There are many different variations on the classic card game of blackjack out there to enjoy, and BetSoft has done a great job of bringing some of the best-loved variations of 21 to the table. Pirate 21 Blackjack is one of several different titles that the studio produced between 2015 and 2016, and they live on thanks to upgraded versions now available for mobile.
In this Pirate 21 Blackjack review, we will be taking a look at what you can expect from the game as a new player, as a seasoned blackjack fan, and as a complete newbie. Is the game worth holding out for compared to simpler variations on the classic? What is it about Pirate 21 Blackjack that appeals to so many people? Keep reading and we will provide you with the full lowdown.
Game information
- Title: Pirate 21 Blackjack
- Developer: BetSoft
- RTP: 99.23%
- Type: Blackjack
- Max win: N/A
- Release date: July 2016
First impressions
If you played Pirate 21 Blackjack a few years ago, you may be surprised to see that the game has changed visually to help accommodate new mobile gaming standards. The table layout is nice and simple, with appealing colors and everything you need to know about your bets clearly in front of you.
As with some other blackjack games from BetSoft, Pirate 21 Blackjack offers up three separate hands for you to play with at any one time. These hands are easy to read and are spaced out enough for you to avoid being overwhelmed. You will also find pirate match bet spaces, and we will cover what these do for the gameplay shortly.
The game is otherwise very well-presented. BetSoft has aimed for a fairly laid-back blackjack table here that goes with the popular ‘less is more’ standard that is currently catching a lot of attention at online casinos. On the whole, this style is definitely inoffensive, and if you do want to take back control of your game, there are a few handy buttons and tweaks you can make use of.
What is really interesting is that BetSoft has avoided overloading the screen with information and has pushed these details to the sides or hidden away under buttons. This is a great idea for mobile screens, meaning that Pirate 21 Blackjack is absolutely mobile ready. It works very well on smartphones and tablets.
Interesting touches
The idea behind Pirate 21, or Spanish 21 as it is known in some cases, is that there is no ’10’ in the decks you play with. Across all six decks in this particular game, there will be no chances for you to get closer to that all-important 21 with a 10. This makes the game a little more exciting and/or difficult, depending on how you see things. As such, this variation on the old classic is likely to appeal to people who want a bit more bite out of their blackjack.
Seasoned players will also be interested in the pirate match bet feature, which you can see clearly on each of the hand spaces that are placed in front of you. This is a side bet that allows you to make a bit of bonus money off the dealer’s hand. If your hand matches the dealer’s, you receive an extra prize.
Of course, it is worth noting that, as a side bet, you will need to be very lucky to win this bet. There is a better chance, in most cases, of you winning the main game. However, for those blackjack players who are looking for more than just straight 21, you can at least spice things up a little bit. As always, you should keep close tabs on your bankroll, and always gamble responsibly.
Otherwise, we like the fact that BetSoft has set up a side bet game alongside the main wager. You may find that the Super 7 Blackjack game from the same company is very similar graphically.
Of all the Pirate 21 Blackjack tips we can give you right now, we recommend you try out the main game first, and save experimenting with the side bets for later.
How to play Pirate 21 Blackjack
If you already know how to play blackjack, then you are most of the way to knowing how to play Pirate 21 Blackjack. You will need to make as close to a total of ’21’ in your hand as possible from cards dealt to you. Go over this number, and you will go bust. Choose to ‘stand’ too early, and you will lose if the dealer reaches a number closer to 21.
With Pirate 21, the number ’10’ is removed from the decks to make things a little more interesting, and there is also a side bet where you could win more money if your hand matches that of the dealer’s. However, as a side bet, this normally comes with higher odds and risks involved.
You can play three hands at once, and there are multiple decks in play. The RTP is very high, and the 3:2 rate also means that this game could pay regularly — but there is no guarantee of when, nor how much.
What we love about Pirate 21 Blackjack
- The match bet is a great added twist
- Removing the ’10’ is a fiendish new trick that makes things interesting
- The newest version of the game is great on mobile
- The table is nice and easy to read
- You can choose to play it safe or play three hands
What we don’t really like about Pirate 21 Blackjack
- It looks very similar to other table games from BetSoft
Conclusion
BetSoft’s take on Pirate 21 Blackjack is pretty refreshing, though of course, it is still very much a game of luck. If you are looking for more than just your average game of 21, this might be a good place to start.