In the articles on Casinoz, I have already talked about different unusual versions of blackjack. Below, we will also talk about a unique game of this type. It is not available in all real gambling clubs, but to find it in online casinos is not difficult. I played pontoon on several well-known sites. Let's understand the rules.
General Description of Pontoon
Pontoon is an American version of Spanish 21, often confused with British blackjack. That is why the latter can also be found under this title. In this article, we will consider Pontoon, and British blackjack will be discussed in another article.
The 48-card decks without tens and jokers are used in this game version. This principle allows distinguishing two games, called Pontoon, since the other variation is played using 52-card decks. The number of decks may vary from four to eight. The croupier uses a shoe or a shuffling machine to deal cards. It is possible to play at any blackjack table.
The aim of Pontoon is to score a 21 or the number of points that is as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. If the total score is less than twenty-one points, it should exceed the score of the dealer.
The value of cards in Pontoon is similar to their values in blackjack.
The number of players is limited by the number of boxes at the table. However, players can make combined bets on one hand without exceeding the maximum limit.
Pontoon Gameplay
Having shuffled the cards and prepared them for the game, the dealer offers players the opportunity to make bets.
- Then he deals them two cards and places one card face up.
- Players draw cards on the boxes for as long as they want.
- If a Pontoon or 21 is collected, he immediately pays for it.
- If the player exceeds 21, he loses.
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Then the dealer starts drawing cards. He hits up to seventeen points. The dealer hits on a soft (with an ace) 17.
Winning boxes are paid 1 to 1, but for exceptional cases.
Special Payouts in Pontoon
- Pontoon is a two-card initially dealt hand that consists of an ace and any ten-value card, and it pays 3:2.
- The five-card hand whose score is 21 is paid 3:2.
- 6, 7, and 8 of different suits are paid 3:2.
- 7, 7, 7 of different suits are paid 3:2.
- The six-card hand whose score is 21 is paid 2:1.
- 6, 7, 8 of one suit (except for spades) is paid 2:1.
- 7, 7, 7 of one suit (except for spades) is paid 2:1.
- The seven-card hand (and more) whose score is 21 is paid 3:1.
- 6, 7, 8 of spades is paid 3:1.
- 7, 7, 7 of spades is paid 3:1.
Bonus payouts are not valid if you have doubled a bet.
Pontoon Additional Rules
Players can also use the additional options. They resemble the rules of most versions of blackjack and other similar games. Nonetheless, they have some differences.
- Split - It is allowed to split some cards (it is prohibited to split a king and an ace).
- Double - Users may double only on a 9, 10, or 11 if they have any number of cards. If you double on a soft hand, an ace is scored at 1 point. Nevertheless, if the dealer collects a pontoon, he will take only the player's initial bet. It is allowed to double after a split (except for aces).
- Surrender - It is allowed to surrender before hitting in case of any dealer's upcard. Regardless, if the dealer has a face-up ace or any ten-value card, a unique marker will be placed on this box, and the remaining half of the bet can not be withdrawn till the end of the round. If the dealer collects a pontoon, the bet will be lost entirely. Users can also surrender if they have doubled their bets. In this case, the dealer collects an amount equal to the initial bet.
Versions of Pontoon
According to the rules for Pontoon, at different casinos, the dealer can draw two cards (one of them face down). The number of splits can be limited. The re-split of aces can be prohibited.
There are also special rules for doubling the bet.
Pontoon Math
If you play according to the basic strategy in the game with the rules mentioned above, you can reduce the house edge to 0.4%, which is much lower than in classic blackjack.
Listed below are different versions of blackjack with relatively high RTPs.
| Name | Soft | Return to player | ||
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99.78% | ||
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99.7% | ||
|
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99.69% | ||
|
|
99.65% | ||
|
|
99.6% | ||
|
|
99.59% | ||
|
|
99.54% | ||
|
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99.54% | ||
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99.54% | ||
|
|
99.42% |
How to Win at Pontoon?
Professionals have developed a special version of the optimal strategy for playing Pontoon. It gives the opportunity to achieve the maximum RTP and minimize the casino's advantage. Strategy Pontoon will be devoted to a separate publication on Casinoz. Be sure to learn how to play Pontoon correctly if you are going to risk real money.
Where to Play Pontoon?
Casinoz invites you to experience the best online casino versions of Pontoon. They are reviewed in the section with gambling reviews. In the articles you will find links to free demos. To play Pontoon for real money, you will have to open an online casino account. Register with a reliable online casino with a good reputation. Some of them are listed below.
Personal Experience
Some time ago, I got seriously into this game and spent quite a bit of time trying to beat Pontoon at various popular online casinos. I can't say that I was particularly successful, and so I went back to the more familiar versions of blackjack, which I know much better.
Do you know how to play Pontoon? Have you ever tried to beat a casino playing for money? Do you have a strategy for playing Pontoon? These and other questions can be discussed in the comments.
