Pontoon — How It Works
Pontoon is the British variant of blackjack, offering Microgaming's digital implementation of a game with roots in early 20th-century card play. While the core objective — reaching 21 or the best hand without busting — is identical to blackjack, Pontoon uses different terminology, different hand rankings, and different rules that create a substantially distinct playing experience.
The most significant rule differences are the 2:1 payout on Pontoon (the equivalent of blackjack), the Five Card Trick, and the dealer winning all ties. A Pontoon — an Ace plus any ten-value card — pays 2:1 rather than the standard 3:2, which is a notable mathematical advantage for the player. The Five Card Trick — any five cards totalling 21 or less — also pays 2:1 and ranks above all hands except Pontoon. The dealer winning ties (rather than pushing) partially offsets these player-friendly rules.
All cards are dealt face-down in Pontoon, including the dealer's initial card — a significant departure from blackjack where the dealer's upcard is always visible. This affects strategy: players cannot base decisions on the dealer's showing card and must rely on probability of the dealer's concealed hand. The terminology also differs: Stick (stand), Twist (hit), and Buy (double) replace the standard blackjack vocabulary.
Microgaming's eight-deck implementation follows the standard published Pontoon rules. The 0.36% house edge with optimal strategy is excellent — among the lowest available for any blackjack variant — and the game is well suited to experienced blackjack players looking for a fresh mechanical challenge within a familiar mathematical framework.
Rules Summary
- ♦ Eight decks
- ♦ Pontoon (Ace + 10-value card) pays 2:1
- ♦ Five Card Trick (any 5 cards without busting) pays 2:1, beats dealer 21
- ♦ Dealer wins all ties
- ♦ All cards are dealt face-down (including dealer)
- ♦ Player must hit on 14 or less (must 'buy' or 'twist')
- ♦ Double down ('buy') on any two or three cards
Verdict
Pontoon offers distinct advantages — the 2:1 Pontoon payout and Five Card Trick rule — alongside the dealer winning all ties as a balancing factor. The 0.36% house edge with perfect play is excellent. The face-down dealer cards and unique terminology (Stick/Twist/Buy vs Stand/Hit/Double) add novelty for blackjack players seeking variety.