While looking for a Blackjack game to play online you'll notice that there are many variations with differing rules, house edges, payouts and features. Pontoon is a game that is separate by name from Blackjack but has very similar rules. On this article, we shall go over its rules, how they diverge from its classic counterpart, features, payouts and strategies. For the sake of getting a more distinct feel of its gameplay, we shall use the Playtech variant as an example.
Exploring Pontoon's Game Rules and Features
Pontoon is played with 8 decks which lowers the house edge to 0,38%. Although the main rule is that you need to get as close to 21 as possible to win like it is in classic Blackjack, there are some game changing differences that have both their up and downsides.
Deviations in rules from Classic Blackjack
- The main difference in this variant is that when you get a hand of 10 and an Ace it's called a Pontoon instead of a Blackjack.
- The next strongest hand would be any with five cards as long as their value is under 21 which beats a regular 21. This is called a 'Five-card Charlie'.
- The payout for the above-mentioned hands is 2:1 which is much higher than the 3:2 for the classic game.
- You can split a pair of cards of equal value. Resplitting is allowed only once up to three hands in total.
- You can double after splitting.
- The dealer doesn't have an up-card. Both initial cards are face down and shown only after the players end their turns.
- You must reach a 15 or higher value to stand.
- The dealer must hit a soft 17 and stand on a hard 17. In some cases this rule is better for you because it increases the dealer's chances to bust.
- In case of a push, you lose your bet.
- There is no insurance against a dealer's Pontoon.
- You can draw as many cards as you like when doubling or splitting.
- The dealer peaks at his card to see if he/she has a Pontoon.
- There is no insurance against a dealer's Pontoon.
- An ace and a ten hand as a result of a split count as a pontoon.
There are also certain rules that affect the house edge that you should watch out for:
- After splitting Aces if you get a combination of 10 and an Ace, you get a regular 21, not a Pontoon. This increases the house edge by 0.49%.
- Split Aces only get one card each. House edge is upped by 0.49%.
- Because the dealer hits on soft 17 the house edge is increased.
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Special Features and Advantages in the Game
Unlike some variations of Blackjack, Pontoon doesn't have any side bets. However, this proves to be beneficial for you since those types of wagers increase the house edge. With an average of 99,64% bets returned, this game proves to be financially superior to many. Features that are very popular with players include the multi-hand mode in which you can play at up to 5 spots simultaneously and the customizable visuals and sound in the Playtech version. There is no live-version for Pontoon but the RNG offers some perks such as no time limits for wagers and gameplay that is tolerant of slower connection speeds.
Pontoon Strategies and Charts
For all Blackjack games, there are basic strategy charts specifically designed with the odds and card combinations in mind to optimize winning and to decrease loss of money. Pontoon is no different and has its own charts, each based off of the rules the game developer has programmed into the software. What's particular about these charts is that because of Pontoon's game rules, there are no dealer's up-card segments in them. Instead the graph is divided into variations of your hard, soft hands and pairs positioned on the left and the number of cards you hold at the top. The actions you can take are marked with a single letter each.
Of course, there are times when you will lose hands. Therefore, to reduce your losses even further, you should manage your bankroll and playing time responsibly. The flat or positive betting systems are recommendable.
The Unique Experience of Pontoon
This variation of the game is an exciting change from typical Blackjack with attractive benefits: better payouts, a lower house edge, the 5 card rule etc. Pontoon will give you a different perspective of the traditional game and will bring fresh new gameplay into your life. Before you start playing Pontoon it will be much easier for you to learn the basic rules of Blackjack. The sites where you can find that variation of the game is available at are numerous and the most trustworthy ones that use Playtech's software include, bet365, EuroGrand, Tropez Casino and William Hills.