How to Play Pontoon Blackjack

Pontoon blackjack is a British card game that is very similar in play to American blackjack. It offers some unique rules for those who are looking for something a little different. One different rule is that you can see one card before you make a bet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deck of cards

Play Pontoon Blackjack

1. Choose who will be the banker. The banker has an advantage over the other players, so the job should rotate evenly between everyone playing. The first banker is usually chosen by drawing cards and seeing who has the highest card.

2. Have the banker deal one card face down to each player. The banker should also deal one card to herself. Each player may look at his card, but the banker can not see his own card.

3. Choose how much to bet based on the one card that you have. Each player can make a bet, but the banker will not bet.

4. Receive one more card. At this point, every player should receive one card, including one to the banker, after the bets have been made. The card should be dealt face down. Each player, except for the banker, may look at the second card.

5. Decide how to play. Each player, except for the banker, must decide whether to ask for additional cards or to stand. One option for adding cards is by calling out "I'll buy one." The player must then add a bet that is equal to or up to double in size of the original bet. The banker will then give the player one card. The player can continue to buy more cards until satisfied with their score. The other option is to call out "Twist me one." With this option you do not have to bet to receive additional cards.

6. Have the banker reveal her cards once all other players are done playing. The banker will then play like normal, deciding whether to stand or take additional cards. The banker wins in case of a tie.

Tips & Warnings

• You score a pontoon when you are dealt a hand worth 21 points. You receive double your wager when you have a pontoon. For example, if you bet $5, you would win your $5 back, and then receive $10 as a reward for having the pontoon.
• Once all players, including the banker, have finished playing the hand, the cards are added to the bottom of the deck without re-shuffling, unless someone had a pontoon. In that case, the cards would be shuffled.