1. What is Pontoon
Pontoon is a card game that is played with a deck of 52 cards. The aim of the game is to score 21 points or more, without going over.2. History of Pontoon
Pontoon is thought to have originated in 18th century England. It is believed to be a variation of the game Twenty-One.3. How to Play Pontoon
The basic rules of Pontoon are as follows
– Each player is dealt two cards, face down
– The aim of the game is to score 21 points or more, without going over
– The player nearest 21 wins the hand
– In the event of a tie, the player with the highest value card (Aces are high) wins
– If both players have the same value card, the hand is a draw
– Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, Jacks are worth 10 points, Queens are worth 20 points and Kings are worth 40 points
– A player can either stand or hit (take another card) – they cannot hit twice in a row
– Once all players have either stood or hit, the dealer flips over their second card – if this card puts them over 21, they bust and lose the hand
4. Variations of the Game
There are a number of variations of Pontoon that can be played
– Double Down: This variation allows players to double their bet after receiving their first two cards – however, they can only receive one more card and must then stand
– Split: In this variation, if a player has two cards of the same value (e.g. two queens), they can split them into two separate hands and play each hand separately
5. Tips for Winning at Pontoon
There are a number of tips that can help you improve your chances of winning at Pontoon
– Remember that Aces are high – so, for example, if you have an Ace and a 6 as your first two cards, you should stand as you would not want to risk hitting again and going over 21
– Be aware of what your opponent’s score might be – if they have already hit twice and seem close to 21, it might be safer to stand rather than hit and risk going bust yourself
– Use your Judgement – sometimes it may be better to take another card even if you are close to 21, especially if the dealer is showing a low card
5. The Best Pontoon Strategy
The best way to win at Pontoon is to use a combination of luck and strategy. Try to memorize which cards have been played so that you can get an idea of what cards the dealer may have. Also, be aware of your own score as well as your opponent’s score so that you can make the best decision on whether to hit or stand. Finally, use your judgement – sometimes it is better to take a risk even if it means that you might lose the hand, because in the long run it could help you win more hands overall.
Pontoon
Pontoon FAQ
1. How do you play Pontoon?
The basic rules of Pontoon are as follows
– Each player is dealt two cards, face down
– The aim of the game is to score 21 points or more, without going over
– The player nearest 21 wins the hand
– In the event of a tie, the player with the highest value card (Aces are high) wins
– If both players have the same value card, the hand is a draw
– Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, Jacks are worth 10 points, Queens are worth 20 points and Kings are worth 40 points
– A player can either stand or hit (take another card) – they cannot hit twice in a row
– Once all players have either stood or hit, the dealer flips over their second card – if this card puts them over 21, they bust and lose the hand