Blackjack vs Spanish 21

I have been playing blackjack and recently I learned about Spanish 21 at my local casino

1. Regular 6 deck blackjack
Dealer hits soft 17
Blackjack pays 3:2
Can double on first two cards
Can surrender on first two cards
Can split 4 times (except on aces)
Can double upon split

Sidebets are match the dealer and push the dealer (10:1 if we push)

2. Spanish 21 6 deck blackjack
Dealer hits soft 17
Blackjack pays 3:2
Can double --> double double --> double double double
Can surrender on first two cards or after any double
Can split 4 times
Can double or double double or double double double upon split
All bonus bets applied

Which game is better. I am confused since the house edge isn't really different

Spanish 21 looks like the slightly better game, going by the rules you posted I think it is about 0.11% better (Spanish 21 0.42% vs Blackjack 0.53%).

If you are used to playing blackjack, I would practice Spanish 21 using a free to play/ demo game at one of the online casinos, so that you can get used to the minor basic strategy changes without people questioning your play style, then when you get more confident and faster at making the correct basic strategy decision, you can then play at a "normal casino" for real money.

But like you said "...the house edge isn't really different", so It depends which game you are more comfortable with.

Lastly, here are some link that may be helpful


https://wizardofodds.com/games/spanish-21/

Thanks a ton. I will review and practice a little.

I think SP21 is a MUCH better game. And off the top of my head, I think the possibility of hitting the 777 v 7 for $5000 lowers the house edge even more than what you wrote. Much more fun.

Basic Strategy, much more involved. Most players ain't got a clue. Which is great, the House must make a killing off of it.

Quote: bobbartop

I think SP21 is a MUCH better game. And off the top of my head, I think the possibility of hitting the 777 v 7 for $5000 lowers the house edge even more than what you wrote. Much more fun.

Basic Strategy, much more involved. Most players ain't got a clue. Which is great, the House must make a killing off of it.

Yes you are correct, I think SP 21 is close to 0.39% house edge, when playing $25 per box because of the $5,000 (super) bonus.

Also, here are some more links that the OP may find helpful (meant to post them in my earlier reply):

BlackJack (BJ):

https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/strategy/calculator/
http://www.beatingbonuses.com/bjstrategy.php

BJ Side bet (push the dealer/push your luck side bet):

https://discountgambling.net/2012/12/20/push-your-luck-blackjack-side-bet/ ( side-bet pays 10-1)


SP21:

https://wizardofodds.com/games/spanish-21/ (repeat of link that I posted earlier)
https://discountgambling.net/?s=spanish+21

Counting SP21***:
https://discountgambling.net/2009/02/24/does-card-counting-work-for-spanish21/

***: I know you didn't ask for this but If counting SP21 I would use the values below:
"simple" count: 3, 4, 5, 6 (+1) and J, Q, K, A (-1)
"slightly harder" count: 5 (+2), 3.4. 6 (+1), J, Q, K (-1) and A (-2).