This is an educational guide to how casino games work. House edge and payout figures are typical values and vary by game, rules and operator. No casino game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, never as a way to make money, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
How to Play Pontoon
Pontoon is Britain’s own take on blackjack — same goal of reaching 21, but with different language and a few important rule twists. Here’s how it works.
Different terms
The aim is still to beat the dealer without going over 21, but the actions have their own names: you twist (take a card), stick (keep your total), or buy (double your stake and take a card). It takes a moment to adjust if you know blackjack.
Key rule differences
The dealer’s cards are both face down, and crucially, the dealer wins all ties — a meaningful shift in the house’s favour. There’s also the “five-card trick”: a hand of five cards totalling 21 or under is a strong winner.
Strategy differs
Because the rules differ, standard blackjack basic strategy doesn’t map directly — Pontoon has its own optimal play. See how to play blackjack, blackjack basic strategy and blackjack vs baccarat.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pontoon?
A British relative of blackjack with different terms — you “twist”, “stick” or “buy” instead of hit, stand or double.
How is it different from blackjack?
The dealer’s cards are face down, the dealer wins ties, and a five-card hand under 21 (a “five-card trick”) is a strong winner.
Does basic strategy apply?
A different strategy applies, because the rules differ from standard blackjack.
Related guides: how to play blackjack, blackjack basic strategy and blackjack vs baccarat.