Two of the most popular are Pontoon vs Blackjack. At first sight, they may look similar: both involve reaching 21, both use the same card values, and both pit you against the dealer. But once you sit down at the table, the differences become impossible to ignore.
The way hands are ranked, the way actions are taken, and even the way ties are settled make Pontoon and Blackjack two very distinct games. If you play them the same way, you’ll almost certainly lose. That’s why knowing the differences is essential before placing any bets.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Blackjack
To compare the two, let’s start with the game most people know. Blackjack is widely played in casinos all over the world, and its rules are straightforward once you know them.
Objective of Blackjack
In Blackjack, the goal is to finish with a hand totaling closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Players are dealt two cards face up, while the dealer shows one card face up and one face down. The player then chooses whether to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs.
The best possible hand is called a Blackjack, which is an Ace plus any 10-point card. Blackjack beats all other hands except another Blackjack, in which case the round is a push and your bet is returned.
Card Values in Blackjack
- Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value.
- Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 10 points each.
- Aces count as either 1 or 11, whichever helps your hand most.
Dealer’s Role in Blackjack
The dealer reveals their face-down card after all players have acted. They must draw cards until reaching at least 17. If the dealer busts by going over 21, all remaining players win.
Pro tip: In Blackjack, always pay attention to the dealer’s up card. It influences whether you should hit, stand, or double.
The Basics of Pontoon
Pontoon shares Blackjack’s foundation but changes important rules that impact both strategy and outcome.
Objective of Pontoon
The goal is still to reach 21 without busting, but the strongest hand is called Pontoon, which is an Ace plus a 10-point card made with only two cards. A Pontoon beats every other hand, even a regular 21 with more cards.
The second-best hand is the Five Card Trick, which is made by drawing five cards that total 21 or less. This hand beats all regular totals but loses to a Pontoon.
Card Values in Pontoon
Pontoon uses the same values as Blackjack:
- Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value.
- Face cards are worth 10 points.
- Aces count as either 1 or 11.
The difference lies in how those values are used, especially when chasing a Five Card Trick.
Dealer’s Role in Pontoon
The biggest change is that both dealer cards are face down. Players never see what the dealer has until the round ends. This adds suspense and makes strategy more about probability and risk than reacting to dealer information.
Pro tip: Because you can’t see a dealer card in Pontoon, you need to play more aggressively, especially when chasing Five Card Tricks.
Key Differences Between Pontoon vs Blackjack
Now that you know the basics of each, let’s break down the biggest differences between Pontoon vs Blackjack that affect how each game is played.
1. Hand Rankings
In Blackjack, a two-card 21 (Blackjack) is only the best hand if the dealer doesn’t also have one. If both have Blackjack, the result is a tie. In Pontoon, however, Pontoon always beats other 21s, no matter how the dealer makes theirs.
Example:
- You have Ace + King = Pontoon.
- Dealer has 9 + 6 + 6 = 21.
- In Blackjack: dealer wins with 21. In Pontoon: you win because Pontoon outranks.
2. The Five Card Trick
Pontoon introduces the Five Card Trick as a second winning condition. If you draw five cards without busting, you beat every hand except Pontoon. Blackjack has no such rule, which makes Pontoon riskier but also more rewarding.
Example:
- Your hand: 3 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 20.
- Dealer hand: 10 + 9 = 19.
- In Blackjack: 20 beats 19 normally. In Pontoon: 20 wins as a Five Card Trick, regardless of totals.
3. Dealer’s Cards
In Blackjack, one dealer card is visible, which guides your decisions. In Pontoon, both dealer cards are hidden, forcing you to act without any hints. This makes Pontoon more unpredictable.
Pro tip: Because you lack information, you should avoid sticking on totals lower than 17 unless you’re chasing five cards.
4. Player Actions
The terminology also changes:
- Blackjack: Hit, Stand, Double Down
- Pontoon: Twist, Stick, Buy
- Twist = Take another card (like Hit).
- Stick = Keep your hand (like Stand), but only if you have 15 or higher.
- Buy = Place another bet to draw one card (like Double Down), but you can keep drawing after.
This freedom makes Buy more flexible than Double Down in Blackjack.
5. Tie Rules
In Blackjack, ties (pushes) return your bet. In Pontoon, all ties go to the dealer. This single rule increases the house edge and forces you to play more aggressively to secure stronger hands.
Example:
- You finish with 18.
- Dealer also has 18.
- Blackjack: push, no win or loss.
- Pontoon: dealer wins automatically.
Which Game Should You Play?
Both games are fun, but they reward different types of players.
- Blackjack suits those who like clear strategy and decisions based on the dealer’s up card. It has a lower house edge when played with perfect strategy.
- Pontoon is better for players who enjoy suspense and high-risk plays. The Five Card Trick and hidden dealer cards make every round unpredictable, but the tie rule and dealer advantage make it harder to beat long-term.
Pro tip: If you prefer controlled decision-making, start with Blackjack. If you want a wilder game with bigger swings, try Pontoon.
Conclusion
The differences between Pontoon vs Blackjack may seem small at first, but they change how the games are played. Pontoon gives the dealer hidden cards, awards ties to the house, and adds the unique Five Card Trick as a winning hand. Blackjack, by comparison, feels more structured, with clear strategy and a lower house edge.
Both games have their appeal, but you can’t play them the same way. If you know the rules and adapt your style, you’ll find that Pontoon and Blackjack each bring a unique kind of excitement to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Pontoon?
You play against the dealer by building a hand of 21 or less. Use Twist to draw cards, Stick on 15 or higher, and Buy to place another bet and take a card.
What is a Five Card Trick in Pontoon?
It’s a hand of five cards that total 21 or less. It beats all other hands except a Pontoon.
Does Pontoon always beat Blackjack?
Yes, a two-card Pontoon beats a Blackjack hand. Even if the dealer makes 21 with more cards, Pontoon is stronger.
Which is better to play: Pontoon or Blackjack?
Blackjack has more strategy and lower house edge, while Pontoon is faster and riskier. Your choice depends on whether you want control or excitement.
