Spanish 21 vs. Classic Blackjack — What Are the Differences?

There are all kinds of casino games out there, and they are all susceptible to change. Naturally, casinos and game creators aren’t allowed to change some ground rules that make the game what it is. However, they are definitely free to do what they want with some additional rules in order to make it different and more appealing to players.

Blackjack is one such game, as there are countless versions of this game, yet only some of them are actually very popular around the globe and in the US. The good news is that you can find most of them on the web for free or for real money.

Whenever we review blackjack casinos, we play all available blackjack variations, and one of the most common types is Spanish 21. So, what are the differences between these two games? Let’s check out.

Missing the 10s

The main difference between the two games is that Spanish 21 misses all four tens, meaning the deck effectively contains 48 cards instead of 52. This affects the house edge negatively, meaning Spanish 21 has a somewhat higher house edge compared to its classic counterpart.

Player’s Blackjack Always Wins

If both the dealer and the player have a blackjack in classic blackjack, it’s a “push,” and nobody wins anything. However, this rule is changed in Spanish 21, as the player’s blackjack will always beat the dealer’s one, which makes this game pretty exciting.

Hit a Soft 17

The dealer will hit on 16 and stand on 17 in classic blackjack, but some versions of Spanish 21 allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17, which further increases the house edge.

These are just some of the differences between the two types of blackjack, and it’s up to you to further explore them and choose the one that you like better. Please take into account that both versions of the game come with strategies. In other words, if you know how to apply the right strategy, you’ll have better success in playing both Spanish 21 and classic blackjack.

Finally, Spanish 21 is just one of the blackjack variations, and we’ll definitely cover more games in the future. Therefore, make sure to check out our blackjack news section for time to time where you can learn more about the game and the latest bonuses offered by popular online casinos. By claiming these bonuses, you’ll have an opportunity to play blackjack longer and even try some exotic variations using the bonus money.

How to Strategically Use Online Bonuses With Blackjack Strategies

There is one advantage that makes playing blackjack online attractive to some individuals compared to land-based casinos: online bonuses. However, many people don’t realize that by pairing your bonuses with blackjack strategies, you open yourself up to many more opportunities. 

By playing with extra money that isn’t yours while having the chance to keep winnings, you are coming into the game with an advantage. When the game is specifically blackjack, it gets even better. There is a good chance at beating the casino when combining the low house edge of the game with a solid strategy and bonus. 

It is important to look for the best bonuses, which online blackjack casinos are constantly offering. For example, BetOnline is currently offering a $3,000 Casino Bonus, where you can receive a 100% bonus on your first three deposits. 

Picking a Strategy

When adopting a strategy, it’s best to keep in mind that many bonuses require you to fulfill requirements before being able to withdraw earnings. In many cases, this is 20 to 40 times the bonus plus the deposit amount. You also want to look for a high wagering contribution to the game. 

Knowing that you are playing with free money can sometimes lead to reckless play, but it is best to play as if it was your own. While this might take a little longer to earn winnings, it will prevent you from picking up bad playing habits. At the same time, it gives you a longer period to practice your gameplay if you are a beginner. 

The strategy will depend on the game variation, so make sure to choose a game plan that fits with a particular type of blackjack. This will ensure that you get the best results. 

For beginners, it’s best to find a strategy and stick with it in order to keep practicing and learning. When you combine this strategy with a good bonus, you can expect to see a moderate return in the long run. 

As for those who are more experienced, you can use the bonus to test the waters on a new strategy you have wanted to implement. The bonus gives you some breathing room to be a little riskier with your gameplay.

Whether you are a beginner or someone who considers themselves a veteran at blackjack, online casino bonuses offer something for everyone. 

What Is A Blackjack Strategy Chart, and Does It Work?

Did you know that blackjack is one of the most popular casino games because it has the lowest house edge? If you master this game, you can lower the house edge to below 1%, and that’s why many professional casino goers pay special attention when they play this card game.

Blackjack is a game of skill as much as it is a game of chance. Unlike slots, where you cannot really do anything to affect the outcome, blackjack actually allows you to increase your chances of winning.

There are several things that you can do. A popular method is using card counting, which is not allowed in online casinos, and you risk being banned if you’re busted while counting cards. The other way is to use blackjack strategy charts.

In this article, we’re going to review blackjack charts and tell you what they really are. Many professional blackjack players explored how this game works and decided to use math to create a strategy chart.

Use The Chart

Basically, to improve your chances when playing this game, all you have to do is use the chart, find your hand and make a decision that’s marked in the chart. That way, you’ll lower the house edge significantly, meaning you’ll improve your chances of winning huge prizes.

The chart will show you every possible card combination in your hand in comparison to some of the face-up cards of the dealer. Once you find your hand in the chart, you’ll see a letter or a couple of letters written in the box.

These are basic actions that you should do at that moment, which are statistically the best possible decisions for a given hand.

S is usually used for stand, H is for hit, SP for split, and SU for surrender. Moreover, there are actions such as Dh and Ds, which suggest you double. However, Dh suggests you hit if double is not an option, whereas Ds suggests you to stand.

It’s allowed to use the blackjack strategy chart when you’re playing blackjack on the web, so make sure to check out ours and select one of the casinos that we offered on our site. Once you open an account and start your online blackjack journey, you’ll understand how helpful these charts actually are.

You’ll need to use it for some time, and once you learn it by heart, you’ll not need it at all. Instead, you’ll be able to play blackjack and make the best possible decision all by yourself.

BetOnline Offers Two Different Live Casino Lobbies

If you’re in the US and you like playing online casino games, the chances are that you already heard about BetOnline. It is actually not only an online casino.

One of the ways to describe it is to call it a comprehensive online gambling platform, as it offers all kinds of gambling options. Apart from casino games, users can also enjoy online poker, esports betting, sports betting, racebook, live betting, and more.

On top of that, BetOnline offers various contests for existing users, as well as a plethora of bonuses and promotions for new and regular players.

In this article, we’re going to make a short overview of live dealer games available on BetOnline. Moreover, we’re going to review blackjack games that are offered this way.

Two Live Casino Providers

The first thing you should take into account is that BetOnline is one of the rare platforms to offer two different live dealer lobbies — Black and Red. That’s because there are two live casino providers offering their games on the platform.

The black lobby offers a total of 12 live dealer games, with six of them being focused on blackjack. If you like to play with more money, you can take part in the BJ VIP room, where the betting range is from $50 to $10,000. Other available options are BJ Baltic, BJ Russian, BJ Europe, BJ Europe 2, BJ Latin, BJ Latin 2, and BJ Latin 3.

The red lobby offers even more games, as there are 13 live blackjack games alone in it. Apart from the ordinary blackjack games, you can also play some exclusive HD options.

Both live casino sections on BetOnline offer an ultimate live dealer experience. The dealers are professional and pleasant to play with. Moreover, the overall quality of games on the site is great, as both lobbies use state-of-the-art software that perfectly blends the virtual and the real.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the welcome bonus offered on BetOnline. Although you might not be able to use the bonus funds on live games, you will still be able to use them on many other games that this platform offers.

If you’re not sure whether you should try this type of game, feel free to check out our page where we cover live dealer blackjack games. You’ll have an opportunity to read more about this type of entertainment and how to get the most out of it.

Does Reverse Martingale Strategy Work With Blackjack?

In one of our previous articles, we discussed the popular martingale strategy. It’s not a strategy that’s really related to blackjack, but to any other game where your winning chances are close to 50:50.

Martingale is actually a betting strategy that should help you get better control of your bankroll and have an idea of how much you’ve spent and earned while playing the game.

In other words, it cannot help you win the game or decrease the house edge, such as card counting or blackjack strategy. However, it can help you to know when to quit and how to properly manage your bankroll.

Therefore, we will not review blackjack strategies in this article but focus only on reverse martingale. However, to explain it, we need to have a quick overview of how martingale works.

The only rule in martingale is that you should double your bet whenever you lose. Whenever you win, you should reset back to your starting bet.

So if you decide to bet $5 in a blackjack hand and you lose, you should increase to $10 the next time. If you lose again, you should increase to $20, and then to $40.

You get the idea — double up your betting amount as long as you lose. If you win, just reset your betting amount to $5 and start again.

The Reverse Martingale Approach

In reverse martingale, you need to double up whenever you win and reset to the original betting amount whenever you lose.

Simply put, if you bet $5 and you lose, you should just remain at $5 (in ordinary martingale, you would rise to $10). On the other hand, if you bet $5 and win, you should double up your next bet to $10.

Next time, double it up to $20 if you win, and so on. However, whenever you lose, you need to reset back to $5.

Just like the ordinary martingale strategy, the reverse one should give you a better overview of your bankroll and help you improve your overall blackjack experience.

If you’re looking for a way to play blackjack online and apply this strategy, make sure to check out our offer of casinos that have this card game in their respective offers.

Moreover, if you’re new to the world of blackjack, you should read more about blackjack rules to be able to get the most of this casino game, which many agree has the lowest house edge of all casino games.

The Etiquette of Live Casinos — The Do’s and Don’t’s of Live Blackjack

Live casino is more similar to land-based casinos as there are actual people involved. When you play online blackjack (non-live), it’s just you and the machine.

However, that’s different in a live environment. Apart from a real dealer, there are also other real players that want to have fun just as much as you do.

That’s why it’s important to stick to the live casino etiquette. That’s not something you aren’t aware of, as it is pretty much similar to land-based casinos. Yet, it’s important to discuss it to help you have the best possible live blackjack experience.

Whenever we review blackjack games, we talk about the pace of the game. Online software usually has a counter that gives you time to think about what to do.

Although it’s time-limited, you’re the one who sets the pace in the end. That’s why it is important not to be too slow. Don’t wait until the counter expires, as you’ll slow the game down a lot.

There are many players who like to play faster and immediately decide what to do. If you are new to live blackjack, feel free to mention that fact to other players so that they could help you out and understand why you’re taking things slowly at the start.

Keep Your Cool

The next thing to do is to watch your language. Live casinos have a chat feature, and you should be aware that it’s real people you’re chatting with.

That’s why cussing and aggressive language are never welcome and can totally ruin the experience. Therefore, make sure to be friendly with everyone who is playing with you at the moment.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to tip the dealer, especially after you’ve won a bigger sum. Tipping the dealer has been accepted code of conduct in many US land-based casinos, and it’s no different in live casinos either.

There’s almost always an option to tip the dealer, so don’t be stingy after you win a big prize, and share a small part of it with the dealer.

There are many great blackjack online casinos out there, and we made a list of the best ones, so make sure to check it out. Some of them even offer live blackjack games, where you can learn more about this type of entertainment and get the first-hand experience of playing live casino games.

Three Essential Tips for Playing Live Blackjack

Live dealer blackjack has been one of the emerging forms of online blackjack since its introduction to online players. Simply put, live blackjack offers players a taste of the atmosphere that we can see only in land-based casinos.

Plus, the human touch to the game is something that makes it extremely interesting to play.

Nowadays, we have plenty of options when it comes to live dealer blackjack games. However, what you should take into account is that there are some things you can do to get the most of it. Let’s take a look at them!

Feel Free to Use Strategy Charts

Every time we review blackjack platforms, we stress this — it’s completely legal to open a strategy chart in another window when you play this game on the web. The same is also true for all people who like to play live blackjack.

All you have to do is find one such chart and open it right next to the game. That way, you’ll be able to study each hand carefully and make the best possible decision that will make the house edge remain as low as possible.

Don’t Pay Attention to Side Bets

The truth is, many live blackjack games will offer you side bets that could really bring you a lot of money. However, blackjack experts agree that the best way to approach the game is to simply forget about the fact that side bets exist.

That way, you’ll be able to focus on the strategy part and improve your overall success in this game.

This doesn’t mean that you should never make these bets. There’s nothing wrong with placing them from time to time if you’re feeling lucky. If the lady luck is really on your side, there’s even a chance of making big money.

However, it’s important to know that this has nothing to do with the professional approach to blackjack, as no strategy can help you improve your chances with side bets.

Find the Casinos With Great Live Offers

Casinos on the web nowadays offer a wide variety of blackjack options, but only some of them really focus on their live offer. Therefore, make sure to check out casinos that can offer you the best possible live dealer blackjack options.

We made a list of casinos that have blackjack and offer various bonuses for people who like to play this game, so make sure to check them out and select the live blackjack option that meets your needs.

Oscar’s Grind — Does It Work in Blackjack?

We continue our mission to review blackjack betting systems that can help players in the game. The next one in line is the so-called Oscar’s Grind. It was originally documented by Allan Wilson in the book called The Casino Gambler’s Guide, which was published back in 1965.

This strategy is essentially a positive progression betting system, and it also comes with several different names, depending on your country of residence. For example, some call it Hoyle’s Press, whereas Germans and French gamblers like to call it the Pluscoup Progression.

The strategy assumes the fact that there are things such as winning and losing streaks in casino games. This strategy should help bettors have better control of their investments in casino games, including blackjack.

How Does the Oscar’s Grind Actually Work?

Once you review blackjack playing options and you’re ready to go, you can give it a try. First of all, you need to choose your default betting unit, which should not be more than 3% of your total bankroll. For example, let’s say that our default betting unit is $1. Also, let’s say that your balance for playing the game is $1.

You have to think in terms of profit, and in terms of sessions. Oscar’s Grind divides each play into sessions, which end once you gain precisely one unit of profit.

Therefore, if you bet $1 and you win, you need to consider that an end of the session and start a new session. However, the magic happens when you make a losing streak.

Every time you lose, you just keep betting $1, but as soon as you win, you need to increase your bet by one unit ($1 in this case). Therefore, you need to keep betting $2 as long as your bankroll doesn’t reach $101.

The goal is to keep increasing your bet by $1 whenever you win in your session. As soon as you reach the goal, and that’s increasing your budget by $1, you can begin a new session.

Let’s take a look at a practical example.

  • Bet $1 – Lose – $99
  • Bet $1 – Lose – $98
  • Bet $1 – Lose – $97
  • Bet $1 – Lose – $96
  • Bet $1 – Win – $97
  • Bet $2 – Lose – $95
  • Bet $2 – Win – $97
  • Bet $3 – Win – $100
  • Bet $1 – Win – $101

End of session.

To test this strategy, you should pick any blackjack game (or any other casino game where this system is applicable). Therefore, make sure to select one of the online casinos offering this game and test Oscar’s Grind now.

Just take into account that this strategy is there to help you control your bankroll rather than help you improve your chances of winning.