For instance... could I use a non-standard card deck? Could I choose a target number other than 21 to try to hit?
Absolutely! Anything that's obviously 'inspired by' or 'derived from' 21 (blackjack) would be in the spirit of the jam.
To qualify for prizes or publication as a Tale of 21 however, the game would need to use regular playing cards and use 21 as the target 馃幆 [or else feature it in a meaningful way 馃専]
Great question, thanks!