Pontoon
BRITISH + AUSTRALIAN CASINO CARD GAME — the BRITISH cousin of BLACKJACK. Same 21-target concept but with signature rule differences: (1) A 5-CARD TRICK (5 cards under 21) automatically wins + pays 2:1; (2) A PONTOON (ace + 10-value) pays 2:1; (3) DEALER WINS TIES; (4) NO INSURANCE. Extremely popular in British + Australian casinos + home games. Direct descendant of French VINGT-UN (21), also ancestor of American blackjack. Slightly different house edge (~0.4% Australian variant).
Quick facts
Category
Casino & Gambling
Type
Individual
Players
1–8
Duration
~30 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Estimated origin
19th century UK; derived from French Vingt-Un (21); adapted in Australian casinos
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional
How it works
Objective
Get closer to 21 than dealer without busting; ideally hit Pontoon or 5-card trick.
Rules
Basic rules
Deal 2 cards each; dealer's cards face-down (both)
Different from blackjack — no dealer upcard!
Twist (hit) or stick (stand)
Standard 21 mechanic.
PONTOON (ace + 10-value) pays 2:1
Higher than blackjack payout.
5-CARD TRICK (5 cards ≤ 21) automatically wins, pays 2:1
Signature Pontoon feature.
Double after seeing 2 cards; dealer wins ties
Australian house rules.
SPLIT pairs; hit/twist on 15 or less always allowed
Player choices.
Scoring
Pontoon + 5-card trick pay 2:1; ties go to dealer; house edge ~0.4%.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Pontoon (ace + 10-value) | 2:1 |
| 5-Card Trick | 2:1 |
| Standard win vs dealer | 1:1 |
| Tie | Dealer wins |
| Bust (>21) | -1 |
Win condition · Beat dealer without busting.
Equipment
Standard 52-card deck (single or multi-deck)
No jokers
Pontoon table (similar to blackjack)
Standard casino layout
Chips
Standard casino chips
Terminology
- Pontoon
- Ace + 10-value in first 2 cards — pays 2:1.
- 5-Card Trick
- 5 cards under 21 — automatic win, pays 2:1.
- Twist
- British term for 'hit' (take another card).
- Stick
- British term for 'stand' (no more cards).
- Bust
- Hand total exceeds 21 — lose.
Where it is played
Frequently asked
Pontoon vs Blackjack — key differences?+
PONTOON differs from blackjack in several ways: (1) Both dealer cards face-DOWN (no upcard advantage); (2) PONTOON (blackjack) pays 2:1 instead of 3:2; (3) 5-CARD TRICK exists as automatic win; (4) DEALER WINS TIES (blackjack pushes ties); (5) NO INSURANCE. Pontoon is faster + more aggressive; players must always aim to twist to try for 5-card trick.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Pontoon— Wikipedia