Blackjack and pontoon are identical casino games. However, they have their differences. It doesn't matter if you play at a physical or an online casino. Gamblers often ask about the differences between these two games. Additionally, players also ask about their origins. Well, if you seek to get some answers, you are in the right place.
What rules do they share?
In terms of the playing rules, these two games are alike. For instance, when beginning to play, the cards face down. So a player doesn't know what the dealer has until you play. This is one rule that makes players think pontoon is a blackjack variant. Truthfully, this is not the case. Pontoon is popular in states like:
- The UK
- Asian countries
Additionally, when playing pontoon, one has to get a hand of 21. However, gamblers can still win if they get close to 21. The same case applies when playing blackjack. In case you exceed 21, you lose in both games. In addition, card ranking is similar. For instance, Aces rankings are 1 or 11.
The Difference in Terminologies
In case you get a chance to play both games, you will quickly notice the difference. First of all, the terminologies are different. For example, a hit is when you ask a dealer for an extra card while playing blackjack. However, in pontoon, it's called a twist. This is one of the significant variances between the two games.
Secondly, when you don't want an extra card, it's called a stand when playing blackjack. In a similar situation, pontoon players stick. On the other hand, a pontoon player can hit after doubling down. Blackjack players don't have this advantage. In pontoon, buy is the term used for doubling down. Lastly, pontoon payouts are relatively higher than blackjack.
Difference in the House Advantage
Secondly, the other difference comes into place when players tie. As per the rules, a tie in a blackjack game is called a push. This means the casino will return a player's bet. In other words, the player does not lose their bets in case a draw occurs. Again, this is an advantage to the gambler.
On the contrary, a tie in a pontoon game favors the casino. This means that the player loses their bets. For example, a gambler can score 21 but will still fail if the house matches the same. So in a pontoon game, the house has the upper hand against the player. It's called the house advantage
Difference on the Five-card Trick
The five-card trick is an additional feature that pontoon players enjoy. As such, players only need to have five cards. The cards ranking can be 21 or less for one to win. In addition, odds pay 2 to 1 in a five-card trick. There are other benefits of playing the five-card trick that include:
- Fewer chances of loosing
- Better payouts
On the other hand, the five-card trick does not exist when playing blackjack. In other words, players have to collect cards totaling 21 or close to win the game. Blackjack players also have to beat the dealer. Achieving the five-card trick is a great challenge. However, the scheme gives the players an extra advantage.
The Additional Mystery
Pontoon has its apparent advantages. Well, here is one disadvantage. When playing blackjack, players have the advantage to see the dealer's cards, even if it's one. Thereby, players can make definitive decisions in terms of calling a stand or a hit. By so doing, the player can have a greater chance of winning.
In contrast, pontoon players do not enjoy such a privilege. The dealer's cards are always facing down. This feature adds a sense of mystery, thereby making it hard for players to form strategies. All in all, the two games are considerably easy to play. Players should harness their playing skills to increase their chances of winning.