British Blackjack — Twist · Stick · Buy
Pontoon is the classic British card game that predates American Blackjack — descended directly from the French game Vingt-et-Un (Twenty-One) played in the 1700s. While the goal is the same — beat the dealer by reaching 21 without going bust — Pontoon adds its own unique twists that make it genuinely more exciting.
You start with 500 chips and bet 10–100 per hand. Unlike Blackjack, both dealer cards are dealt face-down — you never know what the dealer holds until the end. You can Twist (take a free card), Buy (pay extra for a card), or Stick once you have 15 or more. Land a Pontoon (Ace + face card) or a Five Card Trick (5 cards without busting) for a 2:1 payout. The game ends when you're out of chips.
Pontoon differs from American Blackjack in several key ways: both dealer cards are dealt face-down (no peeking!), the dealer wins all ties (no pushes), you must have at least 15 to Stick (stand), and the Five Card Trick — any 5 cards without busting — beats everything except Pontoon and also pays 2:1. You can also Buy (like doubling) on any number of cards, not just the first two.
A Five Card Trick is when you collect exactly five cards without going over 21. It is the second-best hand in Pontoon, beaten only by a Pontoon (Ace + 10-value card). A Five Card Trick pays 2:1 and beats the dealer even if the dealer has a higher point total — as long as the dealer doesn't have a Pontoon.
In Pontoon, the dealer winning all ties is a core rule that increases the house edge and makes the game more challenging. This is compensated by the generous 2:1 payouts on both Pontoon and Five Card Trick hands, and the ability to Buy on multiple cards. It keeps the game exciting and ensures you always need to beat the dealer, not just match them.
Last updated: April 2026