Pontoon - Real Time Gamingby RealTime Gaming

Pontoon is thought to be one of the first versions of Blackjack played centuries ago. It’s tough to find a live casino that offers this form of Blackjack; but, many online casinos now offer Pontoon on a regular basis.

Real Time Gaming is one of those software companies that provides Pontoon to casinos for their players to enjoy. It’s important to note that not all software providers will have the same rules for the same game.

In this review of Pontoon, we will be talking specifically about Real Time Gaming’s version of Pontoon.

Pontoon Rules

Pontoon uses eight decks of 52 cards. All decks used will be the standard version where all cards have the same values found in traditional Blackjack.

The one exception to this rule is at Bodog. Bodog only uses 2 decks.

The game starts with each player being dealt two cards face up. The dealer’s cards are dealt face down. This is one of the major differences in Pontoon. The dealer will peek at his/her cards and check for Pontoon (21). If the dealer has Pontoon, the game is over and all players lose their bet.

A Pontoon hand is defined as any Ace and a card with the value of 10.

During game play, players can hit at any point total. But, they can only stand on a total of 15 or higher. You may also stand if your hand contains 5 cards regardless of total.

Players can double once at any point in the hand on any total so long as you have 4 cards or less. After doubling, players may hit and take on more cards.

Dealer Rules

The dealer must follow a strict set of rules. If they do not have a Pontoon, they must hit until they are bust, have a total of 17 or higher. Dealer must hit on all soft 17’s. This is a 17 containing an Ace. The dealer must also stand on any hand containing 5 cards regardless of total.

Splitting

Players can split on any 2 cards of equal value. You can re-split once, giving you a maximum of 3 hands. A bet of similar value to your original bet must be placed for each split. Players are dealt one card automatically on each split hand.

Doubling is allowed once on any value hand after splitting.

Aces may be split and doubling on split Aces is allowed.

How to Win in Pontoon

The goal is to get 21 or as close to it without going over while beating the dealer’s hand. This is similar to traditional Blackjack. But, there are other ways to win that will only happen with this version.

Any Pontoon which is an Ace and a card of 10 value wins and pays 2-1. This is basically the same exact rule as getting Blackjack, just a different name.

You may also win by making a hand containing 5 cards. So long as the 5 card total does not exceed 21, you win the hand regardless of dealer’s total. This is called a 5 card trick and pays 2-1.

All other wins follow normal Blackjack rules. If you have 17 and the dealer busts, you win. If you have 19 and the dealer has 17, you win. You get the point.

Now, the other major rule change in Pontoon is that the dealer wins on all ties. In traditional Blackjack, a tie is considered a push and you get your bet back.

Final Thoughts on Pontoon – House Edge

Pontoon is a great game to play with its unique variations on the game. The house edge is low at just 0.38% making it one of the better bets in any casino. Just remember to understand the rule variations so that you don’t make a mistake.

In the Real Time Gaming version of Pontoon, rules are just a click away if you should ever forget.