Spanish 21 Blackjack: Rules and Pro Strategy Tips

1. The Basics

All players and the dealer start with two cards in Spanish 21 blackjack. The goal is to beat the dealer (the casino) by going as close to 21 points as possible without surpassing that threshold. You can get additional cards, but you will automatically lose if you go over 21 points.

Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, face cards are worth 10 points, and every other card is worth its face value. The 48-card Spanish deck does not have any 10s.

After receiving your two initial hands, you can choose between the following actions:

• Stand: you can just decide to end your turn on two cards if you’re happy with your score.

• Hit: you can request another card by hitting. You can do that until you’re happy with your score (or bust).

• Double down: you can request an extra card and double your bet. On certain Spanish 21 blackjack tables, you can double down twice in a row and even double after splitting (more on that below)

• Split: you can split pairs to start two new hands from your original hand. The stake is doubled, and an extra card is dealt to each new hand.

These are fairly standard rules, but there are a few extra stipulations with Spanish 21 that you should consider.

2. Players Always Win With 21

Another similarity between blackjack and Spanish 21 is how ties are handled. Ties are a push, and you get your ante wager back.

However, if the dealer and player tie at 21, then the player wins. This is in stark contrast to normal blackjack, where you would push with the dealer’s hand.

3. Surrendering in Spanish Blackjack

One of the unique rules in Spanish 21 is the option to surrender your hand at any time. You should consider surrendering when you have a hard 16 or 17 against an Ace, or when facing an Ace with a pair of 8s.

4. Double After Splitting, Double Double Down, and Redouble Rules

Spanish 21 allows players to double down after they split their hand. Some blackjack tables allow this, but some casinos prevent you from doubling after splitting. Also, you can split your hand up to four times in this variant.

A unique feature in Spanish Blackjack is the option to double double down or redouble. The option to double down again is a great feature for players who were shortchanged on their first attempt. Depending on the table rules, you can redouble twice after your initial double.

5. Blackjack Pays 3:2

A 3:2 payout for blackjack was once standard at many US casinos. However, the payout has changed to 6:% at many venues. In Spanish 21, the payout for blackjack remains a player-friendly 3:2.

6. Special Payouts for Big Hands

Spanish Blackjack players can also earn higher payouts for winning with larger hands, such as:

• 3-cards suited 21 (i.e., all 7s) = $1,000 bonus
• 7-card 21 = 3-1 payout
• 6-card 21 = 2-1 payout
• 5-card 21 = 3-2 payout

7. Match the Dealer Side Bet Rules

The most common side bet in Spanish Blackjack is the Match the Dealer wager. To win this blackjack side bet, you need one or both of your cards to match the dealer’s upcard.

1. Follow Basic Blackjack Strategy

The basic Spanish 21 strategy is very similar to traditional basic blackjack strategy. So, if you know basic strategy, you can succeed at Spanish 21 with minimal adjustments.

There are differences to consider between Blackjack vs. Spanish 21, though. For example, you can be more aggressive with doubling down, but you should also take advantage of the anytime surrender option in Spanish 21.

2. Double and Redoubling Strategy

The option to redouble in Spanish Blackjack increases your opportunities to use the feature. You should always double when you have:

• 11
• Pair of 4s or 5s
• 10 against an 8 or lower
• 9 against a 6
• Soft 17-18 against 4-6
• Soft 16 against 5 or 6
• Soft 15 against a 6

3. Always Hit on…

Hitting is the most basic move in blackjack. There are dozens of situations when you should hit in Spanish 21, including:

• Hard 12 against any hand
• Hard 13 against any hard other than 6
• Hard 14 against 2, 3, or 7-A
• Hard 15 against 7-A
• Hard 16 against 7-10
• Soft 12-14 against any hand
• Soft 15 against any hand other than 6
• Soft 16 against 2-4 or 7-A
• Soft 17 against 2, 3, or 7-A
• Soft 18 against 9-A

4. When to Split

You should split most pairs in Spanish 21, including Aces. The only pairs you do not want to split are face cards, nines, fours, and fives.

With face cards or nines, your total is already high enough to beat most dealer hands. Fours and fives, on the other hand, are a good opportunity to double down rather than splitting.

5. Always Stand When…

Standing is often the best choice in Spanish Blackjack. The times you should stand in this blackjack variant are:

• Hard 13 against a 6
• Hard 14 against 4-6
• Hard 15 or 16 against 2-6
• Hard 17 against 2-10
• Hard 18+ against any hand
• Soft 18 against 2, 3, 7, or 8
• Soft 19 against any hand
• Pair of 9s against 2, 7, 10, or A

6. Avoid Side Bets

Finally, as popular as they can be, it is usually best to avoid side bets in Spanish 21. The house edge for side bets is simply too high to include them as part of a winning strategy. Conversely, if you enjoy side bets and do not care about losing money, then you can wager on them as you please.