In short, the answer to this question is yes, 21 pays double in blackjack. However, it is important to note that this occurs only if you are playing with a conventional 52 card deck.
If you are playing with a jumbo or wild deck, then 21 pays just one card.
21 is the highest possible hand rank in blackjack, and as such, it is considered a “natural” blackjack hand. When players hold 21 in their hand, the dealer must either give them a free card (a 10 or an Ace) or put them in “bleed” (where they lose money even if they don’t draw another card).
Therefore, holding 21 in blackjack is often seen as an advantage over other hand ranks.
In recent years, casinos have started to offer higher paying blackjack tables that allow players to hold 21 without having to risk losing money. At these tables, 21 pays two cards (rather than just one) and is considered a “super” blackjack hand.
Because of this, holding 21 at these tables can be an extremely profitable strategy.
