Of all the table game variants, Blackjack and the Pontoon 21 card game are among the most mistaken for one another. Many new players may find little to no difference between these two games. Nevertheless, there are subtle but significant differences.
Today’s casino news explains the Pontoon 21 card game, including its gameplay, rules, and strategic winning techniques.
Pontoon Card Game Offers A Unique Twist
Pontoon 21 is often referred to as the British preferred variant, while standard blackjack is the American choice. Many players choose Pontoon because it is one of the casino games with the lowest house edge, about 0.38%, and pays 2:1.
The game of Pontoon 21 and blackjack have similar objectives: get a total hand of 21 or close enough to trump the dealer’s hand to win the game. However, anything higher than 21 results in a non-negotiable loss.
The Pontoon game, like many of our picks for best casino card games, is played using one to four decks of 52 cards. Face cards King, Queen, Jack, and 10 are 10-value hands. 2 to 9 retain their face value, while the Ace card can be used as a 1 or 11, depending on your gameplay needs.
How to Play Pontoon Card Game – Rules & Strategy Guide
Below are the steps on how to play the Pontoon 21 card game.
Step 1
Players must place a wager at the start of every round to qualify for the gameplay. This can be any amount of your choice; so long as it is within the table’s betting limit.
Step 2
The assigned dealer deals two cards face up to every player at the table. However, the chosen dealer’s two cards are dealt face down.
Step 3
Players can choose a range of actions to take, all in the blackjack strategy chart. These include hitting, which means asking for more cards; standing, which means you don’t want any cards; doubling down, which means placing an additional bet while taking an extra card; and splitting, which means dividing your two cards of identical value into two hands.
Step 4
The gameplay session dealer reveals his/her hand and takes more cards or not, depending on the total they have.
Step 5
Winners are paid accordingly, while those who didn’t win prepare for the next round. Check out our ultimate blackjack cheat sheet for beginners.
Rules Of Pontoon 21
What distinguishes Pontoon 21 from blackjack is some of its gameplay rules. Here are the distinctive Pontoon card game rules:
- Players’ cards are dealt face up, while the dealer gets two cards dealt face down.
- In an instant where the dealer and player have a matching total hand, the dealer wins.
- The dealer is required by the rules to hit on a soft 17 and stand on a hard 17.
- Participating players are allowed to split but not resplit.
- Players can double down and hit as many times as they like.
The 5-Card Trick
Another unique feature of the Pontoon 21 is the 5-card trick rule. This states that when you have a total of 5 cards in your hand, and they add up to 21 or less than 21, you automatically beat all other hands on the table and win the round. However, the value of these five cards must not be above 21.
Pontoon 21 Strategy Tips
Here are a few strategic tips for the Pontoon 21 card game:
- Understand the rules of the game.
- Always know when to hit and stand. Pontoon charts outline various scenarios that can occur in the game and provide guidance on how to increase your chances of winning.
- Know when to double down or surrender if allowed.
- Practice good bankroll management. This is crucial even as you learn how to play rummy and other rummy variations.
Pontoon Card Game Is A Strategic Favorite
The Pontoon card game is a popular blackjack variant with interesting twists, such as its 5-card trick that lets you win, and the requirement that the dealer must hit on a soft 17, which can often lead to a bust. However, the designated dealer has the upper hand when it’s a tie. Remember these rules as you play at Slots Paradise Casino.
FAQs
Is Pontoon the same as blackjack?
The Pontoon card game is not the same as blackjack, although it shares striking similarities.
What is Pontoon card game?
Pontoon is regarded as a British 21-card game.
Why is 21 called Pontoon?
The 21 in Pontoon is derived from the French name of the classic game vingt-et-un, which means “21.”
What is the 5 card trick in the Pontoon card game?
The 5 card trick in the Pontoon card game states that when players have a total of five cards and the total is 21 or less than 21, they automatically beat all other hands on the table. This hand pays out odds of +150.