Deciding between Spanish 21 vs. backjack can be a tough decision for some players. The games are very similar, but they both have unique traits.
You can learn the differences between Blackjack and Spanish 21 in this guide, as we cover the rules, odds, house edge, and more!
What Is the Difference Between Spanish 21 and Blackjack?
The key differences between classic blackjack and Spanish 21 include the following:
- Spanish 21 uses a 48-card deck
- Blackjack has a higher house edge
- Spanish 21 has better payout odds
- Players win some ties in Spanish 21
- You can split aces more often in Spanish 21
- Spanish 21 allows you to double down at any time
That’s a quick overview of what to expect in the blackjack vs. Spanish 21 debate, but if you want full details, let’s discuss the rule next!
Spanish 21 vs. Blackjack Rules
Before I highlight the rules of the game, you should know that Spanish 21 has other names as well. Sometimes it can be called Spanish Blackjack, while some developers, such as Betsoft, offer variations called Pirate 21. The core rules are usually similar, even if the names is not.
If you make a Spanish 21 rules vs. Blackjack rules comparison, you will quickly understand where the differences between the two games come from. Most notably, Spanish 21 uses a 48-card deck instead of a 52-card deck. The smaller deck is created by removing the 10s from the deck.
Here’s full breakdown of the differences between Spanish 21 and blackjack:
| Spanish 21 Rules | Blackjack Rules |
|---|---|
| 48-card decks (no 10s) | Standard 52-card deck |
| Players win blackjack ties | Dealer wins all ties |
| Can split and double down multiple times | Can split or double down once |
| Late surrender is allowed | Late surrender is usually not allowed |
| Payout varies | Payout 1:1 (except for blackjack, which is 6:5 or 3:2) |
The varying payouts in Spanish 21 come because of the unique combinations of hands that are rewarded. You can earn additional payouts in the following situations:
- 5-, 6-, and 7-card 21 pay 3:2, 2:1, and 3:1, respectively.
- Hands of 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 pay 3:12 for mixed suit, 2:1 for suited, and 3:1 for spades.
- A suited 7-7-7 when the dealer is showing 7 results in a bonus.
- Qualifying wagers on a suited 7-7-7 can lead to the Super Bonus, with other players earning the Envy Bonus.
There are also side bets in Blackjack, but they are only available on very specific tables. Also, you typically have to wager on these side wagers individually, while the Spanish 21 extra payouts are automatically available.
Both Blackjack and Spanish 21 can use multiple decks. Also, depending on where you play, the dealer may be able to hit on a soft 17, or the casino could force them to stand.
Spanish 21 vs. Blackjack Odds (House Edge)
The rule differences above have also created different Spanish 21 vs. Blackjack odds at online casinos. Blackjack is known for offering one of the lowest house edges of any card game. However, the shift to 6:5 payouts for blackjack has increased the average house edge.
Spanish 21, on the other hand, still offers a standard payout of 3:2 for blackjack. Also, even if the dealer also has blackjack, the player still wins, while the dealer wins all ties in classic blackjack.
These differences, combined with the multiple bonus-triggering hands, like a 7-7-7 suited, create a lower house edge. The ability to split your hand and double down multiple times on the same hand also works in the player’s favor (if played right).
On the downside, removing four 10s from the deck works in the casino’s favor.
As a result of all the rule differences, Spanish 21 players typically face a house edge of 0.40% with optimal strategy compared to 0.5-1.4% for classic blackjack.
Blackjack vs. Spanish 21 Strategy
Any rule change will affect your strategy to some extent. The differences in blackjack vs. Spanish 21 rules lead to differences in the best strategy for each game.
As with Blackjack, there are basic strategy charts that instruct players on how to handle every situation. Some standard Spanish 21 strategy tips include:
1. Always split a pair of Aces
2. Stand on a hard 18 or higher
3. Always hit on soft 13 and 14
4. Stand on pairs of Jacks, Queens, or Kings
5. Always hit on hard 4-8 and 12
6. Double down on every 11-point hand
7. Never split pairs of 4s or 5s
Due to the rules of Spanish 21, players can split aces or double down on 11s multiple times during the same hand.
For the best results, Spanish 21 players can also use advantage play techniques, such as card counting.
Spanish 21 Card Counting
Card counting in Blackjack is one of the best ways to minimize the house edge and gain an advantage over the casino in live blackjack. It is so effective that many casinos forbid players from openly using this technique.
You can count cards in Spanish 21, too. However, since the 10s have been removed from the deck, there are unfortunately fewer 10-point cards to work in the player’s favor. As a result, there are only 12 high cards per deck instead of 16, making it more challenging to get an advantageous deck.
Simply put, counting cards is less effective in Spanish 21, especially in games with an 8-deck shoe.
Card counting is most effective in Spanish 21 when the player can use the Match the Dealer (MD) side wager. The reduced deck size increases the likelihood of a pair occurring. You are even more likely to get a pair if the deck favors high or low cards.
For the best MD payouts, you need suited pairs.
Players who track the balance of the four suits instead of just high vs. low cards will know when to make the MD bet. If the deck favors one suit, then the MD is more likely to hit.
Is Spanish 21 Better Than Blackjack?
Spanish 21 has many advantages over traditional blackjack, including the house edge, but classic 21 is widely available and simpler. The best way to determine which game is better is to try both games and decide which one you prefer.
You can settle the Spanish 21 vs. Blackjack debate at BetUS. The casino has over 40 Blackjack games available, including traditional Blackjack and Spanish 21. There is a 250% crypto welcome casino bonus available, as well as weekly free Blackjack tournaments.
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