Match Play 21
Match Play 21 is a common variant of blackjack, sometimes referred to as Spanish 21. Match Play 21 Blackjack has the same premise as most versions of 21, where the aim is to get closer to 21 than the dealer, but without busting (going over 21). The biggest difference is that all 10’s are removed from the deck, leaving only the face cards eligible to develop a natural blackjack.
Match Play 21 rules are applied in many live casinos, as well as a good majority of online casinos – especially those powered by Real Time Gaming (RTG) software, such as Cherry Red Casino and Bodog Casino.
Match Play 21 can be played with real money or for free at either of those casinos. There are easy deposit options available, including Visa debit & credit card deposits. New players can also get an online blackjack bonus for registering a new account. US players are welcome at both of these online casinos as well.
Match Play 21 Blackjack Rules
The rules of Match Play 21 are:
1/ 8 decks of cards are used.
2/ Dealer Hits a Soft 17.
3/ Player Blackjack beats dealer Blackjack.
4/ Player 21 beats every dealer 21 (but not dealer blackjack).
5/ All other ties are a Push (player bet returned).
6/ Player can Double on any total, but only once per hand, and only one card is taken.
7/ Surrender after Double allowed; player loses doubled bet.
8/ Special payouts for specific card combinations (see “Winning Match Play 21 – Payouts” below).
Card Values:
- 2-9 = face value
- Face Cards = 10
- A = 1 or 11, whichever is higher without busting the hand.
Note: All 10’s are removed from deck according to Match Play 21 rules.
How to Play Match Play 21 Blackjack
Bets are placed, followed by the deal. Player and dealer each receive 2 cards. The player’s cards are both dealt face up. Only one of the dealer’s cards will be dealt face up. If the player has a natural Blackjack, he instantly wins, even if the dealer has Blackjack too. If the dealer has Blackjack, but not the player, the hand is lost. Otherwise, the player now has several choices.
- Stand (take no more cards)
- Hit (take another card)
- Double (can be done on any total, once per hand, by betting double and taking a final card)
- Split (split two identical cards into two hands; one split and one re-split allowed; can’t Hit split aces)
Try Match Play 21 at Cherry Red Casino
Match Play 21 Payouts
As you learn how to play Match 21 Blackjack, you’ll find there are a lot of ways to win – not just by beating the dealer or getting blackjack, either.
Highest Hand (Pays 1 to 1): So long as the player’s hand is higher than the dealer’s hand, and doesn’t exceed 21, the player wins.
Player 21 (Pays 1 to 1): If the player and dealer both have totals of 21, but neither has a natural blackjack, the player always wins.
Blackjack (Pays 3 to 2): A natural Blackjack always wins, even if the dealer has Blackjack. A natural blackjack is an original hand (not a split hand) that has only 2 cards equaling 21 (Ace + Face Card). If a blackjack is dealt on a split hand, it is just 21, not a natural blackjack.
Insurance (2 to 1): When the dealer is showing an Ace, insurance is offered at half the cost of the player’s bet. If the player buys insurance and the dear has blackjack, the original bet is lost, but insurance paid at 2 to 1 (player breaks even). If dealer does not have blackjack, insurance bets are lost and the hand carries on.
“Match Play 21” (7-7-7 Suited + Dealer Showing 7 – Pays 40 to 1): If the player’s first two cards are suited 7s, and the player hits, getting another same-suit 7, and the dealer’s face up card is a 7, it is a “Match Play 21”, paying 40 to 1.
7-7-7 Spades (Pays 3 to 1): Players first three cards are all 7’s of spades.
6-7-8 Spades (Pays 3 to 1): Players first three cards are 6-7-8 of spades (any order).
7+ Card 21 (Pays 3 to 1): Player has a 7-card (or more) hand totaling 21.
7-7-7 Suited (Pays 2 to 1): Player’s first three cards are suited 7s, but not spades.
6-7-8 Suited (Pays 2 to 1): Players first three cards are 6-7-8 of suited, but not spades (any order).
5-Card 21 (Pays 2 to 1): Player has a 5-card hand totaling 21.
Tie: If the player and dealer tie with any total of 10 or below, it is a Push. The player’s bet is returned.
Play Match Play 21 at Bodog Casino
Match Play 21 Tips & Strategy
Players should use a Match Play 21 blackjack strategy card, just like most blackjack variants would call for. However, due to the extended payout options carried within the Match Play 21 rules, the following tips may help you to reduce unnecessary losses.
When you are dealt two cards to a Match Play 21 (2 suited 7’s with the dealer showing a 7), always take the hit. It is worth the risk with a 40-to-1 payout on the line. Any other special hand combination should only be risked if the dealer is showing a card that gives him a likely chance of beating you.
For example, you have 6-7 suited and want to try for the 8. The dealer is showing a face card. Chances are he already has a hand of 17 or above, and you have only 14. You might as well take the hit. If the dealer is showing a 2, 3, 4 or 5, just stand. You have a better chance of winning the hand if you don’t risk busting.
