Do you enjoy playing Blackjack but want to try something different? Then Player’s Edge 21 might just be the game for you. Player’s Edge 21 has the same basic aim as regular Blackjack, namely that of reaching a score that’s as close as possible - but not exceeding - 21, but a number of rule changes lead to a new and exciting experience. Take the decks the game is played with, which have had the 10s removed, or how getting a suited pair means an instant win. With this in mind let’s take a closer look at the game of Player’s Edge 21 and learn how to play!
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What is Player’s Edge 21?
In the most basic sense, Player’s Edge 21 is a variant of Blackjack that is played using Spanish decks. In case you are not familiar, Spanish decks are regular 52-card decks that have the four 10 cards removed, leading to a 48-card deck. The dealer uses five, six, or eight of these Spanish decks in total, which are shuffled accordingly.
The aim of the game remains that of Blackjack. The player needs to get a hand whose score beats the dealer’s by being the closest to 21 without going over this total. The use of Spanish decks makes Player’s Edge 21 very similar to Spanish 21, the Blackjack variant owned by the company Masque Publishing, but it does have a couple of additional rules to keep in mind. Specifically, two suited and ranked face cards bring an automatic win, while an insurance bet pays 5 to 1 for a suited blackjack.
The Player’s Edge 21 Gameplay Guide
The Player’s Edge 21 Gameplay Guide
Now that we know what Player’s Edge 21 is, it’s time to learn how to actually play it. The round starts with the player and dealer receiving two cards. The player’s cards are both face down, while one of the dealer’s cards is face up and the other face down. The insurance side bet can cover the instance the dealer’s face up card is an Ace, in which case the player gets paid 2:1 or 5:1 if the dealer has a suited Blackjack.
Once everyone playing has their cards the player can choose to do the following:
- Hit - Ask the dealer for an additional card. Players can hit as many times as they want so long as their hand’s score does not exceed 21.
- Stand - Signal that they’re done for this round.
- Double Down - Make an additional bet that’s equal or less than their original wager. After doubling down the player can only Stand, Double-Double Down, or Surrender (Double-Down Rescue).
- Split - You can split your hand into two new hands if your cards are of equal value. Each of these new hands will then receive a new card from the shoe. You can split up to three times per round for a total of four hands.
- Surrender - If your hand is not busted and the dealer’s hand is not a Blackjack you may choose to surrender, forfeiting half of your wager. This option is only available on your first two cards or immediately after doubling down (a “Double Down Rescue”). Once surrendered the hand is removed from play.
- Take Insurance - This side bet is available if the dealer’s face up card is an Ace. This costs half the player’s wager.
Once every player completes their actions for the round the dealer will reveal their face down card. If the dealer’s hand is worth 17 then they must stand. If the player’s hand is closest to 21 then they win, but if the dealer’s hand is the closest to 21 then they lose. If the player and dealer’s hands are equal in value then no one wins as the bet pushes - unless both hands are worth 21, in which case the player wins and the house pays 3:1.
Player’s Edge 21 Scoring
Like in regular Blackjack, cards have a value equal to their number except for face cards, which are worth 10. An Ace is worth 1 or 11, depending on the player’s hand. Interestingly, a suited pair is worth 20 and is an immediate winner. The other immediate winner is, of course, a Blackjack. This is a two-card hand that is worth 21 points, such as a face card and an Ace. A Blackjack typically pays out 3:2.
Player’s Edge 21 Bonus Bets
Some games of Player’s Edge 21 come with a choice of bets. Here’s what some of these can involve:
- 5 Card 21: Pays 3-2
- 6 Card 21: Pays 2-1
- 7+ Card 21: Pays 3-1
- 6-7-8 Mixed: Pays 3-2
- 6-7-8 Suited: Pays 2-1
- 6-7-8 Spaded: Pays 3-1
- 7-7-7 Mixed: Pays 3-2
- 7-7-7 Suited: Pays 2-1
- 7-7-7 Spaded: Pays 3-1
Another possible bonus bet is the Super Bonus. Here a player can receive an extra payout if they manage to get a 7-7-7 hand without splitting or doubling down. The other players may even receive an Envy Bonus if one wins the Super Bonus!
Go for 21 With a Twist!
Player’s Edge 21 adds a new layer of fun and strategy to the traditional Blackjack experience, thanks to its use of Spanish decks and unique rules. Winning instantly with a suited pair sounds like a great option, as are the various side bets and the Super Bonus. Now that you know how to play this game you’re ready to hit the tables at the best blackjack sites. As always, do remember to play responsibly.
