Easy Spanish 21 Tips for Beginners
Spanish 21 is one of the many blackjack variants that you will find online. This version uses the usual blackjack options such as doubling down and late surrender. The thing is, all 10s are removed from the deck, giving the gameplay a unique twist. To give you an edge against the dealer with this blackjack variant, check out these easy tips in playing Spanish 21.
1 │ Stay Away from Match the Dealer Side Bet
Match the Dealer is one of the unique features of Spanish 21. When you opt for this bet, it means that you are guessing that either of your initial cards is the same with the dealer’s upcard. The main perk of this wager is that you can get an 18-to-1 payout. The catch is, this side bet has the biggest house edge of 2.99% if you are playing with 8 decks and 3.06% when you are playing with 6 decks. So if you want a better chance of winning, then you should avoid this bet.
2 │ Know When to Hit or Stand
Unlike most games that depend on luck, Spanish 21 lets you decide your next move using your cards, either to hit or to stand. To hit means to ask for another card from the deck. The best time to do this is when your total card value is a hard 8 or lower. This is because when your card value is that low, it is impossible for you to bust out.
To stand, on the other hand, means that you will no longer add another card to your hand. It is recommended that you stand when you have a hard 17 or higher. This means that your hand contains any card that has a total value of 17. On the contrary, a soft 17 contains an Ace and 7. In this case, you have the option whether the value of the Ace card is 1 or 11. It is recommended that you stand when you have a hard 17 or higher because your card values are somehow near 21 and your chances of busting out is 69%.
But do take note that when you have a hard 17, and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the best move is to late surrender. This way, in case the dealer has a blackjack, you will lose only half of your bet.
3 │ Decide When to Split
To split means that you are dividing your hands into two. You can do this only when you have a pair – for instance, a pair of 2s or pair of 3s. But this option is not always recommended when you have a pair. Your action should depend on the kind of pair you get, so take note of the following:
- Pair of 2s or 3s – Split when the dealer has a 2 or 8. But if the dealer has a 9 or A, hit.
- Pair of 4s – You should always hit.
- Pair of 5s – Double down when the dealer has a 2 or 7. But hit when the dealer’s upcard is 8 or higher.
- Pair of 6s –Split when the dealer has a 4 or 6. But hit if the dealer has any other card.
- Pair of 7s – Split if the dealer’s card is 2 or 7. But hit if the dealer has another card value.
- Pair of 8s – Surrender if the dealer has an Ace. But split if the dealer has any other card.
- Pair of 9s – Split when the dealer has a 2, 6, 8, or 9. But stand if the dealer has a 2, 7, or Ace.
You should focus not just on your cards. You should also take into consideration the upcard of the dealer. This way, you will be able to determine what to do next.
Spanish 21 is an easy game, although it takes a lot of decision-making. The gameplay seems complicated to understand at first. But when you get the hang of it with the help of the three simple tips above, you are on your way to big wins. To know more game tips, guides, and tutorials, check out HappiStar Tips.
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