Spanish 21 Blackjack Casinos

Stefan Weber

6 min read

Spanish 21 is a popular version of blackjack with interesting advantages over the original. For example, you have more chances to split and to double down, a potential super bonus, possibly higher payouts on a 21-point hand, and the Match the Dealer side bet wrapped in.

Created by Masque Publishing Inc. and introduced to the general public in 1995, it can sometimes be found licensed under the Spanish 21 name. This would be the original version of the game in all it entails.

However, since the game is trademarked, you'll more often find versions that play on that name from other game providers - like Pirate 21 from Betsoft Gaming, Player's Edge 21, or simply Spanish Blackjack. In addition, Spanish 21 has some similarities to Pontoon.

Tip: While a game with relatively good odds, Spanish 21 and its many spinoffs are somewhat more complicated than a traditional blackjack game. As such, we highly recommend trying it in demo mode, and of course reading this Spanish 21 review, so you're better prepared to face the dealer.

Table of Contents

Best Casinos to play Pirate 21 aka Spanish 21 Blackjack 2024

1.		91/100 Read Review	$10,000+ 500 Free Spins	visit Lucky Dreams
2.		90/100 Read Review	$500	visit Stake
3.		90/100 Read Review	$1,500 + 500 Free Spins	visit Playzilla
4.		89/100 Read Review	$5,000+ 400 Free Spins	visit Just Casino
5.		88/100 Read Review	$2,500	visit Betandplay

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⏱The brands and bonuses above were last updated on 24. May, 2024. We test and check casinos regularly to provide up-to-date information. However, there may still be instances where there may be differences between a casino's newest offering and the listing on this site.

Spanish 21 Blackjack Basics

Spanish 21 is a truly extraordinary twist on classic blackjack. Played with either six or eight decks of cards, its main standout feature is that all of the 10 cards – that is those with the number 10 – are removed from play. This means that a single deck consists of 48 cards instead of the usual 52 cards.

While 10s are removed, the face cards - jack, queen, and king - remain and still have a 10-point value.

Once all players have taken a seat at the table, they are dealt two cards each. The dealer also receives two cards, the first is face up and therefore visible to all players, and the second, a hole card, is face down.

The goal of the game remains the same; trying to hit a natural blackjack, or build a hand of 21, without going over. If the dealer has an ace or face card showing, they'll check for a blackjack. If both you and the dealer have a blackjack, then you'll win cash rather than push. That's a significant advantage to this variant.

The starting point is 3:2 odds for blackjack. But payout increases significantly when your hand of 21 has more than 5 cards.

• Up to 5 cards = 3:2
• 6 cards = 2:1
• 7 or more cards = 3:1

In addition, a 21-value hand formed from cards 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of mixed suits pays 3:2; if they're all the same suit 2:1; and all spades 3:1. At 3:1, these extras double the standard blackjack payout.

If the dealer has no blackjack, the game proceeds. You can split your cards, including aces, into as many as four hands. You can also double down before or after splitting, which is another exciting twist of this game.

Once you're done, without going bust, the dealer will play out their hand, hitting on 16 and standing on 17 - though sometimes they'll also hit on a soft 17, depending on the exact version you're playing.

Paytable for Pirate 21 from BetsoftMoreLess

You can buy insurance as in traditional blackjack, but it pays out poorly with a house edge of 24.7%, so it's generally not recommended.

Most versions of Spanish Blackjack will allow you to surrender and get half your bet back if the dealer doesn't have a natural blackjack. You can even surrender after doubling down, aka a forfeit or double-down rescue. The dealer would take your original bet, while you recoup the double down portion to reduce your losses.

There's also the Super Bonus paid out on a suited 7-7-7 hand against the dealer in the amount of $1,000 up to $5,000, depending on how much you bet on the hand. Plus, $50 for other players at the table. This is however only possible if you haven't doubled-down or split your cards.

And finally, there's the Match the Dealer side bet. It pays out if one of your first two cards matches the dealer's up card. If it's a numerical match you'll be paid a certain sum, and more if it's a perfect match in suit and number.

The original Spanish 21 game from Masque GamingMoreLess

Rules and special features:

• Six to eight decks of cards.
• 10s are removed, leaving 48 cards per deck  .
• Dealer hits on 16, and stands on 17, sometimes with the exception of a soft 17.
• If you and the dealer both have 21, or a natural blackjack, you win, rather than a push.
• Basic payout for blackjack 3:2
• Payout increases for hands of 21 formed with five cards or more, or a 21 composed of 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of the same suit, or spades.
• Potential Super Bonus on a suited 7-7-7 hand pays $1,000 on bets up to $25, and $5,000 for bets over $25.
• Double down after split is allowed.
• Multiple splits, including aces, are also allowed.
• Late surrender is permitted, and you can surrender after doubling down.
• Extra payouts usually only pay out on base stake and not on doubles
• Match the Dealer side bet allows you to win extra cash.

Play Spanish 21 Online for Free

As attractive as Spanish 21 Blackjack is, the rules are just as complex. This can make it difficult to learn the appropriate basic strategy, or lean exclusively on your existing blackjack knowledge immediately.

That's why it's highly recommended that before playing with real money, you try it out first in a free online version of the game.

For your convenience, we've included the demo version of Pirate 21 from Betsoft right here, so you can get a feel for all the differences, and hone your skills before moving on to real money play. This way you'll better understand the special rules, and how they affect your hand, so you can improve your odds.

Pirate 21 Blackjack - Play in Demo Mode

By pressing on "Play", I understand that I will be shown content from Betsoft. Betsoft

Play Pirate 21 at Lucky Dreams

Spanish 21 vs Blackjack - How Is It different?

Spanish 21 is a relatively unusual version of blackjack because it differs significantly from the original. While we already touched on all the differences in covering the basics, we'll highlight them here so it's clear.

The biggest difference is that Spanish Blackjack is played with six to eight decks, in which all 10-cards have been removed. This difference alone completely changes the odds of the game, and what you'll be on the lookout for as you play.

Another big difference is that in this version you always win (not push) against the dealer if you tie on a 21-point hand.

Furthermore, in Spanish 21 doubling down is always permitted, even after a second or subsequent cards are dealt. And some casinos even let you redouble. Also, you can surrender after doubling down, which would allow you to recoup that extra bet, while the house takes your original wager.

The payout rate in Spanish 21 is also potentially higher, and definitely more dynamic. The basic payout begins at 3:2 for a natural blackjack through to a five-card 21 hand, then increases to 2:1 for a six-card 21, and 3:1 for a seven (plus) card 21 respectively.

In addition, there are bonus payouts for specially formed 21s. So if you get a 21-point hand from the combination 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 it pays at a rate of 3:2. However, if those cards are of the same suit it will jump to 2:1, and if that suit is spades 3:1!

Tip: These bonus payouts only apply to the base stake. That means, if you doubled down on your hand, that bonus concept is void, and "only" the basic rate is paid out on a winning hand.

Finally, there's the Match the Dealer side bet that doesn't exist in other blackjack games. Nice and simple, you're betting on whether one or both of your first two cards dealt will match the dealer's original up card. The precise odds depend on the number of decks being used, and whether it's a suited or non-suited match. But overall, the house edge on this side bet is between 2.99% and 3.63%, making it one of the lowest house edge side bets and the one with the best odds for you.

Spanish 21 Blackjack Strategy

The Spanish 21 basic strategy table - as in how to play any given hand based on the cards you've been dealt and what the dealer's showing - differs significantly from the one used in classic blackjack.

That's because there are a different number of cards in play, with the 10s taken out of the deck. In addition, the different doubling and splitting rules change how one looks at their hand and the outright options.

Here we focus on the Spanish 21 basic strategy when the dealer has to stand on a soft 17. This is generally the case, but take note that some casinos differ.

Spanish 21 Strategy Chart

	Dealer Up Card
Player hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	5	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	6	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	7	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	9	H	H	H	H	D4	H	H	H	H	H
	10	D5	D5	D	D	D	D4	D3	H	H	H
	11	D4	D5	D5	D5	D5	D4	D4	D4	D3	D3
	12	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	13	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	14	H	H	S4*	S5*	S6*	H	H	H	H	H
	15	S4*	S5*	S5**	S6	S6**	H	H	H	H	H
	16	S5	S6	S6	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	17	S	S	S	S	S	S	S6	S6	S6	X
	18	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	19	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	20	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

Legend: H = Hit, S = Stand, D = Double down, D 3, 4 and 5 = Double down, unless 3, 4, or 5 cards are in hand, S 4, 5, and 6 = Stand unless the corresponding number of cards is in hand, X = Surrender if possible, * = Stand unless 6-7-8 is possible, ** = Stand unless 6-7-8 of spades is possible

If your hand is a soft hand and pairs, it changes the basic strategy, similar to European blackjack.

	Dealer Up Card
Player hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	A,2	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	A,3	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	A,4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	A,5	H	H	H	H	D4	H	H	H	H	H
	A,6	H	H	D3	D4	D5	H	H	H	H	H
	A,7	S4	S4	D4	D5	D5	S4	S4	H	H	H
	A,8	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S6	S
	A,9	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S6	S
	A,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S6	S
	2,2	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H
	3,3	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H
	4,4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	5,5	D5	D5	D	D	D	D4	D3	H	H	H
	6,6	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H	H
	7,7	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp7	H	H	H	H
	8,8	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp
	9,9	S	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	S	Sp	Sp	S	S
	10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,A	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp

Legend: H = Hit, S = Stand, SP = Split, D = Double down, D 3, 4 and 5 = Double down, unless 3, 4, or 5 cards are in hand, S 4, 5, and 6 = Stand unless the corresponding number of cards is in hand, SP7 = Split, except for two sevens of the same suit, X = Surrender if possible

Spanish 21 Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Our number one Spanish Blackjack tip for you is to familiarize yourself first with the game. Even if you've been playing the blackjack tables for years, there's enough of a difference that it will take some getting used to.

After reading this Spanish 21 review, you're obviously better equipped. But as a tip, we again refer you to free Spanish 21 Blackjack play as your best bet for getting started. That way you can get a true feel for game play, including all the intricate details, at no risk.

It is also important to gain a good grasp of the Spanish 21 basic strategy, as we're dealing with an extremely complex variant of the game. Learning the appropriate moves is a little more time-consuming than, for example in European blackjack, but following such a chart can be well worth your while. Though keep in mind, even if you play your cards right, it's still gambling, so there are no guarantees.

As for side bets, in general we wouldn't recommend taking out insurance even if it's offered. The potential return isn't really worth the investment.

If however, you like a little side bet action, the Match the Dealer side bet this game offers is considered one of the best around. The odds are fairly good and the payout potentially lucrative. Just remember to keep your eye on your budget, both in regular and side game play.

More Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Spanish 21 Blackjack FAQs

1. Is Spanish 21 the same as European blackjack?
2. Are Spanish 21 and Pontoon the same game?
3. Where can I test Spanish 21 basic strategy?
4. Are Spanish 21 side bets recommended?
5. Which casinos offer Spanish 21 Blackjack?
6. Do I have to speak Spanish to play?

1. Is Spanish 21 the same as European blackjack?

Spanish 21 differs significantly from classic blackjack games, including the European and American versions.

The fact that it's played with all 10s removed for 48-card decks instead of 52-card decks significantly changes the game. There are also important modifications in terms of doubling down, surrendering, and payouts.

The basic play however remains much the same, with the goal of forming a 21-hand. So there is plenty of overlap to make it easy to learn, and enough distinctions to make Spanish 21 an interesting alternative to classic blackjack games. And the Match the Dealer side bet adds an extra layer of fun.

2. Are Spanish 21 and Pontoon the same game?

This is complicated. Australian Pontoon uses a 48 card decks with the 10s removed, just like in Spanish 21. But there are also Pontoon games that use 52 card decks.

But they are not the same game with other differences in their rules. This is especially true with online Pontoon, which might have only a few similarities with Spanish 21.

So if you're after Spanish 21, then look for games exactly so named, or similar spins like Pirate 21 or Spanish Blackjack.

3. Where can I test Spanish 21 basic strategy?

While reading our tips and tricks is useful, the only real way to improve is through play.

That's why one of the best ways to test the Spanish 21 Blackjack strategies we've shared, or any you've found or devised for yourself, is to play the free demo version of Spanish 21, right here on the Blackjack.Guide website.

It shouldn't take you too long to get the hang of it. And once you feel comfortable, you can easily move on to real money gambling at any of our recommended blackjack casinos.

4. Are Spanish 21 side bets recommended?

In general, side bets don't have the best odds. Such as the insurance option in Spanish Blackjack, which isn't recommended.

But other side bets available in other games, like Perfect Pairs and 21+3, are an easy way to increase the excitement of the game, even if they don't increase winning potential.

The same can be said of the Spanish 21 side bet, known as Match the Dealer. It's a zero-thought bet on whether one or both of your first two cards will match that of the dealer's first face up card. It's pure luck and a fun little add on. And if you're right, quite lucrative. Plus, relative to other side bets it has a lowish house edge, making it one of the better ones to play.

5. Which casinos offer Spanish 21 Blackjack?

If you're looking to play Spanish 21 at a local casino, you'll have plenty of options. Not all brick-and-mortar casinos offer it, but plenty do, especially in the US, and even internationally. The best way to find out when entering a casino is to simply ask. Or even get in touch with the concierge in advance to find out.

It's even easier online with many top operators offering this popular version of the game. You can always look in the casino lobby or use the onsite search bar to help you zero in.

6. Do I have to speak Spanish to play?

You do not need to speak Spanish in order to play. The connection to Spain is only the deck of cards. That is, a Spanish deck traditionally had no tens, among a few other things. The Spanish part of the name has nothing to do with the game's origins, since it was actually developed in the United States.

At the casino, the dealers will speak English, and the local language depending on where you are. This will be the same online, with English being the default, and depending on the version, possibly localized into popular languages like German, Spanish, and French.

Spanish 21 Blackjack Summary

As blackjack pros, we don't make recommendations lightly. But there is no denying that Spanish 21 is a unique, fun, and potentially profitable spin on the original blackjack game, which we absolutely love.

It has just enough overlap and deviations from a classic blackjack game to keep things both familiar and interesting - which in our opinion is a perfect recipe for success. This is true for players of all levels, but will be especially true for those looking to try something new.

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Spanish 21 Blackjack was tested and reviewed by Stefan Weber

I'm lucky enough to have found both my job and my calling on the internet. As the online marketing manager for a major sportsbook, I began in the online gambling business over a decade ago. The business has been good to me and I love the dynamics of the industry. A blackjack enthusiast myself, I try to provide articles that combine practicalities with the strategic elegance of the game in a way that both rookies and experienced players can appreciate. And when I can, I like to spend my free time on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.