Match Play 21 is a variation of blackjack that is one of the best bets in a casino. In locations where the dealer stands on a soft 17 or redoubling is allowed, Match Play 21 is probably a better bet than blackjack, depending on the specific blackjack rules. If you are looking for a change of pace from traditional blackjack but insist on a game with a low house edge you may find new excitement in Match Play 21.

Match Play 21 Rules

Match Play 21 uses six or eight Spanish decks, each deck consisting of 48 cards -- the regular 52 cards less the four tens. Any card counter can tell you that removing any 10-point card from the cards moves the odds in favor of the dealer. To make up for this Match Play 21 gives to the player a host of bonuses and favorable rules. The rules are based on liberal 6-8 deck blackjack rules, including double after split, late surrender, and resplitting aces. In addition Match Play 21 offers the follows rule enhancements:

• A player 21 always wins.
• Player blackjack beats dealer blackjack.
• Player may double on any number of cards.
• Player may hit and double down after splitting aces.
• Player may surrender half of total bet after doubling down (known as "double down rescue.")
• A five-card 21 pays 3:2, a six-card 21 pays 2:1, a seven or more card 21 pays 3:1.
• A 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of mixed suits pays 3:2, of the same suit pays 2:1, and of spades pays 3:1.
• Suited 7-7-7 when the dealer has a seven face up pays $1000 for bets of $5-$24 and $5000 for bets of $25 or over. In addition, all other players receive a $50 "envy bonus." This rule does not apply after splitting.