Pontoon rules
In the following review the rules of the exiting Pontoon game will be explained. Pontoon is an interesting blackjack variant. The game rules of blackjack and pontoon are slightly different. We’ll explain the differences in the game rules between pontoon and blackjack on this page. Furthermore we’ll provide interesting background information together with our recommendation where to play pontoon online.
When you prefer playing blackjack, visit our blackjack game rules section.
Pontoon history
Pontoon is the British variant of one of the oldest and most legendary casino games of the industry, blackjack. Blackjack is the American variant of ‘21’. All three games are played against the dealer with a standard 52 card deck. Unlike Blackjack and Pontoon, 21 isn’t played in modern casinos, therefore we don't consider it in this edition of game rules explained.
The banker
Pontoon can be played with any numbers of players. Pontoon can be played best with 5-8 players. As said, pontoon is played with a regular 52 card deck. When you play Pontoon with more than 8 players you have to mix two card decks.
Before starting a game of Pontoon the banker has to be selected. The banker has an advantage, when the player and the banker have two equal valued hands the banker wins. Therefore the banker is selected by drawing cards. According to the rules, the player who draws the highest card becomes the banker. When playing pontoon online you can only play against the bank. You cannot become the bank yourself.
Let’s get started
Before dealing the cards, all players place their bets on the table. There’s also a side bet possible. This side bet is called the Sweet 16 and is based on the first two cards dealt. Sweet 16 offers the following pay-out:
| Hand | Pay out |
| 16 or 21 | 1:1 |
| Ace | 1:1 |
| Pair of aces | 1:1 |
| Pair of 2's | Push |
| Pair of 7's | Push |
After placing the bets, the banker will deal two cards, faced-down to all players involved in the game. The banker will check his cards for pontoon. Pontoon is the highest valued hand in a game of pontoon. A pontoon hand consists of a 10-valued card together with an ace. When the banker has pontoon it’s game over, he wins! If not the game continues with the player’s turn!
Players turn
When the banker does'nt has Pontoon, the game will continue. For a player the following situations can appear:
Bankers turn
When all players had their turn, it's up to the banker. According to the rules, the banker can stick at ay time during a game of Pontoon. The following situations can occur:
Pontoon card and hand values
In the following table all card values are explained. Below the card value table you will find an overview with all Pontoon hands explained.
| Cards | Value |
| Ace | 11 or 1 |
| King | 10 |
| white | 10 |
| Jack | 10 |
| 2 / 10 | 2 / 10 |
- Just like playing a game of blackjack, the whole Pontoon game is about creating a better hand then the banker. The best hand possible is Pontoon. This hand is valued 21 in just two cards(Ace + 10 valued card)
- The second best hand consists of 5 cards, these cards can value 21 or less. This combination is called the Five-card-trick.
- Hands who value 21 and consist of 3/4 cards can only be beaten by the two hands described above.
- All other hands rank their value, the closest to 21 will win.
- Every hand ranked more than 21 is bust.
Differences between pontoon and blackjack
As said the rules of pontoon and blackjack are pretty much the same. There are a few noticeable differences though. We explained them below:
- When playing pontoon you can double your bet together with every new card dealt. Unlike blackjack, pontoon allows you to play further after you doubled your bet. You may double your bet as many times as you like.
- The second best hand consists of 5 cards, these cards can value 21 or less. This combination is called the Five-card-trick.
- Hands who value 21 and consist of 3/4 cards can only be beaten by the two hands described above.
- All other hands rank their value, the closest to 21 will win.
- Every hand ranked more than 21 is bust.
Recommendation unfortunately, not every online casino offers pontoon. Besides, there might be small differences in the pontoon rules in the various pontoon versions. Play at our recommended pontoon casinos for an unforgettable online pontoon experience.
• US: Casino Grand Bay offers pontoon gold, marvelous game play and a 100$ matching bonus on first deposits!
• Europe: Casino Bellini knows how pontoon works! By far, the best pontoon experience for the European market!
Our explanation of the pontoon rules will contribute to your success when playing pontoon online. The game rules and background information on this page will help you understand why thousands of gambling lovers adore this game. Visit our game rules explained section for more background information and game rules of the most popular casino games!
(You can also play for free and learn the Pontoon rules here)
Rushmore Casino brings you an exciting game of Pontoon
