Playing Pontoon 21 online is one of the easiest real money casino games on the web. Even players with little to no experience will quickly learn how to play the fast-paced and enjoyable game.
In this article, I explain how to play Pontoon 21 by covering the rules, odds, and payouts. I also share my top strategy tips.
How to Play Pontoon 21: Rules
Your goal in Pontoon is to get as close to 21 points without going over. As with blackjack, each card in Pontoon has a set value, and most cards are worth the same number of points as their numerical value.
The exceptions are face cards, which are worth 10 points, and aces, which can be worth either one point or 11 points.
Players start with two cards in each hand and have to hit until they get at least 15 points or have five cards in a specific hand. Like blackjack, you have options for increasing your bet in each hand, such as doubling or splitting.
To win, you need to beat the dealer’s hand by getting 21 points, or as close to it as possible without going over.
This is the core set of rules, but there might be some variations regarding soft 17, surrendering, and more, depending on where you play the game.
Pontoon Card Game House Edge and Payouts
The rules of Pontoon are not the only similarity the game has with blackjack. Both games also have similar payouts.
| Winning Hand | Pontoon Payout | Blackjack Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Pontoon/Blackjack | 2:1 | 3:2 or 6:5 |
| Winning 5-card hand | 2:1 | 2:1 or 1:1 |
| Winning hand | 1:1 | 1:1 |
One major difference is that most modern casinos do not use the 5-Card Charlie rule at their blackjack tables. So, even if you get five cards in your hand without busting, that does not guarantee that you will win.
The house edge is also very similar in Pontoon and Blackjack, and they can vary based on your strategy. With the ideal strategy, your RTP in blackjack can be over 99% and as high as 99.60%. Likewise, the maximum RTP in most Pontoon games is also around 99.60%, if you play with optimal strategy.
Pontoon Side Bets: House Edge and Payouts
Another similarity between Pontoon and Blackjack is that both games offer side wagers. There are many side bets available in Blackjack, including blackjack insurance. One of the most popular side bets in Pontoon is the Sweet 16 wager.
The Sweet 16 bet applies to the first two cards in your hand. Your payout for this wager will depend on the total value of your starting hand:
- Pair of 2s-7s = Push
- 16–21 points = 1:1
- One ace = 1:1
- Two aces: 2:1
As with any side bet, you should consider the house edge of the Sweet 16 bet before you make it. The bet has a house edge of 2.52%, which is lower than many side bets in Blackjack, but significantly higher than the base game.
Pontoon 21 Strategy Tips
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Know when to hit: Blackjack players know the importance of having a plan for every possible hand. The basic blackjack strategy outlines whether to hit, stand, split, or double down for every starting hand. Similarly, pontoon players can create and follow a chart for the best decision for every starting hand.
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Use the dealer’s face-up card to your advantage: You do not need to hit 21 points to win in Pontoon; you just need to beat the dealer. Using the dealer’s face-up card to determine how strong the dealer’s hand is, can help you decide how aggressive you need to be with your hands.
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Avoid side bets: The side bets in Pontoon come with a significantly higher RTP than the base wagers, so you should only target them for fun.
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Play multiple hands at once: Pontoon players can play up to three hands at once against the dealer. Experienced plates can play multiple hands to increase the total number of hands played in a given amount of time.
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Claim casino bonuses for Pontoon: Using casino bonuses to fund your Pontoon bankroll will give you more funds to gamble with. This is especially helpful for new players who may make mistakes, as playing with bonus funds can minimize your risk.
Where to Play Real Money Pontoon Online
Reading the rules and strategies above is a great start. However, if you really are keen to learn how to play Pontoon blackjack online, you should actually try the game for yourself. Luckily, sites like Bovada Casino offer a free demo of this exciting European card game.
Bovada has free and paid versions of the Pontoon game from Betsoft. If you choose to play the real money versions, you can also claim up to $3,750 in bonus casino funds with the 375% crypto welcome promotion.
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