We want to remind you that Spanish 21 is a version of blackjack that is quite popular in some countries. Sometimes it can be found under the name of Spanish Blackjack. The main feature of this game is the fact that it is played using so-called Spanish decks consisting of forty-eight cards (without four tens). Since the absence of tens significantly increases the house edge, additional bonus payouts (for 777, 678, and other combinations) are provided. Bovegas casino review. The rules are also more liberal (in split, surrender, and insurance options).
This makes Spanish 21 even more profitable for casino visitors than most other variations of blackjack. However how such rules may affect card counting? Does it make sense for counters to sit at the Spanish 21 table? Or is it better to play more traditional versions of blackjack?
The presence of bonus payouts for hands composed of sixes, sevens, and eights significantly increases the value of these cards in Spanish 21 compared to blackjack. On the other hand, it does not have valuable tens. Emperor of the sea 38. It may seem that such redistribution makes card counting inefficient or even useless. Aristocrat games online. However such changes even contribute to card counting. For some reasons, which are discussed below, Spanish 21 is more profitable for card counters than blackjack.
- An ace seems to be the most beneficial card. Since there are no tens, it appears more often than in traditional blackjack (1/12 compared with 1/13).
- In Spanish 21 it is allowed to re-split aces and hit more than one card after splitting aces, making an ace even more favorable for players.
- Blackjack is paid 3:2 even if the dealer also has blackjack (due to higher values of aces).
- Card counters make doubles more often than it is recommended by the basic strategy if the score reaches high levels. Since in Spanish 21 it is allowed to double on any number of cards and points, it is very profitable to players to count cards under favorable circumstances.
- In both versions of blackjack players often receive two-card hands that after hitting may form twenty-one. The basic strategy recommends that it is necessary to stand on a 13-17 against a dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 and on a 12 if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6. When the score increases, the player virtually has no choice for his further action. Taking a look at the Spanish 21 optimal strategy, you can see that in this game there is a higher number of options. This fact is favorable to counters.
- Many casinos don't treat Spanish 21 as a game suitable for card counting, so gamblers may easily operate with bets without being afraid of the fact that these establishments may suspect them in card counting. In other words, there is no need to hide their activities, which is obligatory for counters in traditional blackjack.
- Spanish 21 Card Counting App for Android & iOS Counting cards also works for Spanish 21 which is like Blackjack but with slightly different rules. If you’ve never heard of it then make sure to watch the following video which explains how to play and what advantages it.
- The only completely correct Basic Strategy for Spanish21 and a card-counting system geared to Spanish 21, are available in the privately published magnum opus 'The Pro's Guide to Spanish 21' by Katarina Walker. A seminal work to be sure.
- Spanish 21 is just like regular blackjack with a few exceptions. Here are the different rules: THERE ARE NO 10's IN THE SHOE! This game is played with 6 decks containing 2-9, J, Q, K, A. Player 21 ALWAYS wins. Player Blackjack ALWAYS wins 3/2. You may double down once at any time.
Spanish 21 Card Counting Strategy
As you can see, Spanish 21 provides card counters with a much wider opportunity to check their skills and higher chances of winning. In addition, this game does not exclude the use of such alternative skills as shuffle tracking, sequencing , etc.
Spanish 21 Card Counting Method
It is both more complicated to use than the Rank count and returns significantly fewer units per 100 hands. It is well-known that the base game of Spanish 21 has a significant card counting vulnerability. Outside of blackjack, it is the only variant that has a book describing how to use card counting against it.