A Look at Pontoon

More people who play in casinos in Las Vegas are actually not aware of what the game of Pontoon is. There is a bigger chance that you have knowledge of how to play the game but do not realize it.

If you know the rules of blackjack, then Pontoon will not be difficult to learn for you. There are some similarities between the two games but there are minor differences as well.

Just like blackjack, the aim in the game of Pontoon is to be as close to 21 as possible without exceeding. Of course, the true purpose in the game of blackjack is to have a better hand than that of the dealer's.

Pontoon is played using a couple of decks which are re-shuffled at the end of each hand. Be cautious here because the casino has the prerogative to do whatever they want and commonly they can reshuffle after a couple of hands or something more unique.

At the onset, the player and the dealer gets two initial cards. At the end of every hand, you have the option to get another card or stick to the hand that you received.

If the total of your cards is 22 or better, you lose. As soon as the players have played, the dealer takes his turn. In a few casinos, there is a different ruling when it comes to the soft 17.

In case of a push (tie), the dealer wins. That is why it is important to let the dealer stand on 17. Likewise, the dealer emerges as the victor if more than five of their cards are less than 21.

As a player, you have the chance to register a win if you receive more than five cards that are below 21 unless the dealer gets a similar total for their five cards.

In Pontoon, the value of the cards is similar to that of Blackjack. A 7 of clubs has a value of 7 points. An Ace can be worth 1 or 11. Face cards count as ten.

Here is another interesting and lucrative distinction between the two. When your initial two cards total 21, you get a "Pontoon" instead of a "Blackjack." In Blackjack, the payout is 1.5 to 1, but in Pontoon, your payout is 2-1. That's a nice adjustment in your payout.

If that is not enough, here is another interesting payout distinction between Pontoon and Blackjack. If you score a victory with less than five cards that are worth below 21, your payout is 2 to 1.

So if you like Blackjack, try Pontoon as well. Who knows you might like it even more.