Blackjack vs Pontoon: Key Differences and Rules Compared
Blackjack and Pontoon are two classic card games found in many casinos, both online and across Britain. They may seem alike at first glance, but key features set them apart once you look more closely.
This blog post highlights what makes Blackjack and Pontoon unique, outlines their basic rules, and explains how they handle payouts. It also explores how straightforward each one is to get into, what they have in common, and what players might want to reflect on when deciding between them.
Let’s begin by looking at their most noticeable differences.
What Is the Difference Between Blackjack and Pontoon?
Blackjack and Pontoon both revolve around reaching a certain card total, but they go about it in slightly different ways. At a glance, they look alike—both deal two cards and involve decisions about whether to draw more—but their rules and wording create a different playing experience.
In Blackjack, players make choices based on what the dealer shows. The terms used are familiar to many, and the sequence of play follows a widely used structure. Certain decisions, like taking more cards or dividing a pair into two hands, can come up during a round.
Pontoon, on the other hand, keeps the dealer’s position more mysterious. All dealer cards are hidden from view, and players use different terms to guide their actions. The game also recognises a particular two-card hand that’s stronger than all others, along with a certain five-card combination that adds an extra layer to consider.
Behind these surface details are deeper variations in how each game unfolds, and those become clearer when looking at their individual rule sets.
How Do the Rules of Blackjack Work?
Blackjack revolves around aiming for a card total that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without going over it.
Everyone receives two cards to start, including the dealer. One of the dealer’s cards is visible to all, while the second remains face down. The values are simple: number cards are worth their number, face cards are worth ten, and Aces can be either one or eleven, depending on what benefits the hand most.
Players may choose to hit to get another card or stand to keep what they have. Other options include doubling down, where the player increases the stake and takes just one more card, or splitting, where matching cards are separated into two hands. For instance, a pair of eights can become two hands played individually.
Once all players have made their moves, the dealer reveals the hidden card and draws more cards until reaching at least 17. Some tables require continued drawing on certain combinations, which can shape the outcome in subtle ways.
If the dealer or a player exceeds 21, that hand is immediately out. Otherwise, whoever finishes with the higher total, without going over, wins. Equal totals lead to no change in bets. With those mechanics in place, the distinct touches of Pontoon come into sharper focus.
How Do the Rules of Pontoon Work?
Pontoon builds on the same overall concept as Blackjack, but with a set of instructions that shift the flow of the game.
Each round begins with two cards dealt to each participant, while the dealer keeps both of theirs face down. The card values are the same, and so is the goal of getting as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. But the terms and expectations are a little different.
Players twist to take another card or stick to hold their total. Unlike in Blackjack, many versions of Pontoon require players to continue drawing cards until reaching a minimum total, typically above 14. This requirement alters how each hand develops.
A two-card total made up of an Ace and a ten-point card is known as a Pontoon, and it’s stronger than a regular 21. Another feature is the five-card trick—a five-card hand that totals 21 or less and beats most other outcomes.
Pontoon also introduces buying, which resembles doubling a stake but can come with the option to draw additional cards, depending on the house rules. Splitting hands works similarly to Blackjack, though the rules around it can vary by location.
The fact that the dealer’s cards remain hidden until the end shapes the feel of the game, and each decision must be made without that extra bit of information. Those nuances help shape how wins are rewarded.
Blackjack vs Pontoon: Which Has Better Payouts?
Although the structure of the two games is similar, the way they handle winnings is slightly different.
In standard Blackjack, if the first two cards are an Ace and a ten-point card, this is often called a natural and pays out at a higher rate—typically 3:2. For example, a £10 wager on this hand would bring in £15 profit, in addition to the original bet. Some places use a lower payout ratio, so checking the table first can make a difference. Other wins pay out evenly, and there are optional features available for special cases.
Pontoon approaches payouts differently. That two-card hand mentioned earlier—the Pontoon—pays more generously, with 2:1 being a common rate. The five-card trick, also introduced in the last section, can also pay 2:1 under many rule sets. Other wins are usually paid at even money. Some versions may offer bonuses for rare hands, though that isn’t always the case.
Because each venue or site may use slightly different rules, it’s worth checking how payouts are handled before joining a table. Once that’s clear, it tends to be easier to spot just how much these games have in common beneath the surface.
What Are the Key Similarities Between Blackjack and Pontoon?
Despite the variations in layout and terminology, Blackjack and Pontoon are closely related in structure.
Both use the same deck of cards and follow the same scoring values: numbers count as marked, face cards are worth ten, and Aces can flex between one and eleven depending on the situation. Each round is a contest between the player and the dealer, rather than a race against fellow players.
The kinds of decisions players face feel familiar, too. Drawing extra cards or holding steady is a core part of both games. There are also opportunities to split cards when holding a pair, or to increase the stake under specific conditions—known as doubling down in Blackjack and buying in Pontoon.
These shared features give both games a common foundation. But when learning one for the first time, the differences in presentation can matter.
Which Game Is Easier to Learn?
For new players, deciding which game to try first often comes down to how quickly the rules start to make sense.
Blackjack is often considered more approachable. Its terms are widely used, and the rules tend to be more consistent from one table to the next. With one dealer card visible, each decision has more context, which can make it easier to get started.
Pontoon brings in extra elements, such as the buying option, mandatory twists at certain totals, and both dealer cards remaining hidden. These rules aren’t complicated, but they do add a few more things to keep in mind.
As a result, many people find Blackjack quicker to learn, while others are drawn to Pontoon for its unique pacing and slightly more involved structure.
Blackjack or Pontoon: Which Should You Play?
Choosing between Blackjack and Pontoon depends on what you value most when playing.
If you’re looking for something with clear terms, visible cues from the dealer, and a smoother learning curve, Blackjack might feel more familiar. The visibility of one dealer card gives added guidance during each round.
Pontoon, by contrast, offers a more concealed playing environment. With both dealer cards hidden, the five-card trick and Pontoon hands in play, and options like buying available, the game introduces additional depth that some players find more engaging.
Whichever you lean toward, take a moment to understand the table you’re joining. Read the house rules, keep track of your funds, and play at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
**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.