What Has Better Odds Spanish 21 Or Blackjack

drsamurai
After playing Blackjack Switch recently at our local casino, I decided to check out the wizard's pages to see what the odds are. For the purpose of this post, I am figuring a standard blackjack game that pays the true 3:2 on a natural, while Switch only pays 1:1 on a natural.
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/switch/
I was surprised to see that the odds were as low as they are. Using the basic Vegas rules found on the page, the house edge is only 0.58%. Locally, our casino uses an 8 deck shoe rather than the Vegas 6 deck game, also, a 'natural' (non-switched) 21 is an automatic win so the HE changes to 0.58% + 0.02% - 0.21% so the HE changes to 0.39% (if my understanding/math is correct.)
The best rules for a regular Blackjack game realistically/typically is a 2 deck game where the dealer stands on all 17s, you can resplit Aces, Surrender, Double Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and this has a HE of 0.26%. This game is VERY rare, and is usually only found in the High Limit areas where the min bets are typically $100 (occasionally $50 bets per the wizard's blackjack survey page.)
As a recreational gambler, not a whale, I look for the best games with the lowest min bets balanced against good rules. Usually a shoe game, $10 to $25 min bet tables that never allow resplitting of Aces. Full game rules are at best in this min bet range; 2 decks, no resplit Aces, Surrender, Dbl Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and the dealer hitting or standing on Soft 17 is usually a function of a $25 min bet, although that's not always the norm. Usually even at $25 min tables, the dealer hits a Soft 17.
The HE under these game rules are; HE of 0.33% if the dealer Stands on ALL 17s or a HE of 0.53% if the dealer Hits on all Soft 17s.
Odds calculated using:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
It appears that the HE of Blackjack Switch (adjusted to 0.39%) is better than the most common low limit games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 and actually only marginally worse than the HE of the less common game where the dealer stands on Soft 17.
Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games.
Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it comes to the 'best' blackjack rules, this appears true. Since I can't afford to play $100 a hand High Limit games to gain that optimal advantage, is it really better to play Blackjack Switch or even Spanish 21?

Introduction Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack, played with a 'spanish' deck that contains no Tens, but offers many liberal rules and options that generally yields better odds than blackjack. Basic strategy is a little more complicated, but almost all casinos allow the use of strategy cards, so you're a lot better off playing Spanish. Dec 01, 2013  Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games. Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it.

Switch
What Has Better Odds Spanish 21 Or Blackjack
Your 'Switch' calculations are accurate IMO - unusual for a casino to offer the 'Blackjacks instant win' rule but it was one of the versions that was offered.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
mrclean
Odds aside, I really enjoy playing Blackjack Switch and I'm surprised it isn't offered more. The closest casino that offers it to me is a 4+ hour drive so I rarely get to play.
rainman
I tried to play it up here in WA at the Tulalip a weekend or so ago but the table was full.

Do you like playing Blackjack? Then you should definitely try out Spanish 21, which is a variation to the classic game. Aside from the original Blackjack, it’s one of the most popular versions, and you might have also heard that you have a higher edge from the casino.

The rules to Spanish 21 are slightly different from the classic game. Dragon play free slot games. Spanish 21 uses 6 or 8 decks of cards (all the tens are removed), so that each deck contains only 48 cards, which some people believe gives the dealer an advantage.

It is believed that the first game of Spanish 21 took place at one of the casinos in Vegas sometime in 1995 and has expanded to other countries outside of the U.S., such as Malaysia and Australia (some of the rules for this game are different in these countries). Although some of the rules are different from the original version, the overall objective remains the same. In order to win, you must reach a score as close as possible to 21 by beating the dealer’s hand without going over 21. The value of the cards remain the same as the original version. Continue reading below for more information on how to play Spanish 21 and learn about the rules, strategies as well as the odds to the game.

Spanish 21 Rules

First of all, Spanish 21 is played on the same table as Blackjack, but includes 6 or 8 traditional decks of cards with all the tens being taken out, therefore each deck has only 48 cards instead of the original 52. Assuming you’re already familiar with the original version, below you’ll learn some of the important Spanish 21 Rules as well as how the game is played overall. Fun games to play on the side online.

Better
  • Super Bonus – is one of the rules that probably stands out the most. What happens is, if you get a blackjack hand that includes three sevens with the same suit versus a 7 in which the dealer has, you automatically win a big bonus award. Your prize amount will vary depending on your initial bet. For example, if you bet anywhere from $5 to $24, you can win $1,000, and if you made a bet of $25 or more, you can win $5,000. The chances of getting a Super Bonus is somewhere around 1 in 668,382 or 549,11, depending if you’re using 6 or 8 decks of cards.
  • Pair Splitting – is when you create up to 4 hands by splitting any cards that have the same value as each other. You can even hit and double on any of the split hands, however you don’t have the possibility of winning a Super Bonus if you do this.
  • Doubling Down – you have the chance to double down for two or more cards and can make any bet as long as it’s not bigger than the initial one.
  • Doubling Down Rescue – is a unique rule in which you are able to pull back your bet from the double down in case you’re not happy with your hand, as long as you don’t go over 21. If this move is made, you will lose your initial bet.
  • Late Surrender – is another unique rule where if you’re not satisfied with the initial two cards you’re dealt, you are able to surrender your hand. By doing so, you will lose half of your initial bet. This is a special rule for Spanish 21 which improves the player’s odds.
Bet

Spanish 21 Strategy

Now that you understand the rules of the game, let’s go ahead and go over a Spanish 21 Strategy that can help lower the house edge before you start playing online, or even gambling with real money at one of the land based casinos.

Spanish 21 Game Online

First of all, if you have a hand that is worth 18 or more points, it’s best that you stick with it and do not “hit”. You should also stand when you have a soft 19, 20 or 21. If you are dealt two Aces, be sure to split them, and not split fours, fives or tens. Also, you shouldn’t make a draw for the bonus payouts or any side bets in which you have to pay extra for. In regards to surrendering, try not to do this too much. There are not many situations in which you can make a profit out of surrendering. If you’re holding cards that are worth 10 points, it’s a good idea to go ahead and request another card (or hit).

What Has Better Odds Spanish 21 Or Blackjack Game

Spanish 21 Odds

What Has Better Odds Spanish 21 Or Blackjack Free

Aside from the basic rules and strategies of the game, you should also know the Spanish 21 odds. At most of the casinos you’ll find that the house edge weighs in at about 0.8%, which makes this version one of the highest house advantages. The original Blackjack house edge is somewhere around 0.5%, however different rules can have an impact on the edge. For example, the house edge when playing with 8 card decks is around 0.38%, whereas playing with six decks is around 0.8%.

Overall, Spanish 21 is an awesome variation to the highly famed classic game of Blackjack. If you enjoy playing the original version, you must give this one a try. Before you do, make sure you fully understand the rules, strategies and get some practice in beforehand, especially if you plan on playing with real money. Most importantly, have fun!

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