Pontoon Card Game – Review of the Popular Blackjack Cousin
While it may not sound like it, Pontoon is a game that is quite similar to blackjack but offers a few fundamental differences in the rules. This game is, in fact, the British domestic version of blackjack, though it has spread so widely that the rules can vary greatly. With a good strategy, it can offer even greater returns than blackjack, bringing the expected RTP to 99.64%. The profitable variant that we will discuss is an exclusive title by industry leaders Playtech, and can only be found in casinos featuring their software. After a vote by our reviewers, we would recommend Ladbrokes as our top pick due to the generous starting terms.
- Unique Blackjack Alternative
- High Return to Player
Other than the fresh concept and fun gameplay, Pontoon also stands out with gorgeous graphics and intuitive interface, making the game a go-to choice for many blackjack players out there. On this page, we will tell you everything you need to know about the rules of the game. We will also let you practice all you want on our free game demo! Finally, we’ll select the most appropriate out of the best blackjack sites in the UK to recommend to you for playing this particular blackjack variation.
Try Pontoon in Play Money Mode
If you don’t know how Pontoon works, playing it with real money is probably not a very good idea. After all, it is not your standard blackjack game, so you need to familiarise yourself with the rules. To prepare you better, we have embedded a free-to-play demo version of Pontoon just below. You can practice on it all you want, mastering the game without wagering any real cash on it.
Instant Play
- Innovative Rules
- High RTP
- Great Visuals & Gameplay
As we already mentioned, Pontoon by Playtech is a game of the highest quality, and will certainly appeal to every blackjack fan. However, one must pay close attention to the rules, as they differ from the classic blackjack ones – meaning some generic strategies are likely not to work. Let’s take a look at what makes Pontoon such a unique game.
Game Overview & Rules
Pontoon is played with eight decks, which is not something rarely seen at blackjack games. In its core, the game is identical to blackjack – get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. A natural blackjack is called a pontoon and beats all other hands. The first major difference concerns the dealer’s cards – both of them are dealt face-down! The dealer always checks for Pontoon before the first player gets to decide what to do. Pontoon also features a five card trick rule – if you manage to get a hand of five cards without going bust, you automatically win, unless the dealer has pontoon.
All standard player moves are available, including splitting and doubling down. Insurance is not included in the game, for obvious reasons. Players cannot choose to stand unless their point total is 15 or more. However, the dealer will always hit a 16 or a soft 17, and always stand on a hard 17. Another thing – if a game results in a tie, the dealer wins.
Even though some rules in Pontoon are in favour of the house, overall the game has one of the highest RTP rates that we have ever seen – 99.64%! This is even better than classic blackjack, which is regarded as THE game tilted in the players’ favour. Considering the fact that Pontoon is also a multi-hand game, we come to the conclusion that it is one of the best games to play with real money. It also has the trademark Playtech look and feel, making it one of the best RNG titles on the market.
Where You Can Play Pontoon for Real Money
If you are a fan of blackjack, make sure you give Pontoon a try. It might get you hooked even more than the original thing. Also, don’t forget about the high RTP and the numerous rules that give players an advantage over the casino. Pontoon is one of the best games to play with real money, so make sure you give it a shot. Of course, we recommend you to do it at a reputable casino, such as our top pick Ladbrokes.