Pontoon: British Blackjack with Unique Rules
Pontoon is the British variant of blackjack with different terminology and rules. Learn about twist, stick, buy, and the famous five-card trick in this traditional UK card game.
What is Pontoon?
Pontoon is the British name for blackjack, but it has some unique rules and terminology that differ from standard blackjack. The goal remains the same - get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Pontoon offers a house edge of approximately 0.38% with optimal play, making it one of the best blackjack variations for players.
Pontoon Terminology
British Terms vs American Terms
- • Twist: Hit (take another card)
- • Stick: Stand (keep current hand)
- • Buy: Double down (double bet for one card)
- • Pontoon: Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card)
- • Five-Card Trick: Five cards totaling 21 or less
Unique Pontoon Rules
Five-Card Trick
The five-card trick is a special hand in Pontoon. If you have five cards totaling 21 or less (without busting), you automatically win, even if the dealer has a higher hand. This is the second-best hand after Pontoon (blackjack).
Example:
Your hand: 3♠ 4♥ 5♦ 2♣ 7♠ = 21 (Five-Card Trick)
This beats dealer's 20!
Hand Rankings
- Pontoon (Ace + 10): Best hand, pays 2:1
- Five-Card Trick: Second best, beats everything except Pontoon
- 21 (3+ cards): Beats dealer's 20 or less
- 20 or less: Standard hand rankings apply
Pontoon Strategy
Pontoon strategy differs from standard blackjack due to the five-card trick rule:
Key Strategy Points
- • Go for Five-Card Trick: If you have 4 cards totaling 16 or less, consider twisting
- • Twist on 4 cards: Even with 17-20, consider twisting for five-card trick
- • Buy (Double) Strategy: Similar to standard blackjack
- • Dealer Rules: Dealer must twist on 16 or less, stick on 17+
Play Pontoon at Bet2Jet
Experience traditional British blackjack with unique rules!