Learn to Play Player’s Edge 21 at Island Resort & Casino
An entertaining variation of traditional Blackjack, Player’s Edge 21 offers additional ways to win and a whole new gameplay experience where 10s are removed from the deck. Players who enjoy Blackjack but are looking for a twist on the game will love Player’s Edge 21.
How to Play Player’s Edge 21
Betting
Player’s Edge 21 is a Blackjack variation using Spanish decks (standard 52 card decks with all the 10’s removed).
The object of the game is to beat the dealer by having a point total closest to 21 without going over. The rules of play can be found here.
Player’s Edge 21 gives you countless new ways to win additional bonuses. On top of this, all matched 20’s (suited pairs) are automatic winners, no matter what the Dealer has.
Island Player’s Edge 21 Bonus Payoffs:
- 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
Super Bonus:
Player holds 7-7-7 and Dealer upcard any 7 $3+ Bet WINS $1,000 $25+ bet WINS $5,000
Envy Bonus – All other players get $50 NO side bet required. (Splitting, Doubling voids Super Bonus)
Match Up:
Offers a payout if the Dealer’s up-card matches rank with at least one of the player’s initial two cards
Gameplay
At Island Resort & Casino, Player’s Edge 21 is played with six Spanish Decks—A-9, J, Q, K—no 10s. Like Blackjack, the object of Player’s Edge 21 is to create a hand as close to 21 as possible, without busting, or going over 21. Players whose hands total closer to 21 than the dealer win. Face cards are valued at 10, while Aces are valued at either 1 or 11, depending on the player’s hand.
Players who receive a two-card combination equaling 21, such as a Jack and Ace, win the hand automatically. This is known as a blackjack. In Player’s Edge 21, player blackjacks beat dealer blackjacks and pay 3-2.
To begin the hand, each player is dealt two cards face-up. The dealer also receives two cards; however, one is dealt face-down and the other face-up. Once all cards are dealt, each player has a range of options to take action on their individual hands.
At this point, the player has several options, including:
- Surrender: If the dealer’s up card is a J, Q, K or Ace, they must check for blackjack. If the dealer does not have blackjack, and a player is dissatisfied with their hand, they have the option to surrender. Players cannot surrender if the dealer does have blackjack.
- Stand: A player who is satisfied with the total of their hand may stand. This means that the player does not want to be dealt any additional cards.
- Hit: A player who does not feel that their hand can beat the dealer may hit, or take additional cards. A player may hit as many times as they like until they reach a satisfactory hand, or the total of their hand exceeds 21.
- Double down: Players who feel confident about the strength of their hands may choose to double down. If a player chooses to double down, they must make an additional wager equal to or less than the original wager. The double down bet must meet the table’s minimum requirements. In Spanish 21, players may rescue, or be given back, the doubled portion of the bet if they are dissatisfied with a non-busted hand. In double down rescues, the player’s original wager is forfeited. Note: Bonus 21 and Super Bonus payouts do not apply to doubled hands.
- Split: Players who are dealt matching cards, such as a pair of 8s, may choose to split the pair into two separate hands. To split, the player must make an additional wager matching the value of their original bet. Once split, the player takes action on each hand individually, and must complete action before moving to the second hand. In Spanish 21, players may split cards of equal value up to four hands and hitting and doubling of split hands is allowed.
- Take insurance: If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, players may choose to take insurance. Insurance may be taken for half of the player’s original bet. If the dealer’s hand equals 21 and the player has taken insurance, the player is paid 2-1. Insurance helps to protect the value of the player’s original bet in case the dealer has blackjack.
Once all players have completed action, the dealer’s face-down card is revealed. If the dealer’s hand totals 17 or higher, they must stand. Once the dealer has completed action, their hand is compared to the players’.
If a player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer, the player wins their bet. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21, the player loses their bet. If the hands are equal, the bet pushes and no chips are exchanged either way, unless the hands total 21, in which case the player’s hand wins and pays up to 3-1.
Things to Remember When Playing Player’s Edge 21
At Island Resort & Casino, we are focused on providing an enjoyable and memorable gaming experience for every visitor. To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, we hope you remember to:
- Ask for help: If you have questions regarding the rules of the game or the betting process, just ask. Our table supervisors and dealers are always available to answer questions and offer advice.
- Gamble responsibly: Gambling is a risk – never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you or a loved one have a gambling problem, we are here to help.
- Register for an Island Club card: Before taking to the tables, be sure to register for an Island Club Card. With your club card in hand, you’ll earn rewards redeemable for hotel, dining and entertainment, as well as slot and bingo credits.
For help planning your next visit, please call 1-877-475-7375.
