Fancy trying your hand at a classic card game that is easy to learn and packed with excitement? Pontoon could be just the game for you.
Often compared to the game of Blackjack, Pontoon adds a few twists to keep things interesting. Whether you are playing recreationally at home with friends and family or playing a game online, understanding the basic rules can help you get the most out of your game.
In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to play Pontoon confidently, even if you are a complete beginner. Ready to discover the rules and tips to enjoy this popular card game? Let’s dive in.
What Is a Pontoon In Cards?
In the world of card games, a “Pontoon” refers to a special hand made up of an Ace and a card valued at ten points, such as a 10, Jack, Queen, or King. This hand is the best combination you can have at the start of a round.
If you have a Pontoon, you are in a very strong position. This hand wins automatically against other hands unless they also have a Pontoon.
Achieving a Pontoon is similar to getting a "Blackjack" in the popular casino game, but with a twist: the rules and terms used in Pontoon are unique to this game.
How Do You Play The Pontoon Card Game?
Playing Pontoon is both fun and straightforward. To get started, you'll need a standard deck of 52 cards and at least two players. The goal is simple: get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Each player gets dealt two cards face down, while the dealer - who also plays - receives two cards with one face up. Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while picture cards are worth 10 points. Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, whichever benefits your hand the most.
In your turn, you can choose to stick with your current hand or buy or twist for additional cards to get closer to 21. If your total exceeds 21, you have gone bust and are out of the round.
The dealer reveals their hole card after all players have taken their turns. The dealer must draw until they have at least 17 points. The closest hand to 21 wins, but if you have a Pontoon or five cards totalling 21 or less, you have exceptional hands that can beat most other hands.
Rules For Pontoon
Pontoon is played with a standard 52-card deck. The main aim is to get a hand value of 21 or as close as possible without exceeding it.
To start, each player is dealt two cards face down, and so is the dealer but the dealer has one card face-up for the players to see. Players must check their cards before deciding their next move.
Players have a few options on their turn. You can “twist” to request an additional card or “stick” to keep your current hand. Additionally, you can “buy” and get more cards by increasing your bet.
A Pontoon, which is an Ace and any card valued at ten, is the highest hand. It beats other 21-value hands.
A “five-card trick”, which is a hand of five cards totalling 21 or less, is the next best hand. It ranks above a regular 21 achieved with fewer cards.
If your hand exceeds 21, you go bust and lose your stake. The dealer reveals their hand after all the players have finished their turns. The dealer must stick on 17 or higher but twist on 16 or lower.
Understanding these rules can help you better navigate and enjoy the game more confidently.
Pontoon Vs Blackjack: Are They The Same?
While Pontoon and Blackjack share similarities, they are not exactly the same. Both games aim to reach a hand value of 21, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
In Pontoon, an Ace and a ten-point card form a Pontoon, which is equivalent to Blackjack’s “Blackjack” hand. However, the rules and terms differ between the games. For instance, in Pontoon, cards are dealt face down, and players use terms like “twist” and “stick” instead of “hit” and “stand”.
Another difference is the way hands are valued. A five-card trick in Pontoon can win against a regular 21 hand, a feature not typically found in Blackjack.
The dealer's play is also stricter in Pontoon; they must draw cards until their hand totals at least 17. Whereas rules like this are considered house rules in Blackjack, so they can vary from one casino to the next and even from one Blackjack table to the next. These distinctions make Pontoon a unique experience, offering new challenges for those familiar with Blackjack.
Understanding these differences is crucial for enjoying each game on its own terms, helping you have a fresh and engaging experience if you play. Just remember to always gamble responsibly and maintain realistic expectations; these are games of chance, so there is no promise of winning.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.