Play Pontoon by Playtech – One of the Best Blackjack Variations
The game of Pontoon is very similar to blackjack, with a few fundamental differences to the rules. The game is popular with players and provides an interesting change for fans of classic blackjack. What does not differ however is the exceptional graphics and user friendly layout that are typical of games created by Playtech.
- Low House Edge
- Unique Rules
- Superb Graphics
- Licensed by:
- UK Gambling Commission
- #1611
- Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Paypal
- Skrill
- Paysafecard
In this review, you will find out how the rules for Pontoon differ to those of classic blackjack. You will also find a demo version of the game, which you can play for free to help prepare you for playing with real money.
Rules and Demo Game
Pontoon is played with eight decks of cards, and like blackjack, the aim is to get a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding this total. Although similar to blackjack, there are a few differences to the rules that you need to be aware of. The dealer’s cards are dealt face down, and the dealer will check for Pontoon before the player makes their first move. In this game, an ace and a ten value card is called Pontoon rather than Blackjack, and beats all other hands. The next best hand is the five card trick, which is a combo of 5 cards which do not cause the player to bust. Both of these hands beat a regular 21 and payout 2 to 1.
As with blackjack, players have the option to hit, stand, double or split, however insurance is not available in this game. The player needs to reach a total of 15 with their cards before being able to stand. The dealer must hit on a soft 17 and stand on a hard 17. In the case of a draw, the dealer wins.
When the dealer checks their cards at the start of the game, they will automatically win if they have Pontoon. This is less favourable for players than classic blackjack. Also, in the case of a push, the player will lose their bet. Yet there are rules which are advantageous for the player. For example, the player can draw as many more cards as they like after doubling, likewise for a split. What’s more, the rule that the dealer must hit on a 16 or soft 17 also favours the player, as there is a high likelihood that the dealer will bust in this situation.
Special Features, Side Bets and House Edge
Unlike many blackjack variants, there are no side bets available in this game. Yet given that side bets often have a much higher house edge, it is often advisable to avoid placing such wagers in any case. Speaking of house edge, this is very low in Pontoon. The theoretical return to player percentage is 99.64%, which is even higher than in classic blackjack. This makes the game more favourable for players.
Pontoon has a multi-hand option, so it can be played with between one and five hands. The graphics are sharp and colourful, and the layout is intuitive. Playtech have included many customisable options within this game, allowing players to tweak various settings to suit their own personal preferences. These include options to change the table colour, to activate fast play mode and to alter the sounds and background music.
How to Win at Pontoon
When you play blackjack, there is a basic strategy that should be followed to optimise your chances of winning. There are various strategy charts available that indicate the best move to make based on the cards you have and the specific rules of the game. The good news is that such strategy charts also exist for Pontoon. By consulting the table below, you can ensure that you make the best decisions to boost your chances of success.
Of course, strategy charts can only help you so far. Depending on the luck of the draw, there may be times where you are dealt a series of losing hands. It is therefore really important to set yourself limits to ensure that you manage your bankroll effectively. You should stick to these limits to ensure that you never gamble more than you can afford to.
Pontoon Is a Must Try Game for Fans of Blackjack
Whilst Pontoon is similar to traditional blackjack in many ways, as you have seen from this review, there are various differences to the rules. This makes for a new and exciting way to play the classic game. What’s more, the incredibly low house edge adds even more appeal to the interesting game variant. If you like to play blackjack, then we recommend you give Pontoon a try. You will find the game at many Playtech casinos, yet the one that outshines all others is Ladbrokes. As one of the UK’s longest standing operators, they are reliable and trustworthy. They provide a rich game selection, with numerous blackjack variants available. What’s more, Ladbrokes offers an exclusive bonus for new players, giving you great value for money.