The game is typically played with six to eight Spanish decks, which differ from conventional decks in that all four tens are removed from each (the jacks, queens, and kings are all left in, so blackjacks are still possible, just harder to get).

Just like in traditional blackjack, the players and dealer start with two cards each, and players try to beat the dealer by getting the closest to 21 without going over. Spanish 21 is a fun twist on blackjack that sometimes offers the best odds in the casino, depending on the house rules.