Distinctions between Pontoon and Blackjack
The next time you are in a casino you might find a game called Pontoon. It is actually a Blackjack variant, and while it has more in common with the original than other derived games, it is still important to be aware of the rules before you sit down and play.
As with regular Blackjack, Pontoon begins when you make a bet and are dealt two cards. The goal is still to reach 21, but what you will notice immediately is that both the casino dealer's hands are in the hole. This single rule change means you have to alter your overall approach to the game.
In Blackjack, being able to see the up card make decisions easier (i.e., if it is between 2 and 6, you know the dealer is going to hit). Even though this option has been removed from Pontoon, you can still avail of card counting, but you have to keep track of which hands have been played.
In Pontoon the other players also have up cards so this will help you figure out the cards that could still be left in the deck, and also those that are already in play. This distinction is very important, and you should make the proper change in your tactical approach to avoid incurring heavy losses.
The other difference is that in Pontoon the best cards are an Ace and ten, (which is the Pontoon hand). The next best hand is known as the 5 card trick, which means a player was able to hit five cards without busting out. Counting the values in the other hands are pretty much the same as with other Blackjack games.
Other Pontoon rules are similar to traditional casino Blackjack: in the event of a tie, the dealer wins the hand: this rule is extended to the Pontoon hand, in the sense that if both player and dealer get one, the dealer will prevail. It also holds true in case player and dealer get the 5 card trick, (if you get an Ace and ten though, you will win).
This unique point system is one aspect that Blackjack players will have to consider; it may happen that you hold an AK and think you have the best hand and bet big, whereas in fact it is not even second best. Before you wager any amount, learn the point system by heart.
At first glance it may seem that Pontoon puts the player at a serious disadvantage; however the benefit of playing this game is that the payouts are most often larger, so even though winning may be more difficult, the money will be larger.
With only some minor difference in the rules, Pontoon will be an easy game for casino card gamers to learn and understand quickly. Veteran Blackjack gamers will love the challenges that it will present, and newcomers will also relish the opportunity to win more money in fewer hands.
