What is a Pontoon in Blackjack?

Pontoon is not known by many people, even those that enjoy playing Blackjack. Pontoon is a Blackjack variant that was created in the UK. So, there are some slight contrasts between Blackjack and Pontoon. Read this guide if you want to know more about Pontoon and how you can play it online. We also have a strategy to give you an edge over other players.

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Pontoon vs. Blackjack

Blackjack is similar to Pontoon. However, some significant differences are unique to the games. For example, both Pontoon and Blackjack deal the starting cards face down for all players. So, you have no idea what cards you have been dealt until after betting has been completed.

However, you can look at the cards afterward, but you cannot see what other players have until the match is over. It’s important to note that there are two different variations of Blackjack called Pontoon. There is one that is played in the UK and one that is played in Singapore and Malaysia. However, we will only be focusing on the version played in the United Kingdom.

Playing Pontoon

The goal of Pontoon is the same as the goal in Blackjack. You have to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Also, all the card values in Pontoon are the same as in Blackjack. The game is played with a normal 52-card deck, but some gambling sites use two decks. The cards are not shuffled until a player hits 21.

A natural blackjack is called a Pontoon in this British variation. If you hit a pontoon, you can expect a 2:1 payout. The second goal of the game is to win the hand with five cards. Your betting strategies will change.

Pontoon vs. Blackjack: Key Differences

Pontoon shares many similarities with blackjack but has some notable changes that make it unique:

Feature	Blackjack	Pontoon
Best Hand	Blackjack (Ace + 10)	Pontoon (Ace + 10)
Dealer’s Cards	One face-up, one face-down	Both face-down
Terminology	Hit, Stand, Double, Split	Twist, Stick, Buy, Split
Five-Card Rule	Not always available	Automatic win if you draw 5 cards without busting
21 Payout	3:2 or 6:5 depending on rules	2:1 payout on Pontoon and Five-Card Trick

Strategy

If you start with a terrible hand like an A/2 or 2/4, then the best strategy is to buy a card instead of twisting. The game is not easy because you are betting blind, and you lose all the ties. So, you should play this game if you are not afraid of losing now and then.

Key Pontoon Terms

Five-Card Trick: Automatically wins if you hold five cards without going over 21.

Pontoon: A hand with an Ace + a 10-point card.

Twist: Equivalent to a “Hit”—take another card.

Stick: Same as “Stand”—keep your hand.

Buy: Similar to doubling down—you can increase your bet and take one more card.

Pontoon Strategy Tips

Always go for a Five-Card Trick when possible—it’s a guaranteed win.
Buy instead of Twist when you’re confident in your hand.
Stick at 18 or higher—especially if the dealer’s hand is unknown.
Split Aces and Eights to maximize win potential.
Avoid Buying on 17 or above, as you risk busting.

Where to Play Pontoon Online in the US

While not as common as classic blackjack, some online casinos in the US offer Pontoon or its close cousin, Spanish 21. Look for:

✅ Licensed online casinos
✅ RNG-certified games for fairness
✅ Low house edge blackjack variants