Reviewing a casino classic: Pontoon

There are a number of casino games that have rules very similar to blackjack. One such game is Pontoon, which is very popular in Asia. This classic card game can be played at bet365 Casino.

The objective of Pontoon, just like in blackjack, is to get your hand closer to 21 than the dealer's without going over. Aces are worth 11 or 1; face cards are worth 10 and so on and so forth. A Pontoon is an Ace and a 10-point card. It beats every other hand and pays 2 to 1. A Five-Card Trick, which is any five cards with a total not over 21, bears every hand except for a Pontoon. It also pays 2 to 1. A 21 beats every hand except Pontoon and a Five-Card Trick and pays even money. A high total beats every hand with a lower total, except a Five-Card Trick, and also pays even money. The dealer must hit on a soft 17 or lower and must stand on a hard 17 or higher.

To make up for the bigger payouts for Pontoon and Five-Card Trick hands (in traditional blackjack, a two-card 21 pays just 3:2), there are a few rules to make the game more advantageous for the house. Both the dealer's cards are face-down until the player makes a hand; yhere is no insurance option; ties go to the dealer; a player can't stand unless they have a hand of at least 15. However, players can double at any time and can also continue to draw after they double.

Pontoon is a fun and interesting card game with some strong parallels with blackjack, but also some major differences. Head to bet365 Casino and deal yourself a hand.