| Updated: September 18, 2025Match Play 21 is probably the most popular blackjack variation developed by RealTime Gaming (RTG) and it is available both in a browser and as part of RTG’s casino software for download. Also known as Spanish blackjack, this game is played with several 48-card decks, from which all 10s have been removed. But that is not all – Match Play 21 offers bonus payouts for forming specific hands while playing. Moreover, the top payout of 40 times the stake can be won without making a side bet.
Rules and Gameplay
RTG’s Match Play 21 is an American-style version of blackjack with a hole card that typically uses six or eight decks of cards, depending on the casino. However, these are not the standard 52-card decks containing cards from 2s to Aces. The game uses the so-called Spanish decks – standard decks with all the 10s removed. The dealer peeks for blackjack if his visible card is an Ace and also hits on soft 17.
Players can hit or stand on their initial hand, and they may double their bet at any time, but only once per round. If their initial hand is a pair, they can also opt for a split, and up to two splits are allowed. Doubling on split Aces is also permitted. Another option, available at any time, is to surrender, which allows players to forfeit half of their bet and end the hand if they believe the dealer has a stronger hand.
Last but not least, players can purchase insurance if the dealer’s visible card is an Ace. This side bet pays 2:1 if the dealer actually has blackjack. The other payouts are standard – a regular win pays 1:1 and blackjack pays 3:2.
Distinctive Features
The most distinctive and exciting feature in this game is the chance to win up to 40 times your original stake without having to place a side bet. In fact, RTG’s Match Play 21 offers ten different bonus payouts for achieving several special hands. The highest payout, however, is awarded for getting three suited 7s when the dealer’s upcard is also a 7; this is the Match Play 21 payout. These are all bonus payouts in the game:
- Match Play 21 – 40:1
- 7+ card 21 – 3:1
- 7-7-7 Spades – 3:1
- 6-7-8 Spades – 3:1
- 7-7-7 Suited – 2:1
- 6-7-8 Suited – 2:1
- 6-card 21 – 2:1
- Any 7-7-7 – 3:2
- Any 6-7-8 – 3:2
- 5-card 21 – 3:2
Conclusion
This is a very interesting blackjack variant, offering more bonus payouts than any other version available online or in land-based casinos. It comes with a house edge of 0.76%, which is relatively high for blackjack.