Pontoon

Blackjack is a popular card game of chance and skill and it has many different variants. One interesting variant is Pontoon. In the early days the game was considered a parlor game played by many families from time to time. The game play and rules of Pontoon differ slightly from the other variants. For instance, a Pontoon hand is the highest-ranked hand that consists of an Ace and a Ten, King, Queen or a Jack. The game is played with a couple of decks and the number usually depends on the number of players. Below is a complete in-depth overview of Pontoon. We have also suggested some winning strategy tips as well as places where you can play the game online.

Why Play Pontoon (21)?

Pontoon is one of the first blackjack variants invented and it is quite popular world-wide. Once you learn the rules, the game is easy to play and with basic playing techniques you can increase your advantage. Pontoon also has one of the lowest house edges of all casino games and with good practice it may win you a lot of money.

Pontoon Rules

The highest paying hand is Pontoon or a 10-valued card and an Ace. The second best hand is a Five Card Trick hand that consists of five cards with a total value of 21 or less. Instead of Hit players say Twist, while instead of Stand they say Stick. Double Down is also replaced by Buying a Card.

Number of Decks

The blackjack variant uses eight decks of 52 playing cards, but any number of decks can be used. The decks are reshuffled before each game.

Splitting Rules

Players are allowed to split any two cards equal in rank. They cannot split two 10-valued cards unless they are equal. For instance, two Jacks can be split, but a Jack and a King cannot. A pair of Aces can also be split and players get one additional card to each Ace. If the dealt card has a value of 10, then the hand is classed as Pontoon, not a blackjack hand.

Buy a Card

Once players get their initial two cards, they can buy a card in order to get a value closer to 21 or 21 exactly. However, they must place another bet equal to or not more than twice their initial bet. Buying a card after a split is also possible, but it can be done only once.

Dealer Play

The dealer can also add more cards to his/hers initial two cards and they are dealt face up. The dealer also stands on all 17s.

Declare a Pontoon

If a player has an Ace and a 10-valued card, he/she declares his/hers hand by putting the 10-valued card face-down and the Ace face-up on top of it.

Payouts and House Edge

Pontoon is paid 2 to 1, while a winning a Five Card Trick is paid 2 to 1. The house advantage of Pontoon is 0.39%.

How to Win Playing Real Money Pontoon

Pontoon differs from the other blackjack variations in terms of terminology, playing rules and, of course, playing strategies and skills. Therefore, you should familiarize with the game and see how it works before you make a real money deposit. Practice Pontoon in play-for-fun format before switching to real money. In addition, consider the following strategy tips when you are playing real money Pontoon:

–        Always split a pair of 8s.

–        If you are dealt a pair of Aces, twist your hand.

–        If you have a pair of 5s, you should always buy a card.

–        Stick a hand or stop drawing cards if you have a pair of 9s or a pair of 10s.

Best Pontoon Casinos Online

We have briefly described the best online casinos where you can play Pontoon below:

EuroPalace Casino: Best Microgaming Pontoon Casino

EuroPlace Casino is experienced online casino powered by Microgaming and part of the esteemed Fortune Lounge Group. It welcomes casino fans to play high quality games like Pontoon. The casino also offers mobile and live casino games.

Drake Casino: Best Betsoft Pontoon Casino (USA Friendly)

Betsoft Gaming-powered Drake Casino is excellent online casino that caters to US players. Blackjack fans can play Pontoon with realistic 3D graphics as well as take advantage of many lucrative bonuses and promotions.

High Noon Casino: Best RTG Casino with Pontoon (USA Friendly)

High Noon Casino is another US-friendly online casino powered by Real Time Gaming that offers amazing $2,000 and $500 welcome bonuses to all new players. The casino is licensed in Curacao.

EuroGrand Casino: Best Playtech Casino with Pontoon

Playtech’s EuroGrand Casino also offers Pontoon and other blackjack variants and new players can claim amazing 100% welcome bonus. The casino provides dynamic gaming experience and it has top notch security.

Don’t miss our Pontoon game reviews below:

» Pontoon Gold (Microgaming)