Take out the Tens, add some advantageous rules and stir to create Spanish 21, an exciting, unique variety of the casinoâs favorite game

Most new games that have proven to be successful are just variations of familiar games, with an added twist. One of the most popular new games, Spanish 21, has a decidedly spicy twist, and is drawing attention on casino floors across the country.

Played with a "Spanish" pack÷a standard deck minus the Tens (but including the Kings, Queens and Jacks)÷Spanish 21 adds some favorable rules for the players that make it a very attractive game. How about a blackjack game that allows you to double down on two or more cards, permits pair splitting and double downs after splits up to four times, and gives players a winning hand for every blackjack or 21, even if the dealer has blackjack or 21?

If it sounds too good to be true, how about bonus payoffs for five, six and seven card 21s, Six-Seven-Eight and three Sevens combinations, as well as a super bonus that pays out $1,000 for a suited Seven-Seven-Seven, when the dealerâs upcard is Seven, without any additional wagers? Spanish 21 offers all that and more.

Yes, taking away the Tens is a tremendous disadvantage to the player, but the beneficial rules of Spanish 21 make up for it. With correct basic strategy÷which obviously differs from standard basic strategy÷Spanish 21 gives the house an edge of only .8 percent, comparable to the .7 percent advantage enjoyed by the house for the traditional six-deck game with traditional Las Vegas rules. Players who deviate from the basic strategy for Spanish 21 give the house an advantage of up to three percent, well within the range for an acceptable casino game.

Spanish 21 has found a home at many Nevada casinos, including Harveys Lake Tahoe, most of the major Strip and local casinos in Las Vegas, and several tribal casinos in the Midwest.

A major attraction of Spanish 21 is the elimination of aggravating "pushes" on blackjack and 21, as well as the possibility of increased payoffs when drawing a 21 in five or more cards.

Another interesting twist occurs when the player has blackjack and the dealer has an Ace upcard. The player will win the standard three-to-two payoff on his blackjack, but can also make the insurance bet against the dealer having blackjack.

Doubling down on three or more cards also adds excitement to the game, as well as some interesting strategies. You know about surrender÷late surrender is permitted at Spanish 21÷but how about "double down rescue," where you can pull back your double-down bet and forfeit your original bet if youâre not satisfied with your double-down draw?

In Spanish 21, a player can double down on a soft 21, a Four-Six-Ace, for example, creating the possibilities for higher payoffs.

The bonus payoffs, unlike many other varieties of blackjack, are paid without making any additional wager. The payoffs vary (see box), but are not made on any hand that uses double downs or splits.

Spanish 21 is attracting attention at every casino that has installed it. Executives are excited about increased drop and a hold percentage that is slightly higher than a standard blackjack game. Players are excited because they are permitted to make unusual bets and achieve higher payoffs in a game that is comfortable and recognizable.

To be successful at Spanish 21, players must understand the specialized basic strategy. Watch Casino Player in 1997 for an extensive description and tables for Spanish 21 basic strategy.