In this article, we will explain the rules of Pontoon. Pontoon is a very interesting variant of Blackjack, although the rules and modes of operation of the two differ. Through this review, you will understand what divergences exist between these two games and also where the best places are to play Pontoon.

The history of Pontoon

Pontoon is nothing other than a variant of one of the oldest and most popular card games: Blackjack. Backjack, as you know, is for its part the American variant of "21". In all three of these games a confrontation is set up between player and dealer, using a standard deck composed of 52 cards. Unlike Blackjack and Pontoon, "21" is not a big attraction in modern casinos. Therefore, we will not describe that game in detail here.

The role of the banker in Pontoon

The advantage of Pontoon is that it can be played with an unlimited number of players. But one will savor this game more if it only involves 5 to 8 participants. As we stated previously, Pontoon is played with a deck of 52 cards. When you play it with more than eight players, you should then use two packs of shuffled cards.

Before starting the game, a banker has to be designated. It is he who will subsequently deal the cards. Under the rules, the player who draws the highest card becomes the banker. However, when you play Pontoon online, you will only have to designate the dealer. In effect, there is no chance of your being the bank in an online casino.

It's game time

Before the cards are dealt out, all the players place their bets on the table. There is also an initial bet or "blind" that is denominated as "Sweet 16": it corresponds to the first two cards dealt to each player.

Once you have placed your bets, the dealer deals two cards face down. The latter, however, has the right to look at his cards. Pontoon is the denomination for the strongest hand in the game. It corresponds to the combination of a 10 with an Ace. If the dealer holds this hand, it's he who wins regardless of what you have to show! If this is not the case, the game continues and it is the player's turn to make his move. In addition, Titan Casino offers you the opportunity to practice Pontoon for free.

The player's turn to play

If the dealer does not have Pontoon, the game continues. The player may then be confronted with different situations:

• Pontoon: The player holds the most coveted combination and wins the game.
• Tie: The players are in a tie situation because they have cards of the same value.
• Hit: The players receive up to 5 cards to form a "21".
• Twist: The player requests a "twist", receiving a new card before placing his bet. This can be done until his cards amount to a "21".
• Stay/Stick: When the sum of the player's cards reaches 15, he can stay in the game.

The bank's turn to play

When all participants have played once, it's the bank's turn. Under the rules, the banker has the right to stay in the game anytime he wants. He will then face the following situations:

• Bust: The banker gets a "21", which is called a "bust".
• 21 or less: The player can form a "21" with three or four cards. But he will have to pay the players who manage to do the same thing.
• A five-card combination: The banker forms a winning combination of five cards. None of the players will receive money, except if they hold a Pontoon.

The rules and the value of cards in Pontoon

In the following table all the combinations of cards are indicated. Hands of the "Pontoon" type are explained below.

• As in Blackjack, the very essence of the game is to form more powerful hands than those held by the banker. The best possible hand is the Pontoon. To form a Pontoon, one has to have an Ace and a 10 of any suit.
• The second best hand is composed of five cards: its total value will be 21 or less. It's called a "five-card trick" in English, whence is derived the translation "combinaison de cinq cartes."
• Hands with three to four cards forming a total value of 21 do not beat the combinations described above.
• All other hands with multiple cards but forming a 21 are classified as winning combinations.
• One speaks generally of a "bust" for a card combination with a value that exceeds the number 21.

The differences between Pontoon and Blackjack

As we have stated, the rules of Pontoon and Blackjack are very similar. But there are still some slight differences it is important to be aware of.

• In Pontoon, you can double your bet each time you receive a new card. You can do this as many times as you wish.
• The second best hand is a combination of five cards. It can have a value of 21 or less.
• The other hands of three or four hands forming a 21 are not superior to a "Pontoon" or a "five-card trick."
• All other hands being close to 21 can win.
• All hands having a total value that exceeds 21 are "busts".

To conclude this article, here are some recommendations:

Note that not all online casinos offer Pontoon. Moreover, if they offer it, it's possible for there to be divergences in the rules and methods of play.

Our explanations are meant to help you win in this game. Attaining victory depends on your knowledge of the game and its history. If we cannot offer you experience with the game, we can at least provide you with knowledge of it.