Variations of 21 such as pontoon are wildly popular in the world of online casinos. This game is popular among UK and Australian audiences more than American audiences but is gaining a rather large following online. Pontoon is played with 2 or more players though it works best when played by 5 to 8 people. If you've never had the opportunity to play this exciting variation of blackjack you should definitely add it to your list of great games to try.

Rules

Pontoon, like blackjack is when two cards equal the sum of 21. This means that there is an Ace and a card that has a value of 10. Another great hand to hold in the great game of pontoon is known as a "five card trick." This means that you hold five cards in your hand that total 21 or less. If you have three or four cards in your hands totaling 21 they will beat anything other than a pontoon or five card trick in this game. Other hands totally less than 21 are ranked according to their point values. Also like blackjack, pontoon hands that total more than 21 are automatic losing hands.

Blackjack Similarities

There are quite a few similarities as mentioned between pontoon and blackjack. The first similarity is that the initial goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. If you achieve this goal you are likely to win the hand. However, the five card trick is another admirable goal that will win against any hand other than a flat out pontoon. In blackjack you only need to beat the dealer's score in order to win the hand and not the other players at the table. Also like blackjack, you will need to develop a strategy in order to win the hand in pontoon. By establishing goals and creating a strategy for playing the game you are setting the table, if you will, for a much better gaming experience. You are also putting yourself in the proper frame of mind to win, which is important in games such as this that are not only won by luck but some degree of skill as well.

Differences between Pontoon and Blackjack

There are also a few noticeable differences. When playing online it is best to discover the rules of the casino in which you are playing early on in order to determine potential differences and to understand the betting structures and variations. Some casinos only allow aces to be split. Payouts also vary from one casino to the next. Knowing the casino payout will assist you when placing your wagers.