Jean Gabriel | January 4, 2023 | Updated on: January 24th, 2023
Best Pontoon Blackjack Australia
Play Pontoon for Real Money at top casino sites in Australia. Pontoon is an exciting variation of Blackjack that offers a few minor tweaks to rules. The changes are relatively minor, so the game retains the same feel as Blackjack but comes with a few exciting new twists to offer Aussie players something new.
If you’ve never tried your hand at Pontoon Blackjack, we have created this comprehensive game guide to teach you everything you need to know about Pontoon. This includes the basic rules, unique rules, hand rankings, and winning strategies and tips.
Top Australian Pontoon Casino Sites
Basic Pontoon Rules
Let’s kick things off by talking about the basic rules in Pontoon. These will look familiar to many players because they are the same as Blackjack. The goal is to build a hand valued at closer to 21 than the dealer. Exceeding 21 is an instant loss and is called a Bust. The cards are ranked the same as in Blackjack.
- 2-10: Cards have their Face Value
- Jack, Queen, King: All Values at 10
- Ace: Valued at 1 or 11
Unique Rules in Pontoon
While the basic rules of Pontoon are the same as regular Blackjack, several unique rules add an interesting twist to the game. We have a breakdown of the unique Pontoon Blackjack rule below.
- Pontoon – When players hit 21 with just two cards, it is known as Pontoon. In regular Blackjack, this is referred to as Blackjack or a Natural 21. In Pontoon, the player automatically wins and receives a 2:1 payout. Another difference between Blackjack and Pontoon is that a Natural 21 awards players a 3:2 payout.
- Five Card Trick – Another unique rule in Pontoon is known as the Five Card Trick. If a player builds a five-card hand valued at anything less than 21, the player automatically wins. There is also a special payout for landing a Five Card Trick.
- 21 with 3 or 4 Cards – If players hit exactly 21 with three or four cards, their hand beats all other hands, except Pontoon and the Five Card Trick.
- Tie Wins – In Pontoon, if the dealer and player tie, the dealer wins all tie hands.
- Twist – In Pontoon, players have the option to ‘Twist me one’. If your hand is valued at less than 21, players can receive a twist card. This means players will receive an additional card, without raising their stake. Players with 2, 3, or 4 cards have this option available to them.
- Buy a Card – If a player has less than 21, they can Buy an additional card. When buying a card, players receive an additional card and have the chance to increase their stake. As with twisting, this option is available when the player has 2, 3, or 4 cards.
- Sticking – If your hand is valued at 15 or more, players can Stick. Think of this as Standing in normal Blackjack. However, if your hand is valued at 14 or less, players will be required to Twist.
- 2:1 Payout – If a player hits Pontoon or a Five Card Trick, they will receive a 2:1 payout. All other wins receive the standard 1:1 payout.
Five Card Trick
One of the unique rules in Pontoon that we feel needs further information is the Five Card Trick. This rule makes the game completely unique from other forms of Blackjack. The Five Card Trick Rule allows players to win any five-card hand that totals 21 or less. Even if you somehow receive five 2s, and your hand totals 10, you will win. The only hand the dealer can get that will beat the Five Card Trick is Pontoon.
Because this is considered a special hand, it also receives a special payout. Just like Pontoon, players will receive a 2:1 payout for a Five Card Trick. Having a second 2:1 payout, increases the odds for players. However, if there is a tie, the house will win, which gives the house an advantage.
Buying and Twisting in Pontoon
Buying and Twisting cards are additional terms that are unique to Pontoon. Twisting is an interchangeable term with hitting. When you Twist, you receive an additional card without increasing your stake. Players can Twist when their hand is valued at less than 21 and is made up of two, three, or four cards.
Buying a card is slightly different. Players will receive an additional card and will have the chance to increase their bet. When Buying a Card, players can double or triple their stake.
Australian Pontoon
Players often think that Pontoon and Australian Pontoon are the same game. This is an incorrect statement. Australian Pontoon is an entirely different version of Blackjack and is the name used in Australia, New Zealand, and India for Spanish 21.
How to play Pontoon
Playing Pontoon is as easy as any other version of Blackjack. If you’ve never played either, we’ve got a step-by-step guide on how to play Pontoon.
- Step 1 – To begin, sign up at one of our recommended casino sites that offer Pontoon Blackjack. Once you have signed up and deposited money into your account, head over to the games section and select Pontoon.
- Step 2 – Once the game has loaded, it is time to place your initial bet. Once you have decided how much you want to wager, hit the deal button.
- Step 3 – Players will now receive two cards. The dealer will receive their first card, with the second card being dealt after the player has completed their hand.
- Step 4 – Once the player has received their cards, it is time to evaluate the strength of their hand. Determine the total value of the hand.
- Step 5 – Once you have evaluated the strength of your hand, it is time to make a decision. Players can elect to Stand (Sticking), or hit (Buying, Twisting). Remember that your hand needs to be valued at 15 or more to stand. If it is valued at 14 or less, you will be forced to receive an additional card.
- Step 6 – Once the player is finished playing their hand, the dealer will receive their second card and then play their hand.
- Step 7 – Once the dealer is finished, the game will then determine whether the player or dealer wins the hand. If the player wins, they will receive their payout, but if the dealer wins, the player will lose all the bets they placed.
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Top Pontoon Blackjack FAQs
Can I play Pontoon for Real Money in Australia?
Yes, there are many Australian Online Casinos that offer Real Money Pontoon. While we cannot guarantee that every casino site we recommend will offer Pontoon, it is popular enough to be found at many gambling sites.
How is Pontoon different from Blackjack?
Pontoon follows all the same basic rules as Blackjack. The card values and goal is the same. However, there are a number of smaller changes, such as both dealer’s cards remaining face down. Some card combinations are also valued more highly, such as the 5-Card Trick, and 3 or 4-card hands. However, if you know how to play Blackjack, then you will be able to play Pontoon.
Can I test out Pontoon for Free?
All our recommended casino sites allow players to test out games for free before risking real money. If Pontoon is available, then you will be able to test it out for free.
What is a 5-Card Trick in Pontoon?
A 5 Card Trick is one of the hands valued highly in Pontoon. Essentially, it is when a player gets to 21, or less, with five cards. This hand is only beaten by the dealer getting Pontoon (21 with two cards). This means that if your 5 Card Trick is valued at 19, and the dealer gets 20, you still win.
What do winning bets pay out in Pontoon Blackjack?
Winning bets in Pontoon largely pay out the same as regular Blackjack. A winning hand will get a 1:1 payout. However, things get different from here. If you get Pontoon, you get a 2:1 payout, instead of 3:2 for Blackjack. This 2:1 payout also applies to getting a 5 Card Trick.