using optimal basic strategy, which is a mathematically calculated approach to playing each hand, can help minimize the house edge and improve the player’s chances of winning. Employing effective strategy decisions can maximize the value of the Canadian player’s hands and minimize potential losses.
