Should You Play Pontoon or Blackjack?
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The similarities between these two card games create an inevitable debate of Pontoon 21 vs. Blackjack for experienced card players. While the games are very similar, they do have unique features that set them apart from one another.
The top online casinos will sometimes feature both games. This is great because then you have a chance to try both and see which one you like. Playing each game is sometimes the best way to find out the differences for yourself.
Of course, knowing the differences ahead of time can help you prepare for each game. Keep reading to see the similarities and differences between Pontoon and Blackjack. I will also tell you where to play each game online so you can try them for yourself.
What Is Pontoon 21?
If you have only been to casinos in the US, then there is a good chance you have never encountered Pontoon. The card game was most popular in the UK, while blackjack dominated the casino tables in the US.
The origins of Pontoon 21 and Blackjack can both be traced back to the original Vingt-Un, or 21. That is why the games share so many of the same rules and even use a lot of the same terminology. However, there are subtle differences that can have a huge outcome on how each game is played.
Similarities Between Pontoon 21 and Blackjack
One of the reasons deciding between Pontoon 21 vs. Blackjack is difficult, is because the games are so similar. Both games can be played with the same 52-card deck. Also, players try to score 21 in both games, and the card values are the same.
52-Card Deck
Both Pontoon 21 and Blackjack can be played using the same 52-card deck. Depending on the game that you are playing, there may be multiple decks being used. There are also single-deck blackjack variations of each game that are very popular.
Multi-deck games can make it difficult for players to use advantage-play techniques. After all, the more decks that are used, the more cards you have to try to keep track of.
Playing with multiple decks can have its advantages, though. It gives you more 10-point cards to use in both games. Also, it allows more players to be in the same game of Pontoon 21 or Blackjack.
Same Starting Hand Size
Another similarity between these two games is that you have the same starting-hand size. Players in both Pontoon and Blackjack will start the round with two cards. One of your cards is face-down, and the other is face-up.
This also means that the starting hand rankings between the two games are very similar. Even some blackjack terms have the same meaning in Pontoon.
For example, if you get an Ace and a ten-point card in your starting hand in Blackjack, that is known as a natural. The same is true in Pontoon, and you automatically win in both games. The only exception is if the dealer also has a natural.
Try to Score 21
I alluded to this earlier, but the end goal of Blackjack and Pontoon is also the same. You are trying to get the highest score you can without going over 21. Both games allow you to stop before you get to 21, but you do not want to stop too early.
That is because your end goal, in addition to getting close to 21, is to beat the dealer’s hand. Even if you do not hit 21 points, you can still win by having a higher score than the dealer.
In fact, most of the time that you beat the dealer, you will not have 21 points. High-scoring hands worth 19 or 20 points are usually good enough to get the job done. But the further away you are from 21, the more likely the dealer is to beat your hand.
Same Card Values
A fourth similarity is that both Pontoon and Blackjack use the same point values for every card. For example, face cards are worth 10 points, and an Ace can be either 11 or one point.
Using the same point values makes it easier for Blackjack players to play Pontoon, and vice versa. Your strategies for one game can usually be used for the other. All you need to do is adjust your system to account for the handful of differences between Pontoon 21 vs. Blackjack.
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Differences Between Pontoon 21 and Blackjack
As you can see, there are many similarities between Blackjack and Pontoon. However, the games are not identical. Here are some of the differences you should be aware of before jumping from one game to the other.
Different Payout Odds
One of the biggest differences between these games is that they have different payout odds. Different casinos have different payout odds in general. But most of the casinos in the US use 3:2 payout odds for a natural blackjack.
Pontoon, on the other hand, usually has 2:1 payout odds for a natural. As I mentioned above, a natural means the same thing in both games.
This means that you will get more for the same stake in Pontoon than you do in Blackjack for a natural. This change in odds also changes the game’s house edge. Pontoon games with a 2:1 payout for a natural have a lower house edge than Blackjack games with 3:2 payout odds.
Five-Card Trick
The only way to get the 3:2 payout in Blackjack is to get a natural. Otherwise, you will only get 1:1 payout odds for beating the dealer.
But Pontoon players can get the 2:1 payout by getting a natural or a five-card trick. The latter refers to a hand where the player has five cards without going over 21 points. In most variations, a five-card trick will automatically defeat other hands as well.
The only hand a five-card trick cannot beat is a natural. But since a natural typically wins the game at the beginning of the round, these hands are rarely seen during the same round.
Double Down Opportunities
Both Blackjack and Pontoon allow players a variety of options once they have their hands. For example, you can double down, split, or stand. But Pontoon players have more chances to bet on their hands than Blackjack players.
Your only opportunity to double down in Blackjack is when you first get your hand. You will not have this option after you have taken another card.
But in Pontoon, you can double down even after you have received extra cards. This allows you to make more informed betting decisions. It also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of hands that become stronger after you have added more cards to them.
Rules for Ties
Not all of the rule differences benefit Pontoon players. For instance, ties in most Blackjack games allow the player to recoup their stake amounts.
In Pontoon, though, the dealer automatically wins all ties. This means that even if you manage to get 21 points, you can still lose the game if the dealer also gets 21 points. Despite this advantage for the casino, the house edge is still lower in Pontoon than in most variations of Blackjack.
Position of the Dealer’s Cards
Another difference that puts Pontoon players at a disadvantage is that both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-down. In Blackjack, one card is face-up, which can give you a better idea of how strong the dealer’s hand is.
Dealing both cards face-down eliminates this option. It also means that there are no insurance bets in Pontoon. The dealer will check their hand to see if they have a natural, but you will not be able to protect yourself against it because there are no insurance wagers.
Best Online Blackjack Site
I suggest playing both blackjack and pontoon to see which one you prefer. If you want to try Blackjack, then I recommend trying BetUS. It is one of the best online blackjack sites available in 2023.
Members of BetUS can choose from 15 different video Blackjack games. This is also one of the top casinos for live dealer online Blackjack.
The variety of Blackjack games available practically guarantees that you will find one that you like. Also, BetUS offers a special bonus for Blackjack players knowns as Blackjack Mondays. There are other great bonuses available, too, so you will have tons of bonus funds for playing Blackjack.
Ready to play at BetUS?
Best Pontoon 21 Site
For players looking to try Pontoon, I recommend going to MyBookie. This secure betting site is best known for its sportsbook. But it is also one of the best online gambling sites for card players.
You can find Pontoon in MyBookie’s Blackjack section. The similarities between the games mean they are often grouped together.
New members of MyBookie can claim a casino bonus worth up to $750. There are also great bonuses for existing members, like a 10% weekly rebate bonus available every Monday. These offers can give you more money for playing Pontoon and other card games online.
Ready to play at MyBookie?
Pontoon 21 vs. Blackjack – Which Is Better?
While they are very similar, there are several key differences between Pontoon and Blackjack. I suggest trying both games for yourself to decide which one you like the best. BetUS and MyBookie are great options for playing Blackjack and Pontoon online, respectively.
