Pontoon is one of the simplest casino games to pick up, especially if you’re already familiar with blackjack. This card game shares a lot of similarities with the American version of 21, so if you’ve played blackjack before, you’ll have a bit of a head start when it comes to Pontoon.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of how to play Pontoon, including the game’s rules, house edge, and some popular strategies. Plus, I’ll tell you where you can try out Pontoon for free at some of the best online casinos.
Pontoon Rules
The first thing you’ll want to get familiar with when learning Pontoon is the set of rules. Fortunately, this game is much less complicated than some other casino card games. In fact, many of the rules are quite similar to what you’d find in multi-deck blackjack.
Your main goal in Pontoon is to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over. Like in blackjack, each card has a specific point value: face cards are worth 10 points, aces can be either 1 or 11 points, and numbered cards are worth their face value.
You start with two cards and must hit until you reach at least 15 points or have five cards in your hand without busting. Similar to blackjack, you also have options like doubling or splitting to increase your bet during the round.
Three Card Rummy: How to Play It Online
To win, you need to beat the dealer’s hand by getting closer to 21 without going over. The dealer stays on a soft 17 or if they also get five cards without busting.
House Edge and Payouts in Online Pontoon
When it comes to payouts, Pontoon is pretty similar to blackjack. However, one big difference is that many modern blackjack tables don’t use the 5-Card Charlie rule anymore. So even if you manage to get five cards without busting, it doesn’t guarantee a win unless you’re playing Pontoon.
The house edge in Pontoon is also close to blackjack and depends on the strategy you use. With the perfect strategy, blackjack can offer a return to player (RTP) of up to 99.60%, and Pontoon games can reach similar RTP levels of around 99.60% as well.
Side Bets in Pontoon: House Edge and Payouts
Another feature Pontoon shares with blackjack is the option to make side bets. One of the most popular side bets in Pontoon is the “Sweet 16” wager.
With the Sweet 16 bet, you place a side wager based on the value of your first two cards. The payouts work like this:
- Pair of 2s-7s = Push
- 16–21 points = 1:1
- One ace = 1:1
- Two aces = 2:1
Like any side bet, you’ll want to keep an eye on the house edge, which for the Sweet 16 bet is 2.52%—lower than many blackjack side bets.
Strategies and Advice for Pontoons
Here are some tips and strategies that can help you improve your game when playing Pontoon:
- Know When to Hit: Just like in blackjack, it’s crucial to have a strategy for every possible hand. A basic strategy chart, similar to blackjack, can guide you on when to hit, stand, or double down based on your hand and the dealer’s up card.
- Use the Dealer’s Card to Your Advantage: You don’t have to hit exactly 21 points to win in Pontoon; you just need to beat the dealer. Pay attention to the dealer’s up card to judge how strong their hand might be. This can help you decide how aggressive to be with your own hand.
- Take Advantage of Side Bets: Pontoon’s side bets can offer better payouts with lower house edges compared to some blackjack games. If you have room in your bankroll, consider placing side bets like the Sweet 16 for a shot at bigger wins.
- Play Multiple Hands: You can play up to three hands at once in Pontoon, which can help experienced players increase the number of rounds they play in a shorter period. The more hands you play, the better your chances of winning.
- Claim Casino Bonuses: Many online casinos offer bonuses that can boost your Pontoon bankroll. These promotions give you extra funds to gamble with, which can be particularly useful if you’re still learning and want to reduce your risk.
Where to Play Pontoon Online
Now that you know the rules and strategies, the best way to really master Pontoon is by playing it yourself. Fortunately, online casinos like Bovada Casino offer free demos of this exciting game.
At Bovada, you can find both free and paid versions of Pontoon from Betsoft. If you’re interested in playing for real money, you can also take advantage of Bovada’s 375% crypto welcome bonus, which can give you up to $3,750 in bonus funds. Sign up today and try Pontoon for yourself!
