Spanish 21: Blackjack Without 10s
Spanish 21 is a unique blackjack variant where all 10s are removed from the deck, but player-friendly rules compensate for this disadvantage. Learn how this exciting variation works.
What is Spanish 21?
Spanish 21 is a blackjack variant played with 6-8 decks, but all 10-value cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings) are removed. This creates a 48-card deck per deck instead of 52.
To compensate for the removal of 10s (which favor players), Spanish 21 includes several player-friendly rules that make it an exciting alternative to standard blackjack.
Unique Rules
Player Advantages
- • Player 21 Always Wins: Any player 21 beats dealer 21
- • Late Surrender: Surrender after doubling or splitting
- • Double Down Rescue: Surrender after doubling if you don't like your card
- • Redoubling: Can double down multiple times on same hand
- • 21 Bonus: Special payouts for 21 with 5, 6, or 7 cards
- • Match the Dealer: Side bet pays if your first card matches dealer's up card
How Removing 10s Affects Gameplay
Removing all 10-value cards significantly changes the game:
- Fewer high-value cards in the deck
- Harder to get natural blackjacks (21 with first 2 cards)
- More low cards relative to high cards
- Different optimal strategy than standard blackjack
- Requires adjusted basic strategy
Spanish 21 Strategy
Spanish 21 requires different strategy than standard blackjack due to the removed 10s and unique rules:
Key Strategy Differences
- • Hit more often on hard 12-16 (fewer 10s to help)
- • Use late surrender more frequently
- • Take advantage of double down rescue when available
- • Split pairs more conservatively (fewer 10s to make strong hands)
- • Consider match the dealer side bet (if odds are favorable)
21 Bonuses
Spanish 21 offers special bonuses for making 21 with multiple cards:
- 5-Card 21: Pays 2:1
- 6-Card 21: Pays 2:1
- 7-Card 21: Pays 3:1
- 6-7-8 or 7-7-7: Pays 3:2 (suited pays 2:1)
Play Spanish 21 at Bet2Jet
Experience unique blackjack with player-friendly rules!