Pontoon Basics for Beginners
Craig Jones 
Scott Mcglynn
Pontoon Basics for Beginners
Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular and widely played casino games, rivaling pokers and roulette both on and offline. Few games have as many global variations as blackjack, however, which has emerged from its distinctly European roots to appeal to a diverse, international audience. In terms of popular and well-known variations, the British version ‘Pontoon’ ranks at the top of the list. Although this is largely similar to the traditional European format of the game, there are one or two subtle variations that require careful consideration at all times.
How does it differ from the Original Game Format?
Now available online with the William Hill Casino, Pontoon has retained much of the classic appeal and gameplay features that make blackjack so popular. Two cards are dealt to each player, for example, with the dealer drawing himself one visible and one face-down card. The game then progresses as normal, as payers look to beat their rival players and the dealer by either achieving ‘Pontoon’ or building a hand that is as close as possible to 21 without ultimately exceeding this number.
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So what are the core differences that distinguish Pontoon from other, more globally renowned blackjack variations? Firstly, the ace has a flexible value to players as it can represent one or eleven depending on the individual needs of each competitor. This also ties in to the second and most significant rule variation, as Pontoon is one of the few blackjack formats where a hand exists that can beat 21. If you are able to build a hand of five cards or more that is equal to or less then 21, you will carry the day and win even if the dealer is holding a blackjack (or Pontoon).
Pontoon or Blackjack?
Ultimately, the differences between Pontoon and traditional blackjack are too minimal to have a huge impact on the overall gaming experience. If you were to try and categorise one as being better than the other, however, you would most probably prefer Pontoon as it offers you a lightly enhanced opportunity to win. Given the flexibility of the ace in this format and the fact that there are two potentially winning hands that can help you to achieve success, you can arguably make your money go further and gamble more aggressively in the pursuit of winnings.
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