What is Pontoon?
Pontoon is the British version of twenty-one. The goal is the same as blackjack: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. But the names, some rules and the best strategy are different, and the dealer's advantage on ties changes how you should play.
Pontoon terms
| Pontoon | Blackjack equivalent | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Twist | Hit | Take another card face up |
| Stick | Stand | Keep your total |
| Buy | Similar to doubling | Add to your bet and take a card face down |
| Bust | Bust | Going over 21 |
| Pontoon | Blackjack | Ace + ten-value card |
| Five-card trick | — | Five cards totalling 21 or less |
How a hand is played (traditional rules)
- Each player and the dealer receive two cards; the dealer's are both face down.
- A Pontoon is revealed immediately and usually pays 2 to 1 (unless the dealer also has one).
- You twist, buy or stick. You must have at least 15 to stick.
- You can split pairs into two hands.
- The dealer then plays and reveals their hand.
Hand ranking
- Pontoon (ace + ten-value card)
- Five-card trick (five cards, 21 or less)
- 21 with three or four cards
- Lower totals, highest wins
The dealer wins ties
In traditional Pontoon, the dealer wins all ties. That's a big edge, so standing on a weak total hoping to tie doesn't work.
Strategy tips
- Always split aces and eights.
- Never split fives, fours or tens.
- Buy on 10 or 11 when the rules allow it; your chance of a strong total is high.
- Twist on 15 or 16 more often than in blackjack, because ties lose and the dealer's cards are hidden.
- Go for the five-card trick when you have four small cards totalling 11 or less; you can't bust and the trick pays well.
- Don't stick on 15 or 16 unless you have a reason; it rarely wins.
Pontoon in casinos
Some casinos use the name "Pontoon" for a different blackjack variant with extra bonuses and changed rules. Always read the payout and rules sign at the table.
Learn the vocabulary of standard blackjack in 7 interesting terms used in blackjack.