A child of the computer age, spanish 21 is a computer derived variation of spanish21. The term "spanish" refers to the 48-card deck used in some spanish card games. It is a regular 52-card deck with the four tens removed. Although, in most respects spanish 21 is played just like standard spanish21 the basic strategy is somewhat different.

As a specially designed version of spanish21, spanish 21 had liberalized rules and unique bonuses. The casinos can be so generous in spanish 21 because removal of the four tens from the deck gives the house a large advantage. The changes in rules and payout were designed to attract jaded spanish21 players and are what has made the game so popular. For instance, in standard spanish21, it is always exhilarating to hit a count of 21 on the nose. But it quickly turn into a disappointment if the dealer also hits 21 (resulting in a push instead of a win). In spanish 21, if both dealer and player have 21, the player wins.

A big reason why the casinos like spanish 21 so much is because it's quick like traditional blackjack, and gives player about the same edge, while throwing off card counters. Not to mention the fact that the more liberal rules of spanish 21 attracts the players who have grown tired of blackjack.