How to Play Pontoon
Pontoon is the British version of Blackjack. However, over time, it has become popular in other regions, where it is sometimes mistaken for “Pontoon 21,” a Spanish 21 variant. Pontoon is identical to traditional blackjack, but has its own unique gameplay rules. This distinction has made Pontoon a great game choice at many land-based and online casinos.
This article explains how to play Pontoon, highlighting its rules, payouts, and playing strategies.
Pontoon Card Game
Pontoon is a 21-card game popular in Britain and beyond. It is played by three or more players using a standard 52-card deck. The objective is to form a hand total of 21, or as close to 21 as possible without going over, to beat the participant who plays as the dealer or banker. The role of dealer or banker is rotated among players in Pontoon. At the start of the game, the player who draws the highest card is assigned the role of a dealer. The winner of a round becomes the dealer for the next gameplay session.
Pontoon Rules
1. Players and the dealer only receive one face-down card before bet placements.
2. Players may peek at their initial card, while the dealer can’t.
3. Whether players like their first card or not, they must place the table's minimum bet amount.
4. The dealer and the players will receive a second card after wagers have been completed.
5. Actions in Pontoon don't include stand, hit, or double, as in blackjack. Instead, players can decide whether to twist, stick, or buy a card. We will explain what these terms mean soon.
6. The dealer only reveals the face-down card after players have acted, and then competes against those who haven't gone bust.
How to Play Pontoon: Step-by-Step Guide
If you are playing Pontoon online, you only need to focus on beating the automated dealer by having a hand value of 21 or close enough. However, when playing at a casino, follow these steps.
Play as a Dealer or Player
If there are three or more players at the table, one of you has to be the dealer. If you are the dealer, others will compete against you. Otherwise, continue playing.
Look at Your Initial Card
As mentioned, each player will receive one card face down. Peek to know its value and place a bet. Here is how cards are valued in Pontoon
- Aces: 1 or 11
- Face Cards (K, Q, J): 10
- Number Cards: Face value
Second Card Dealing
After all wagers are placed, the role-playing dealer will deal the second card to each player. If you have a natural hand that qualifies as a Pontoon, you win. If otherwise, proceed to take action.
Twist, Stick, or Buy a card
To achieve the gameplay objective in Pontoon, you can
Twist: Request for another card, which will be dealt face up without placing an extra bet
Stick: Hold on to your hand total (at least 15), and end your turn
Buy a Card: Request a face-down card by placing an extra bet. You can buy up to five cards.
Additionally, like in blackjack, you can split cards in Pontoon and play them as separate hands
Winning Conditions
You win in Pontoon if you have:
1. Natural Pontoon: An Ace and any 10-point card. (The best hand)
2. Five cards totaling 21 or close
3. Three or Four Cards that add up to 21.
The dealer automatically wins a tie in Pontoon.
Pontoon Payouts
The table below highlights the Pontoon card game.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Pontoon | 2:1 |
| Five cards totaling 21 | 2:1 |
| Other hands totaling 21 | 1:1 |
Since the dealer is also one of the players, when you bust, the dealer keeps your wager. Also, the dealer receives a 2:1 payout for having a Pontoon hand.
Pontoon Playing Strategy
Based on the rules of Pontoon, here are a few strategies for playing:
1. Buy a card if your hand total is 10 or 11 and you have enough bankroll. However, don't bust.
2. Twist if your hand total is less than 12, but you don't want to risk an extra wager. However, ensure you have only two or three cards to avoid busting.
3. When you have a hand total of 15 or more, you can stick. However, you can twist to improve your hand if you only have two to three cards.
Pontoon vs Blackjack
The table below highlights the differences between Pontoon and Blackjack.
| Features | Blackjack | Pontoon (British Blackjack) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Hand | Blackjack (Ace + 10/Face card) | Pontoon (Ace + 10/Face card) |
| Gameplay Actions | Hit/Stand | Twist/Stick |
| Card Dealing | Two initial cards | One initial card |
| Bet Placement | Wagers are placed before the initial cards are dealt | Wagers are placed after the first card is dealt |
| Natural Hand Payout | 3:2 | 2:1 |
Conclusion
Pontoon gameplay is entertaining, and its rules are easy to grasp. If you would like to add to your table gaming experiences, it is a great game to play. Although not as widely available as blackjack, you can find it at brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online platforms. May the odds be in your favour as you twist or stick!
FAQs
Is Pontoon the same as Blackjack?
Not exactly. Pontoon is the British version of Blackjack.
Is Pontoon 21 and Pontoon the same?
No. Pontoon 21 is also termed Spanish 21, while Pontoon is closely related to classic blackjack.
Can I play Pontoon online?
Yes, Pontoon is available in some online casinos.
Do I hit or stand in Pontoon?
No, in Pontoon, you either twist, stick, or buy a card to form a hand total of 21.