Even if you are new to the online casino industry, you might have seen the blackjack game in movies. Blackjack is no doubt one of the most popular casino games ever. However, you may not be familiar with the similar card game known as Pontoon. Pontoon is considered blackjack's less famous cousin. While both games have some similarities, they have some differences, which you need to get familiar with to avoid missing things up. This will help you decide which game you want to play. But what is the difference between both card games? And how did the game come into existence? If you want to get answers to these pressing questions, we have got you covered. Keep reading for more information.

  • First and foremost, let clear some misconceptions about their origins. Pontoon is a British invented card game. However, blackjack is said to have originated from the United States.
  • Additionally, these two card games are not directly related because there were developed independently of each other.

Blackjack and Pontoon are part of a widely popular game that is known as 21. The game is called Vingt-Un in France, and it was trendy during 18th century France. Now let's talk about their similarities. First, both card games come with simple gameplay as you can easily pick them. Like the game of blackjack, the aim of the pontoon card game is also to get a hand that is close to 21. And to beat the dealer, you must not go over 21. You will place a wager and receive two cards from the dealer. Additionally, the card rankings are the same. In both games, aces are worth 1 or 11 points.

Just like the game of Blackjack, the Pontoon card game also allows you to hit or stand. However, unlike the Blackjack game, Pontoon allows players to hit even after doubling down. Even though Blackjack and Pontoon hand are the game, their payout differs. While the Blackjack game pays out 3 to 1, a Pontoon card game will pay out 2 to 1. Additionally, when you win in Pontoon, the game can still payout 2 to 1 even after splitting. On the other hand, a Blackjack split hand will pay out even money even if you have a natural Blackjack. Also, the dealer wins on all ties when playing the Pontoon card game. However, this is not the case for the Blackjack game.

  1. In Blackjack, you won't find the Five Card Trick, which is present in Pontoon.
  2. A five-card trick is created with five cards which total must not exceed 21. When you win with this hand, the game payout is 2 to 1. However, if the dealer matches your hand, then you lose.

When you start playing Pontoon, you will notice the massive difference between the two card game. One of the significant differences is in their terminologies. In Blackjack, you can HIT to get new cards, but you TWIST in Pontoon. When you don't need a new card, you STAND in Blackjack while you STICK in Pontoon. Additionally, you double down in Blackjack while in Pontoon, you BUY. As mentioned, you can twist (hit) in Pontoon after buying (Doubling down). Another important rule that differentiates Pontoon from Blackjack is that the dealer's cards are dealt facing up. However, only one of the dealer cards is dealt face up in Blackjack. Also, a natural Pontoon hand pays more than a Blackjack hand.

Now that you have understood the differences between the two card games, you might wonder which game you should consider playing. Pontoon game offer players a wide variety of betting options. You can double down or buy when you have more than two cards or hit or twist even after doubling down. Nevertheless, some rules of Pontoon puts the player at a disadvantage. These include the dealer winning on all ties and dealing their cards facing up. However, one advantage Pontoon has over Blackjack is that the natural hand pays higher. Playing any of the games depends on your preference. But ensure that you get familiar with their rules and terminologies before you start playing. Additionally, learn the required strategies and monitor your betting bankroll.