How to Play Spanish 21 Blackjack

Spanish 21 blackjack is an interesting blackjack variant to play, especially if you like playing blackjack but want to try something a little different. At first glance it appears like the rules favor the dealer, but there are many playing options and bonus money that even the odds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money
• Several decks of cards

Play Spanish 21 Blackjack

1. Remove all of the 10s from each deck that you will be dealing from. The face cards remain in play so that each deck has 48 cards.

2. Decide how much to bet. Place the bet down on the table in the area designated for bets. It is usually clearly marked with a circle or a square that is big enough to surround the chips you place inside.

3. Receive two cards. Each player receives two cards, and two cards go to the dealer. The dealer's cards remain face down until all cards have been dealt. The dealer will then turn the first card face-up for all players to see.

4. Decide how to play your hand. The object of the game is to create a hand that adds up to 21 without going over. Your choices are to hit (take another card), stand (stay as is), double down (double the bet and receive one card), split (create another hand) or take a late surrender (check to see if the dealer has blackjack before proceeding).

5. Have the dealer reveal the hidden card. The dealer will stand on 17 or higher and will hit if the score is 16 or lower.

6. Determine which players win once the dealer has his final hand--the person with the hand that equals closest to 21 without going over is the winner.

7. Know that Spanish 21 blackjack has many different Bonus 21s, which are bonus money for making an unnatural 21 (not being dealt a blackjack). You will earn 3:2 if you have five cards, a six, seven and eight from mixed suits or three sevens from mixed suits. You'll earn an even better score of 3:1 if you use seven or more cards to make blackjack, if you have a six, seven and eight of spades or if you have three sevens of spades.

Tips & Warnings

• If both the player and the dealer have blackjack, the player wins.
• Players may split cards of equal value, including aces. You can split a total of three times to create a maximum of four hands.
• If you don't like the first two cards you receive, you have the option of taking a late surrender. This option allows you to forfeit half of your original bet and then end your turn. This allows you to lose only half of your bet instead of the full amount.
• You can double down one time only, but it can be done with any set of cards, including cards that have already been split.