Blackjack vs Pontoon: Are These Casino Card Games the Same?

At first glance, blackjack and pontoon may look very similar. Both centre on trying to reach 21, both use standard playing cards, and both pit you against a dealer. But the details matter. Small rule changes can affect how each hand plays out, how the potential payouts work, and even how ties are settled. 

This guide walks you through some key rules, highlights where the two games overlap, and explains how they differ. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what sets blackjack and pontoon apart, so you can recognise which one you are playing and how it works.

What Is the Difference Between Blackjack and Pontoon?

Blackjack and pontoon share the same goal of getting as close to 21 as possible without going over, but the way the games are structured makes them different.

In a typical UK blackjack game, you and the dealer each receive two cards. Only one of the dealer’s cards is visible. You can then decide whether to draw another card (called a “hit”), stay with your total (“stand”), split a pair into two separate hands, or double your stake for one final card (“double down”). The dealer follows fixed rules, usually standing on totals of 17 or more. A two-card 21, called a blackjack, generally pays 3:2, although some tables pay 6:5.

Pontoon looks similar, but changes several things: both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face down, the terms are different (“twist” instead of hit, “stick” instead of stand, “buy” instead of doubling down), and special hands are recognised. A two-card 21 is called a pontoon and beats all other 21s. Many versions also reward a five-card hand totalling 21 or less, known as a five-card trick. These adjustments give pontoon its own rhythm and slightly different probabilities.

How Are the Rules of Pontoon Played?

Pontoon is played with a standard 52-card deck against the dealer. Both the dealer’s cards are hidden until the end of the round.

The basics:

• A two-card 21 is a pontoon, which pays 2:1 in most UK games.
   
• A five-card trick (five cards totalling 21 or less) also pays 2:1 and usually outranks other non-pontoon hands.
   
• Players must twist on totals of 14 or less.
   
• If you are dealt a pair, you can split it into two separate hands.
   
• You can also “buy” a card, which means adding an extra stake to take exactly one more. Buying is often allowed on hands of two, three or four cards.

In most versions, ties go to the dealer rather than ending in a push. This gives the house a stronger statistical edge compared with blackjack, where ties usually return your stake.

Key Blackjack Rules Every Player Should Know

Blackjack in UK casinos follows widely recognised rules. Each round begins with two cards for you and two for the dealer, one face up and one face down. Number cards count at face value, Kings, Queens and Jacks as 10, and Aces as either 1 or 11.

Common player options include:

• Hit – take another card.
   
• Stand – keep your total.
   
• Split – if dealt a pair, separate into two hands.
   
• Double down – double your stake for one additional card.

If you exceed 21, the hand is lost. A two-card 21 pays 3:2 in most casinos, though some now pay 6:5. Tables may also differ on details such as whether the dealer hits on a “soft 17” (Ace plus other cards totalling 6) or whether doubling is allowed after splitting.

Because outcomes depend on chance and the dealer’s fixed rules, no strategy can guarantee a win. Understanding the table’s rules, however, can help you make informed choices.

Blackjack and Pontoon Similarities Explained

Despite their differences, both games share the same foundation:

• Each uses a standard 52-card deck.
   
• Both are played against a dealer.
   
• Card values are identical.
   
• The aim is to reach 21, or come closer than the dealer without going over.

You’ll also find that in both games you can increase your original stake in certain situations. In blackjack this happens through doubling down, while in pontoon it comes through buying. This overlap means that if you’ve learnt one game, the other may feel more familiar.

Which Game Has Better Payouts?

There isn’t a single answer, as potential payouts can vary depending on the rules in place.

• Blackjack: A natural two-card 21 generally pays 3:2. On a £10 stake, that means £15 profit. However, some tables pay 6:5, reducing the payout to £12 profit.
• Pontoon: A pontoon pays 2:1, so a £10 stake wins £20. A five-card trick also pays 2:1 in most UK versions.

Another key factor is how ties are handled. In blackjack, a tie is usually a push, so you get your stake back. In pontoon, the dealer often wins ties outright. This difference alone increases the house edge in pontoon compared with blackjack.

The number of decks, whether the dealer hits on soft 17, and whether buying or doubling is allowed after splitting also change the probabilities. 

For example, UK blackjack with six decks and standard rules can have a house edge of around 0.5%, while pontoon can edge higher because of the dealer-wins-ties rule.

Blackjack and Pontoon Table Layouts Compared

The tables for both games look similar at first glance: a semi-circle for players with the dealer standing at the straight edge, betting spaces marked on the felt, and chips stacked in a tray.

On blackjack tables, you will often see the main rules printed directly on the felt – for example “Blackjack pays 3 to 2” or “Dealer stands on 17”. Betting boxes are normally rectangular or circular outlines.

Pontoon tables sometimes emphasise different information, such as the possible payouts for a pontoon or five-card trick. The dealer’s area is often highlighted to show that both dealer cards remain face down until the reveal. Online, these differences appear as on-screen labels or help menus, making it clear which version you’re playing.

Is Blackjack or Pontoon More Popular in the UK?

Blackjack is more widely available across both land-based and online casinos in the UK. You’ll usually find several versions offered at different stakes, including live dealer games.

Pontoon has a strong history in Britain, but appears less often today. It still has a loyal audience, particularly among players who enjoy its distinct features, such as the hidden dealer hand, mandatory twists on low totals, and the five-card trick.

Both blackjack and pontoon are games that involve an element of chance, so the outcome of each hand cannot be predicted or influenced. There’s no strategy that ensures consistent returns. If you choose to play, it’s a good idea to set a budget in advance, take breaks, and make use of tools, such as deposit limits or time-outs available on UK-licensed sites. Gambling should only ever be for entertainment, not as a way to make money. Please play responsibly.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}