Pontoon 21 is a name among table games often confused with blackjack. Casino game providers that offer both are careful to ensure they retain their uniqueness despite being similar.
Though subtle, the differences between these classic games significantly impact their gameplay. Our Vegas casino news article compares Pontoon 21 and blackjack to see what makes them peculiar so you can decide which you would rather play.
Pontoon 21 Offers a Unique Twist on Traditional Blackjack
We will examine the similarities and differences between Pontoon 21 and Blackjack.
Origin of the Game
Pontoon 21 and Blackjack have the same origins as far back as the 1700s. Both can be traced back to a French game called vingt-et-un, which means “21.” Pontoon 21 became popular in Britain, while Blackjack became famous in the United States. Hence, Pontoon 21 is considered the British version of the 21-card game. Some people, however, still believe that the game is from Spain, as it shares features with the Ventiuna game.
The Objective of the Game
Pontoon and blackjack share the same gameplay objective: For players to win, they must get 21 or closer to 21 than the dealer. Having a 21 is called a blackjack in blackjack and Pontoon in Pontoon.
Values of Cards
The playing cards in blackjack and Pontoon can differ. The Spanish card deck, containing 40 cards, is often used for Pontoon, while the 52-card deck is the default for Blackjack. However, in recent times, both casino games use the standard card deck, which contains 52 playing cards.
Regarding card values, an ace and a 10-value card are called a blackjack, whereas in a Pontoon, an ace and a 10-value card are called a Pontoon. This marks the end of their similarities.
Gameplay Differences
As much as Pontoon and blackjack share similar gameplay, they mostly have unique mechanics that make playing them different. Below are the important ones you should know before going into them. You can also learn more of these games with the aid of our American casino guide section.
Number of Decks
Blackjack can generally be played using a single deck of cards or up to 8 decks. However, Pontoons typically use between one and four decks of cards, which gives more opportunities for players to get 21 (Pontoon).
The Dealer’s Hand
In blackjack, the dealer gets two cards like every other player but leaves one of the cards face-up for all players to see. However, in Pontoon, the dealers’ cards are dealt face-down. The essence of the two cards face down in the Pontoon game is to increase the house edge, as players have no idea what they are up against.
Surrender and Insurance
Surrender and Insurance are two significant betting actions in blackjack that players can always take advantage of after the game has started. However, Pontoon doesn’t offer these options, leaving you with hitting, standing, splitting, or double-down actions. This means you must be ready to play very tightly, as the game has no extra leverage.
Doubling Down and Splitting
Both games have varying rules for doubling down and Splitting. In blackjack, you can double down on any two cards you choose. If you play Pontoon 21, your double-down options are limited to only specific card values. You can double down as many times as you like, even after hitting as long as you do not get over 21. With Splitting, you can split and resplit any pair of cards of the same value in blackjack. However, Pontoon lets you split only cards with the same rank, and there is no option for resplits.
Dealer and Player Tie
When the dealer and player tie in blackjack, it becomes a push, and no one wins. However, if the dealer and player tie in the Pontoon 21 game, the dealer wins, and the player loses. This is the same when both have a 21; the dealer’s 21 always wins.
House Edge
Studying Pontoon vs Blackjack odds highlights their differences. The house edge of Pontoon 21 is about 0.38% based on the hands simulation, which is lower than that of Blackjack, which is around 2%.
Payout
A 21-card hand pays out 3:2 in blackjack, while the Pontoon pays out 2:1.
Pontoon 21 vs Blackjack: Summary
| Parameters | Pontoon 21 | Blackjack |
| Origin | Popular in Britain | Popular in the US |
| Getting a 21 | It is called a Pontoon | It is called a blackjack |
| Payout | Pays out 2:1 | Pays out 3:2 |
| Number of decks | One to four decks of cards | One to eight decks of cards |
| Dealer’s Hands | Both cards face down | One card face up, one face down |
| Doubling down | As many times as possible | Only once |
| Splitting | Can split but can’t re-split | Split and resplit are allowed |
| Hand Tie | The dealer wins. | Push. Nobody Wins |
| House Edge | 0.38% | 2% |
Conclusion
Pontoon and blackjack are card games that can be interchangeable among casino players. Some casinos offer Pontoon 21 as a variant of Blackjack, which is not wrong, like is referred to as pontoon 21 blackjack by Betsoft, a casino games company. They both have simple gameplay mechanisms, slightly different rules, and a house advantage. If you want a more dynamic game, go for blackjack.
If Pontoon 2 appeals to you, you can try the variation made by Nucleus Slots, a renowned game developer, with amazing titles to back their presence.
If you prefer a game with a lower house edge and do not care about having many tactics, Pontoon 21 is a good choice. Both games are available at Slots Paradise Casino.
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