Quick Guide to Pontoon

What Exactly is Pontoon?
If you like your card games then it’s likely that you’ve heard of Pontoon. Even more so if you live in the UK. It’s a card game that’s largely thought of as the British version of Blackjack, although there are differences and Pontoon is far less popular among players worldwide. However, if you are a Pontoon fan, rest assured you’ll find it among the online casino games at SuperCasino.com.

History of Pontoon
The British game of Pontoon derives from the French Vingt-et-un (21!) – and some players prefer to simply use 21 to refer to the game. Vingt-et-un is thought to have become popular in the court of Louis XV in the 1700’s, and also to have been Napoleon’s game of choice in the 1800’s. More recently, Pontoon has been a popular choice of card game among the armed forces of English speaking nations.

How to Play
While the rules of Pontoon are less uniform than Blackjack, and can vary between groups of players, the basic aim is always the same – to hit that magical 21 (or get closer to it than your opponent/the dealer). Even better is to be dealt ‘Pontoon’ which consists of an Ace card and a card worth a ten (a numerical ten card or a Jack, Queen or King).

After two cards you need to decide whether to take a ‘hit’ (an additional card) or to ‘stand’ and see your opponent’s cards. If you choose to take a hit, you can take further hits if low denomination cards deem it necessary. Who knows, you might just achieve a Five Card Trick (the highest hand after a two card 21 – a Pontoon).

If you exceed 21 you go bust and your opponent automatically wins. Otherwise, you need to get closer to 21 than they do, which means using a combination of skill and luck to go as close as you dare to 21 without pushing your luck too far.

Pontoon at SuperCasino
At SuperCasino you’ll find Pontoon among the card games, together with UK Blackjack, Casino Hold ‘Em Poker, Blackjack Surrender, 21 Duel Blackjack and Baccarat. When playing Pontoon as an online casino game your opponent is always the dealer (the house) so there are fixed rules as to how the dealer plays.

These rules are shown clearly on the virtual Pontoon table, stating ‘Dealer must hit on 16 and soft 17 and stand on hard 17 (or over).’ A ‘soft 17’ is one using an Ace as an 11, and a ‘hard 17’ is one without an Ace. The transparency of this means that the dealer will always react in the same way, although, of course, you won’t know his hand until you stand and it is revealed.

When playing Pontoon at SuperCasino you can play up to five hands simultaneously, and bet with chips up to £100. Minimum bet allowed on one hand is £1 and the maximum is £100. This is also clearly displayed when playing.

As well as displaying gaming information clearly, SuperCasino Pontoon also offers helpful reminders. For example, if you have a hand of 17 or more and choose a hit, you will receive a confirmation message. This can be helpful to those who can find themselves getting carried away when playing online casino games or card games in general. You can, of course, turn this prompt off if you choose.

Play Pontoon at SuperCasino for a thoroughly British card game experience. Alternatively, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker are also available so you can mix and match your online casino card games as much as you wish!

Created on 28/02/2013