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If you are fond of table games with strategies and a low house edge, then the blackjack version known as Spanish Blackjack is certainly one to try out. In this guide, we explain how Spanish Blackjack works, outline key winning hands and payouts, and highlight the top casinos online where you can play Spanish 21.
Spanish Blackjack
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As with standard blackjack, the goal of Spanish Blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. The key difference is the deck composition, which changes strategy and rules. Also known as Spanish 21, the game with a 99.4%-99.6% RTP is played with six or eight 48-card Spanish decks, where all 10s are removed. The dealer hits on soft 17. Players can double down on any number of cards, including after splitting, and may split pairs up to three times, creating four hands. The game features multiple bonus payouts, such as higher rewards for 5-card, 6-card, or 7+ card 21s. Late surrender is allowed, returning half the bet. Ties result in a push, except for player blackjacks, which always win against the dealer's blackjack.
Player-friendly rules like late surrender and doubling after splitting
Bonus payouts for 5-, 6-, and 7+ card 21s
Automatic player wins on 21, even vs dealer 21
High 99.6% RTP
Removing all 10s makes it harder to hit natural 21s
Harder to master due to bonus payouts and rule exceptions
Spanish Blackjack plays differently from standard blackjack, so common habits can lead to mistakes. Knowing what to avoid helps lower the house advantage and improves overall play:
The game’s exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in casinos in the United States. The primary distinguishing feature of Spanish Blackjack is the removal of all the 10-value cards from the deck. This alteration was introduced to create a new and exciting variation of the traditional blackjack game, offering players a different set of rules and strategies.
The game gained popularity in the 1990s, particularly in land-based casinos in the United States and Canada. The name ‘Spanish 21’ was coined due to the game’s popularity among Hispanic players in the United States. The name ‘Spanish’ refers to the Spanish deck, which lacks the 10-value cards.
Please note that Spanish Blackjack real-money rules can vary slightly depending on the specific casino or platform where the game is played. Spanish Blackjack is typically played with a standard deck of 52 cards, but all the 10s are removed. This means that each deck consists of only 48 cards. The card values remain the same as in traditional blackjack. Numbered cards from two to nine are worth their face-up value, any face card (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) is worth ten, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on the player’s preference. The objective of Spanish Blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 without exceeding it. Players can Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, Re-split, and Surrender. In some cases, you’ll find the Insurance option, but this is an exception rather than the rule.
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 online gambling game better and avoid common mistakes. This way, you can place bets after a quality analysis.
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.
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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.
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.
| 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. |
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| 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). |
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.
In fact, Spanish Blackjack is already an extra variation of the blackjack game. However, in addition to this, customers can find a selection of other Spanish Blackjack variations available for users in Canada.
| Super Bonus | This blackjack variation offers an additional payout for specific hands. For example, if a player has a suited 7-7-7 and the dealer’s up-card is also a seven, then a super bonus payout is awarded. |
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| Match the Dealer | In this variation, players can place a side bet on whether one or both of their initial cards will match the dealer’s upcard in rank or suit. Matching cards can result in bonus payouts. |
| Free Bet Blackjack | While not exclusive to Spanish Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack is sometimes played with Spanish 21 rules. In this variation, players are offered free double-downs on certain hands and free splits on pairs, with the casino covering the additional bets. |
| Pontoon | Although not strictly a Spanish Blackjack variation, Pontoon shares some similarities. Pontoon is a British version of blackjack that also removes the 10-value cards from the deck and uses its own set of rules and terminology. |
Though this game entered the Canadian market from the land-based gambling halls of foreign countries, Spanish Blackjack online is now extremely popular and available at top CA online casinos. Of course, you can experience some differences, like the absence of an opportunity to apply the card-counter strategy. Even so, a lot of factors still make online gameplay attractive:
Canadians don’t need to Google to find decent sites. On this page, you can easily find lists of the best online casino sites in Canada, including their promotions, like match offers and free spins (amount and conditions), as well as information about the available casino games and their features, the company which owns the casino, ways to make deposits, world gambling news, and lots of other details.
Spanish Blackjack, also known as Spanish 21, is a popular variation of the traditional blackjack game. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, but with the removal of all the 10-value cards. This means that the game is played with only 48 cards. To understand Blackjack Spanish 21 a bit more, you can use these statistical details that highlight the RTP, house edge, average bets, and other key aspects connected with numbers and payouts:
Spanish Blackjack is a variant of the classic casino game that is played with 8 decks of 48 cards. The game is played with the traditional rules of Blackjack, but with some additions that make it unique. The absence of tens makes the gameplay quite unusual since it’s harder to get a blackjack when you have only cards giving 11 points (Jack, Queen, King, Ace), while the 10 points for your 21 should be formed of other cards, and you shouldn’t go bust by collecting them. This is why Spanish 21 Blackjack is quite challenging yet popular among Canadians, and our CasinoCanada team will give you helpful tips regarding the gameplay and top Spanish Blackjack casinos!
What is the object of the Spanish Blackjack game?
Basically, the rules are quite standard since your main goal is to get 21 or close to it without overcoming this limit, but you will play without tens.
How is the Spanish Blackjack game played?
Initially, it’s a standard blackjack game you play with a dealer (or an RNG machine). The only difference is that the game is played without tens.
What is the house edge in Spanish Blackjack?
Spanish Blackjack has a house edge of 0.37%, making it one of the best Blackjack variants for players.
How many decks of cards are used in Spanish Blackjack?
This blackjack variation is played with 8 decks of 48 cards. Interestingly, tens are removed from all these decks.
Can the player surrender in Spanish Blackjack?
Yes, if the dealer does not get a blackjack and the dealer’s second card has not yet been revealed, players may surrender.
How much does it cost to play Spanish blackjack?
If you find a demo version, you can even play for free. In the event of real-money games, you can find games with low stakes of even C$0.10 per round.
How is Spanish Blackjack different from regular blackjack?
While all the basic aspects and rules are the same, the main difference is the absence of tens in the decks, which makes the process of forming a blackjack hand challenging.
What are some strategy tips for Spanish Blackjack?
Canadians can follow the basic strategy and use a special chart for this, play responsibly, and apply betting systems to manage their bankroll.
Is it legal to play Spanish Blackjack in Canada?
Yes. Canadian players can play Spanish Blackjack at legitimate online casinos.
What is the best strategy for Spanish Blackjack?
Use a strategy chart designed specifically for Spanish Blackjack. Standard blackjack strategy does not apply because all 10s are removed, and bonus payouts change optimal decisions.
Where can I play Spanish Blackjack for free?
Many Canadian online casinos offer free demo versions of Spanish Blackjack so you can practice. Check our list of licensed online casinos above, all of which offer Spanish 21 for free.
What are the best casinos for Spanish Blackjack?
The best online gaming platforms for Spanish Blackjack include Fastpay Casino, Paripesa Casino, Weiss Casino, and Lanista Casino.
Can I play Spanish Blackjack on mobile?
Yes. Spanish Blackjack is widely available on mobile through HTML5-based platforms and casino apps for iOS and Android.