Pontoon is the British ancestor of Blackjack, popular in home games across the UK and Australia. Like Blackjack, you try to get as close to 21 as possible without busting. But Pontoon has two special hands that change the entire strategy. A Pontoon \u2014 an Ace plus any 10-value card \u2014 is the best hand and pays double. A Five Card Trick \u2014 five cards totaling 21 or under \u2014 is the second best hand and also pays double. Both are more powerful than a regular 21.<\/p>\n\n\n
Starting with the player to the left of the banker, each player plays their hand. All player cards remain face-down during play \u2014 only the player can see them.<\/p>\n\n\n
If your first two cards are an Ace plus any 10-value card, announce ‘Pontoon!’ and place them face-up. You win 2 to 1 from the banker automatically \u2014 no further play needed.<\/p>\n\n\n
Pay additional chips (up to your original bet amount) to receive one more card face-down. You can buy up to three times, giving you a maximum of five cards. You must buy before you twist. Once you have twisted even once, you cannot buy again.<\/p>\n\n\n
Receive one card face-up for free. You can twist as many times as you want. After your first twist, you can only continue twisting \u2014 you cannot buy after twisting.<\/p>\n\n\n
Stop taking cards and keep your current total. You must have a total of at least 15 to stand \u2014 you cannot stand on 14 or lower.<\/p>\n\n\n
If your total exceeds 21 at any point, flip your cards over and pay the banker your bet immediately. You are out of this hand.<\/p>\n\n\n
After all players have acted, the banker reveals both their cards. The banker then draws cards freely \u2014 no restrictions on standing or hitting. The banker can stand at any total they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n
The banker wins all ties \u2014 if your total equals the banker’s total, you lose.<\/p>\n\n\n