Pontoon Card Game Rules: How To Play & 5 Card Trick Explained

Pontoon is popular in the UK for offering entertainment and opportunities to use strategic thinking.

Pontoon adds its unique twist to the game of blackjack with its own set of interesting rules, including the “5 Card Trick,” which provides an additional layer of strategy.

Whether you’re new to card games or simply want to explore something different, this guide will take you through the basics, ensuring you can enjoy playing Pontoon.

What is Pontoon?

Pontoon is a popular card game that’s quite similar to the well-known game of blackjack, often enjoyed in British households and casinos. In Pontoon, the main goal is to have a hand value as close as possible to 21 without going over while aiming to have a better hand than the dealer.

The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Each player is dealt two cards and can choose to stick (stop taking more cards) or twist (take another card) to try to improve their hand.

The best hand in Pontoon is called a “Pontoon,” which consists of an ace and a face card or ten, totalling 21. Pontoon has its own special features, including the “5 Card Trick”, which adds an interesting element to the game.

Pontoon vs Blackjack: What’s The Difference?

Pontoon and blackjack may seem similar at first glance, but they have some important differences that set them apart.

One of the key differences is the terminology used. In Pontoon, “twist” means to take another card, while “stick” means to hold your hand without adding more cards, replacing the terms “hit” and “stand” used in blackjack.

When it comes to the cards themselves, both games use a standard deck. All face cards and tens count as ten points in both games, and an ace can be one or eleven, depending on which is more favourable for your hand.

Another difference is how the dealer’s cards are dealt from the start. In Pontoon, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face down to add an element of anticipation, whereas in blackjack, one card is dealt face up.

How To Play The Pontoon Card Game

Pontoon is played with a standard 52-card deck and can be played with two or more players, one of whom acts as the dealer. The aim is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over 21.

Both the players and the dealer are dealt two cards, though the dealer’s cards are face down. Players can look at their own cards to decide their next move.

Players have two main choices: “Twist” to take another card or “Stick” to end their turn if they’re satisfied with their hand. You can keep twisting until you reach five cards without exceeding 21, attempting to achieve the 5 Card Trick.

A hand totalling 21, either naturally with an ace and a ten-point card (a Pontoon) or through a 5 Card Trick, is considered strong. If nobody has these, the player closest to 21 wins, provided their hand hasn’t exceeded 21.

Pontoon Rules

Pontoon is an exciting game with strategic elements and a few simple rules to learn. Keep reading to learn how you can improve your Pontoon strategy.

The Aim of the Game

The main goal in Pontoon is to form a hand with a total value as close to 21 as possible, without going over. Your hand should be better than the dealer’s to be successful.

Card Values

All number cards count as their face value. Face cards (king, queen, and jack) are worth ten points, and the ace can be either one or eleven, depending on what benefits your hand.

Dealing the Cards

Each player, including the dealer, is given two cards. The dealer’s cards remain face down, keeping an element of mystery in the game.

Player’s Turn

Players can choose to “twist” by taking another card if they think it will improve their hand. Alternatively, they can “stick” to keep their current hand if they feel it’s strong enough. Remember, going over 21 means going bust and ending the round for that player.

Winning Conditions

A “Pontoon” (ace and a ten-point card) and the “5 Card Trick” are considered strong hands, but any hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s is successful as long as it doesn’t go bust.

5 Card Trick Explained

The 5 Card Trick is a special aspect of Pontoon that adds to the challenge and enjoyment of the game. Understanding this can help you develop a thoughtful approach during play.

To achieve a 5 Card Trick, you must collect five cards without exceeding a total value of 21, which requires a delicate balance and careful decision-making.

If you manage to gather five cards under or equal to 21, it counts as a 5 Card Trick. This hand is highly valued and often stands out compared to other hands with a total of 21. Each time you decide to twist, you’re working towards forming this distinctive hand.

The presence of the 5 Card Trick in Pontoon prompts players to think strategically about their moves, making the game more exciting as you consider the benefits of adding more cards to your hand.

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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.