The Rules of Spanish Blackjack
Spanish blackjack is one of the many types of blackjack, except that this version utilizes a 48-card deck as this game does not use any 10 cards. However, the shortage of cards gives Spanish blackjack better players’ odds. Even with these increased odds, the house’s odds are raised by two percent. The game does compensate for this by adjusting the rules to differ from standard blackjack.
The 21-Payout Rule
When the dealer and players receive a blackjack during a standard game, it is considered a tie; if a tie occurs, the player will be given back their initial wager, putting them back at square one. This is not the case in Spanish blackjack. Instead, if a tie occurs, the player will win.
Rules About Splitting
In Spanish blackjack, players are allowed to split their hand when their cards are equal in value. And the split is not affected if the player holds different face cards in a single hand. A maximum of four hands are allowed to be split and there are no special rules for aces. Even if a player has split an ace and is subsequently given a card with a value of 10, the player will still win over the dealer who has a 21.
The Hole Card Rule
When the dealer gives a hole card to himself, he will check his cards for a natural blackjack. If he possesses one, the hand will be stopped and players will only lose their first wager. However, if a player has a blackjack, that player will be declared the winner of the hand.
Insurance Bets
Players can also take out an insurance bet. Insurance bets in Spanish blackjack have a payout of 2-to-1; this is the same in most blackjack variants. All players should keep in mind that Spanish blackjack insurance bets are not as advantageous to players because no 10 cards are used.