Blackjack is popular for a reason.
But there’s another table game quietly taking over casino floors — and online rooms — that most players don’t even know exists.
Meet Pontoon.
And if you’ve heard the name but don’t know how to play Pontoon, here’s an explanation…
Pontoon has a better house edge and odds than most blackjack games available right now. Translation: better value, higher payouts for smart play, and a game that rewards players who take advantage of how the game is played.
Another perk?
It’s easy to learn how to play pontoon compared to most casino table games. Pontoon is all about getting as close to 21 as possible before the dealer does — just like blackjack. But it comes with strategic twists (literally) that shift the odds heavily in your favour. In fact, the pontoon house edge can be as low as 0.38% with perfect strategy.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What Is Pontoon?
- Pontoon House Edge and Odds – Here’s The Deal
- How Pontoon is Different Than Blackjack
- Best Pontoon Strategy Rules To Apply
- Why Pontoon Online Games Are Becoming More Popular
What Is Pontoon?
Pontoon descends from the popular French 18th century card game Vingt-et-Un, which literally translates to twenty-one. It’s been a huge part of British card game culture ever since.
In fact, by 1981 it was reported as Britain’s third favourite card game, trailing only Rummy and Whist.
Enter the 21st century though and the game has found new life online.
Players build hands like blackjack aiming for 21 without going bust. The best hand you can possibly have is called a “Pontoon” which is similar to a natural blackjack: an Ace plus any other card worth ten points. You win 2 times your bet. Second place goes to the “Five Card Trick”: any combination of five cards equaling 21 or under. This hand also pays out 2:1.
Okay, one more thing…
If you and the dealer both have 21, the player hand wins EVERY TIME. That’s huge. Especially for a game where ties go to the dealer otherwise.
Normal rules apply to counting your hand total. Aces can be one or 11. Face cards are 10. Players don’t say “hit” or “stand” though.
Instead:
- Twist — take another card
- Stick — keep your total (you can only do this with 15 or more)
- Buy — double your bet and twist one more card
Love it? Hate it? Doesn’t matter. Let’s look at the numbers…
Pontoon House Edge and Odds – Here’s The Deal
There are many reasons to love Pontoon. But it all starts with the numbers.
The house edge on Pontoon is low. Between 0.38-4.07% with optimal play, depending on where you play. For comparison’s sake, that’s much lower than blackjack odds, which typically range between 0.5%-2%. Yay for player-friendly games!
Here are some other factors that make the Pontoon odds so favourable:
- Pontoon hands pay 2:1 always, no matter what the dealer has
- Five Card Tricks pay 2:1 always, another bonus blackjack players don’t get
- Players may double down after any number of cards (twists), not just two
- Player 21 ALWAYS beats dealer 21
The giveback? The dealer wins ties. Otherwise the pontoon house edge would be negative (in the players favour). Still, when playing with basic strategy, few table games offer better odds.
How Pontoon Differs From Blackjack
As you might have guessed by now, Pontoon is kind of like blackjack if the rules were tweaked to give players a better shot.
But if you’re familiar with blackjack, there are a few key rules to know before diving into Pontoon.
Unlike blackjack, where one of the dealer’s cards are face up, both dealer cards in Pontoon are kept face down until the end of the round. Players must make all game decisions without any knowledge of the dealer’s hand.
Similar rule to blackjack with a slight tweak…
Players must twist if their hand total is under 15. That means there’s no sticking on 12 or 13. Once this rule clicks, it’ll feel weird sitting at a blackjack table where sticking is an option anywhere.
Best Pontoon Strategy To Use
Here’s why new players should consider learning Pontoon before — or instead of — learning blackjack.
Without a dealer upcard to factor into decision making, Pontoon strategy is a little easier to pick up.
Here are the basic strategy rules:
- Twist on 14 or less (there’s no option not to)
- Always Buy on 9, 10, or 11 (great opportunities to double your bet)
- Split Aces and 8s only
- Stick on 15 or higher (unless trying to hit a Five Card Trick)
- Go for the Five Card Trick when holding three cards and sitting on 14
Bonus strategy tip:
Pontoon rules can vary slightly by casino. Some places may only allow doubling after two cards. But some casinos offer “not last chance” doubling, which means doubling on any hand size is permitted. That dramatically improves the player odds. Make sure to know the rules of the game before playing.
Why Pontoon Is Becoming More Popular Online
It’s the golden age of live casino games.
A record $7.8 billion was generated in live dealer casino revenue globally in 2024 alone. And traditional table games like Pontoon are benefiting.
Just like online slots, online casinos are hungry for players. And adding niche blackjack variations is one surefire way to attract incoming blackjack players. Pontoon’s rising star is helped by the fact that it’s easy to learn. Anyone who knows the basics of blackjack can figure out Pontoon within minutes. The strategy isn’t complicated, rules are streamlined, and Pontoon has one of the best house edges and player odds in all of online gambling. Add that to a global online gambling industry growing at nearly 10% year over year and it’s no wonder more people are getting exposed to Pontoon every day.
Final Bonus Thought…
Before wrapping up, here’s one last reason Pontoon is worthy of your time:
Every player loves a good bonus. Pontoon regularly comes with bonus features when played online. Anything from larger bonuses for Five Card Tricks to bonus games when a ‘Buy’ hand pays out at 2:1. Much like actual blackjack payouts.
Alright, Let’s Wrap This Deck of Cards.
Here’s Why You Should Be Playing Pontoon:
- Pontoon and Five Card Trick are the hands to build toward
- Know the house edge and play with strategy (it’s easier to learn than regular blackjack)
- Bonus game features when playing online boost your odds
- Always confirm the rules (doubling on more than 2 cards? Yes, please!)
Pontoon is a classic with a low house edge and rules that make the game thrilling play after play.
Give Pontoon a shot online today and experience one of the best table games the internet has to offer firsthand.
Bet on it.