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Pontoon Guide
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Pontoon is the British version of the highly popular standard Blackjack game with slightly different rules and a few new card combinations, it offers a refreshing change and can also be an excellent source of both fun and challenge. Pontoon uses a standard 52 card deck and allows for no more than 8 players to play in a single game.
The aim in Pontoon is to obtain a hand that is worth as close as possible to 21 without exceeding it. If the player’s hand is worth more than that of the banker’s and hasn’t gone over 21 points, then the player wins. If the hand is worth less than that of the bankers, then the player loses. If the player exceeded 21 points, then he/she “busts” (i.e.: loses). And finally, if there is a tie between the player and banker then the win is always awarded to the banker. Receiving exactly 21 points is called “Pontoon”, and just like in Blackjack, this is the origin of the game’s name. Pontoon can only be achieved by receiving an Ace and a face card (Jack, Queen or King).
Pontoon is a relatively quick game and there are few steps to follow in order to play it. The first step is choosing a banker to deal the cards. Once the banker has been assigned, the game starts. Each player is dealt in a clockwise direction their first card face down, and everyone except the banker is allowed to see what they have received. Based on the strength of this initial card, each player makes his/her bet. Once the bets have been made, everyone is dealt a second card face down, which again, can only be viewed by the players.
There are several ways by which players are able to improve their hands and get closer to 21 points. The first option is to ‘buy’ additional cards, which means that after receiving an extra card, the player must either match or double his/her original bet. In this case the card is dealt face down and there is a limit of no more than 5 cards. The second option is to receive an additional card without adding money to the original bet, for which the catch is that the card is dealt face up. Here too there is a limit of 5 cards. The final option is to “stick” – which in Blackjack terms means to stand (not accept any more cards), and in Pontoon this can only be done when the player has a minimum of 15 points.
A Pontoon is the highest ranking hand. After it is a “five card trick”, which is any 5 card hand that has not exceeded 21 points. The third best hand is one which is comprised of no more than 4 cards and has not yet busted. Coming in last is obviously, a bust.
Pontoon is one of the earliest variations of Blackjack invented, and has since become one of the most popular world-wide.
Tags: blackjack articles
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