Pontoon Rules

What is Pontoon?

As you could imagine based on the blackjack comparisons, Pontoon is a banking card game. Despite the name “British Blackjack,” the first records of Pontoon come from Spain, from around the 17th century. Because of the game’s massive success, however, it quickly spread to France, Germany, and of course, Great Britain, where it became a massive hit. By the late 18th and early 19th century, Pontoon had even reached American shores. There is no denying that the game is a huge success.

The alternative name for Pontoon, which we already brought up before, will undoubtedly lead one to believe that the game shares some gameplay with blackjack. Indeed, that is a fair assumption to make, and many historians and card experts believe blackjack is a pontoon derivative. However, the card game we are discussing here does have some key differences, which make it distinct from its American counterpart. Those who are new to gambling, or to pontoon, might be interested in hearing about said differences.

As we said before, Pontoon is a banking game, similar to blackjack. The goal of the game is to surpass the dealer’s final score, without exceeding 21. Undoubtedly, blackjack players will be familiar with said goal. But, what makes Pontoon distinct from the game that most of us are familiar with? The first major difference is that in blackjack, the player is aware of the dealer’s hand throughout the game. However, in Pontoon, the dealer’s cards remain veiled until the very end, giving the game an extra layer of risk, and therefore, an extra layer of thrill.

To be fair, some may not be happy with this extra level of risk, which is why blackjack is a much more well-known alternative. However, gamblers who enjoy thrills and excitement might just find that they prefer pontoon, precisely because the extra level of danger. But, veiled cards are not the only difference between Pontoon and blackjack. There is also the fact that Pontoon players use different terminology, and there is a special win condition in pontoon, depending on the outcome of the game.

We should start with the terminology first. In blackjack, asking the dealer for an extra card is called “hitting.” However, in pontoon, we call it “twisting.” Instead of standing, we call it “sticking.” That is for players who don’t want to get any more cards, as they are getting dangerously close to a 21 score. Finally, in blackjack, we call a score of 21 (ace and a ten-value card) a blackjack. In pontoon, we use the title of the game as well. However, rather than getting the typical 3:2 payouts, pontoon players get some extra cash for getting the best score.

Regional Variants

As is the case with blackjack, pontoon also has some regional variants. The game’s rules may differ based on where you are playing. For example, Australians who enjoy the game will be familiar with the 5-card Charlie rule. The rule states that a player who manages to accumulate five cards without surpassing 21, automatically wins the game. In New Zealand casinos, a 5-card Charlie is a sure way to win the game, as it trumps even a pontoon. However, very few casinos outside of Australia are even familiar with the rule, let alone accept it as a fair outcome.

Pontoon is a hit in Malaysia as well. The game is present in most land-based casinos, and a lot of Malaysian gamblers may even prefer it over blackjack. But, Malaysian dealers often do a special twist on pontoon. Rather than using the standard 52-card deck, gambling establishments may use the Spanish deck, which features 48 cards. In doing so, they slightly elevate the house edge, making the game a bit riskier, and also opening up an opportunity for a whole slew of new strategies. It is apt to use a Spanish deck when playing pontoon, considering the game’s origins.

No matter what version of pontoon you are playing, you are bound to find a game that offers exhilarating options, as well as some degree of risk. Like blackjack though, pontoon also offers strategic options, which players should be aware of before they sit down at a table. That’s why we thought it would be of great benefit to look into some entry level and advanced pontoon strategies, and help new players find a place to start.

Pontoon Strategies – a Guide

Often, we think of gambling games as purely luck-based. While that certainly does apply to roulette, craps, and of course, slots, it is also somewhat of a simplification. For example, while blackjack and pontoon do have a lot of luck involved, they are also games that require a certain level of strategy, as it can help new fans catch up to the veterans in no time at all. The first of the strategies is one that every newbie should be aware of, and one that can apply to any game at all.

Bankroll management is not really a strategy, so much as it is a requirement. Players must be in total control of their banking, as this can help lower the risks of compulsive gambling, and reduce any sort of financial hits to a bare minimum. So, what do we mean by bankroll management? Of course, we are referring to each gambler’s ability to control the amount of cash that they wager, or even the sum that they’ve set aside for the casino. The sum should always be money that the gambler is willing and able to lose, as it is possible to get quite unlucky.

But, as we said, Pontoon is not just a matter of luck. There is some skill involved in the game, which is why it is good to be aware of some of the more advanced pontoon strategies. At the top of the list, we have the most basic strategy, which works just as well for blackjack, as it does for pontoon. The goal of blackjack is not to repeatedly “hit” until you get a 21. Rather, it is understanding when it is beneficial to hit, and when to hold. The same applies to pontoon. Learning when to twist and when to stick is absolutely necessary, and can help you take your gambling to the next level. When you are able to gauge the likelihood of busting, versus that of getting a better hand, you know elevated your understanding of the game.

For players to whom the 5-Card Charlie rule applies, there is the strategy that is entirely based around it. By incorporating what you’ve learned from the basic pontoon strategy, you can do your best to get five cards in your hand, and automatically win the game. With this strategy, you have to be careful. Not all casinos use the 5-card Charlie rule, so the plan does depend on specific circumstances and outcomes. Finally, we must address the most popular blackjack strategy, used by professionals and veteran players alike.

Of course, we are talking about card counting. Many people believe that card counting is illegal and/or difficult. The truth of the matter is that, unless you are using an outside tool (an app or a gadget) to count the cards, you are in no danger with the law. That being said, a lot of casino operators do employ card counters as a sort of counter-measure against the practice, as they do consider it cheating. Those who are caught counting cards might risk getting temporarily or permanently banned from a gambling establishment.

As for difficulty, well it is true that learning how to count cards is not easy. However, it is not an impossibly hard endeavor, reserved only for those with a genius mind, as some films might have convinced you. Average, everyday people are capable of learning how to do it rather effectively in a few months. Surprisingly, the practice doesn’t even require being particularly great at mathematics, as it mostly relies on basics. That being said, in pontoon, counting cards is a lot more complicated than in blackjack, so we would definitely recommend practicing as much as you can before putting the strategy to the test.

Pontoon and Blackjack – Knowing the Difference

Thus far, we’ve discussed pontoon and blackjack as two games with similar origins. The American blackjack is almost certainly a derivative of the much older pontoon, so, the similarities between the two are plain to see. For example, both are banking games that require players to compete against a dealer, rather than against each other. The objective in both is to reach a score of 21, or as close as possible, without exceeding the number. Online and land-based casinos nowadays are more likely to use 52-card standard decks in both games. Though, even here, there are exceptions. Let’s talk about them.

First, while most casinos are likely to use the 52-card standard deck for both pontoon and blackjack, there are those who prefer the Spanish deck, comprised of 48 cards. Using a 48-card deck significantly changes the flow of the game, as well as the likelihoods of certain outcomes. Another major difference is that, in pontoon, the dealer shuffles the deck after each round, making it a lot more difficult to count the cards. In blackjack, shuffling is a lot less frequent. These are just some basic, surface-level differences, that separate pontoon from its derivative.

For a more complicated difference, we need only to look at the “five card trick” win condition. In blackjack, theoretically, one could rack up as many cards as possible without hitting 21, and still lose. However, as we explained before, the Australian version of the game introduced the 5-card Charlie rule. By accumulating five cards in their hand, a player can automatically win the game, even if the dealer has managed to get a pontoon. Of course, the rule is that the player’s five cards must not exceed a score of 21. In blackjack, there is no such rule, giving pontoon a special win condition, which doesn’t exist in the alternative.

Another big difference between pontoon and blackjack, is that the dealer’s cards are always face down. In blackjack, the players are aware of the dealer’s score, and can make decisions based not just on the cards in their hand, but also on the cards that the dealer possesses. However, in pontoon, the player never knows what the dealer has, which greatly increases the risk and excitement. For some, the higher risk is off-putting. However, there are plenty of gamblers who welcome the danger, and even prefer the thrills that pontoon offers over that of blackjack.

Online Pontoon – How to Play

Though pontoon is available to play in many land-based gambling establishments, there are plenty of people in this fast-paced digital age that prefer to play online. Some may be wondering if it is possible to access internet versions of pontoon, and how would playing the game online change the flow? Indeed, the iGaming industry has recently hit its stride, generating billions annually. Due to the fast success of internet casinos, many of these businesses are introducing new games to their libraries, pontoon being quite popular among them.

In order to start playing online pontoon, you need only find a casino that offers access to the game. Of course, before you hastily create an account, we would recommend that you research the website’s past, and discover if the business is on the up and up. Look into the license, bonus terms, and read some reviews of the casino, to ensure that it is legitimate. Once you’ve done that, you can create an account, and enjoy some time playing one of the world’s most popular card games.

But, some might wonder if online pontoon is any different than its land-based counterpart. In theory, the game follows the exact same rules, though you might notice some of the regional variations. We would recommend researching those on a case by case basis, as some casinos might use a Spanish deck, while others might not follow the 5-card Charlie rule. However, in practice, there are some differences that you should be aware of.

For example, online pontoon, especially the digital version, is much more solitary of a game. The dealer is a machine-controlled random number generator algorithm, and the rest of the players are just pictures on a screen, rather than actual people that you can interact with. For many gamblers, particularly the more introverted ones, digital pontoon may be a godsend. However, there are those who prefer the social interaction inherent to land-based gambling.

Luckily, online casinos have found a way to bring that social interaction straight to your home. Live casinos are a huge hit nowadays. While the choice of games is limited when it comes to live dealer options, you might find a website or two that feature pontoon. The downside is that, since blackjack is a much more popular game, many don’t see the reason to include both.

Famous Pontoon Players

In our discussion of pontoon, we’ve hopefully given you an idea of what the game is like, how you can play the game, and the possibilities of accessing it online. However, what some might be interested in are the famous people throughout history who’ve played pontoon, and have become legends of the game. As the most recent example, that a lot of fans of film and music might recognize, we have Frank Sinatra, who famously spent a lot of times playing at casinos throughout America and Europe. Reportedly, pontoon was one of the movie and music star’s favorite games.

Delving into the world of politics, we have to address the case of Winston Churchill. Pontoon is often referred to as British blackjack, so we must talk about at least one Englishman. We remember Churchill today as a brilliant wartime Prime Minister, who managed to not only keep England together during World War II, but also fight against the invading forces to help the Allies win said conflict. However, we also know that he was a big fan of gambling, and would spend a lot of his free time, enjoying a game of pontoon, or several.

Finally, from the Republic of Letters, we have the legendary author, Mark Twain. Apart from shaping American literature and children’s literature with his novels, “Huckleberry Finn” and “Tom Sawyer,” Twain was also a prolific pontoon player, who would organize house parties for his friends and contemporaries. Those house parties would almost always include a game of pontoon, where sometimes Twain himself would function as the dealer.

Conclusion

Perhaps one of the most important and influential card games, pontoon has had a serious effect on the gambling industry today. It serves as the precursor of blackjack, which many consider the most popular card game at any casino. It has inspired many variants, such as the German Siebzehn und Vier (literally meaning seventeen and four), the French Onze et Demi and Quinze, and more. The unique blend of strategy and luck makes Pontoon exciting for veteran players, as well as newbies who are just getting into the swing of things.

Perhaps one of the most important and influential card games, pontoon has had a serious effect on the gambling industry today. It serves as the precursor of blackjack, which many consider the most popular card game at any casino, and baccarat, which has a pretty large fan base as well. It has inspired many variants, such as the German Siebzehn und Vier (literally meaning seventeen and four), the French Onze et Demi and Quinze, and more. The unique blend of strategy and luck makes Pontoon exciting for veteran players, as well as newbies who are just getting into the swing of things.

While those who have experience playing blackjack might be able to pick up on Pontoon’s rules a lot more quickly, it is worth keeping in mind some of the major differences between the two games. Often, experienced blackjack players make the mistake of treating pontoon as just another version of blackjack, which leads to them experiencing some serious losses. The best thing you can do is approach the game on its own terms, learn all of the basics, and have some fun playing the game that changed the gambling world.