If you feel like Blackjack is fun but can get a bit old, it is time to graduate to Pontoon. This little sphinx is the lesser-known but cooler cousin of good ol ́ Blackjack. It may look the same, which it actually does on the surface, but there are a few tweaks to the rules that make the game extra fun.

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The objective is still the same, to get as close to 21 as possible and beating the dealer without going bust. Pontoon allows you to double down on your bet when you have more than two cards in your hand. This is a fantastic option and can help you navigate around the max bet limitations.

So what are the differences between Blackjack and Pontoon? Well, there are a few things that are different. Let’s have a look at these fun variations.

The House Edge is Higher

The Pontoon house has a bit better odds to win thanks to the tie rule. In contrast to Blackjack, in the event of a tie, the dealer takes all chips. Yes, we agree, this is not fun, but it actually evens out as the payouts are greater.

Forced Hits

Taking a hit on eight is often the right play in Blackjack, but the player always has the option to stand. In Pontoon, however, the rules state that players must hit if your hand contains 14 or less.

Time to Double Down

Another variation in Pontoon is the rule regarding doubling down. In Blackjack, you are not allowed if you have more than 2 cards. In this game, however, you can double away, my friend.

Five Card Trick

This game has a special rule, called a five-card trick. Say you manage to collect five cards in your hunt for the magic 21, without going bust. This accomplishment pays out at 2:1 and beats all other hands, except Pontoon, which is 21. As you know from Blackjack, it’s not an easy task, but it does happen and with the combination of some luck and the double down rule, you can make yourself quite a bit of money on a single hand.

Splitting Aces

In Blackjack, splitting aces takes away the 3:2 payout as you are disqualified from achieving Blackjack. Pontoon players can still achieve a Pontoon (the equivalent of Blackjack/21) after splitting aces, which leaves you in a better position to cash in on the favorable 2:1 payout.

Dealer’s Mystery Cards

We are used to seeing the dealers cards facing up, so you can see what cards they are and what you’re competing with. The difference in this game is that these cards are mysteriously dealt face down. As you can’t see the cards, it’s hard to play according to a strategy. This is another way where Pontoon may be a bit tougher than its cousin but a little extra challenge is always fun, if you are up for it of course.

Class Dismissed!

As you can see, Pontoon and Blackjack are both quite similar and very entertaining. Blackjack is the classic, but we definitely recommend a walk on the wildside. Take advantage of your newfound knowledge and go get yourself a big fat scoop of Pontoon!

You can find your Pontoon table in the BitStarz lobby.