We asked the same question for many months but never took the time to learn about the game. We finally dedicated some time to research the rules and strategy of Pontoon and we are very glad we did. We have been playing Pontoon for the last few weeks and really enjoy the game and think you may as well.

Pontoon is similar to European Blackjack in that the dealer only deals himself one card up to start. The players is dealt both cards up but not until the player finishes their hand does the dealer draw his second card. This is advantageous to the player because if the player gets blackjack or draws to 21 he is paid immediately regardless of the dealer’s next card is.

Pontoon is also similar to Spanish 21 blackjack with a few more differences. One notable difference is the house edge for Pontoon is actually lower than Spanish 21 and traditional blackjack! Just as in Spanish 21 all the ten’s are removed from the deck making it little more difficult for the player and dealer to get blackjack but if the player does get a blackjack it always wins. Also if you draw to 21 it always wins and in some cases you even receive odds.

Draw to 21 with your cards being 678 or 777 and receive 3-2 odds. If your cards are all the same suit you get 2-1 odds and if they are all spades you get 3-1 odds.

Another great rule is when you draw 5 cards without busting (going over 21) you also automatically win. This is called a “5 card trick”. Because doubling down is also always available regardless of how many cards you have, if you have an 11 or less with four cards always double as you win automatically.

Pontoon is a fun game once you get the hang of it. For more details see our full Pontoon explanation and see the USA online blackjack sites that offer pontoon. Currently there are only two casinos that do offer pontoon and they are the BetOnline Casino and the WinPalace Casoino. Both are great USA casinos and do a good job getting USA credit cards approved. Be sure to use our link in our BetOnline review or the WinPalace review to claim the best bonus available.

You have probably seen the blackjack variation “Super 21” being offered in many online casinos. If you are not familiar with the game learn how to play Super 21. It is a fun variation of Blackjack and if played well can be extremely profitable.

Super 21 starts just like normal Blackjack with the dealer and player being dealt 2 cards. The dealer has 1 card dealt down and the players cards are both up. The goal in Super 21 is just like regular blackjack where you want to come as close to 21 as possible without going over and also beat the dealers hand. In Super 21 there are some differences to note and also some bonuses that the player can receive. The only down side to Super 21 is that blackjack pays even money instead of 3-2 but the Super 21 bonuses make up for that.

In Super 21 the main differences are that you can double down at any time. Have 3, 4 or even 5 cards in front of you and doubling is allowed. How many times have you doubled on 9 and got a 2? In Super 21 you can double on your third card. You can also split any hand up to 4 times in Super 21. This is where the doubling on any number of cards comes in handy. Sometimes normal Blackjack Strategy will say not to split 4’s and 6’s, but in Super 21 you should. This is because you may have the chance to double after receiving your third card. Split 4’s and get a 3 for example. You hit the 7 and receive a 4. Whoo hoo! In super 21 you can now double on that 11!

In Blackjack the majority of your winnings comes from doubling and splitting and Super 21 gives you the chance to do both more often.

Other bonuses in Super 21 include: Hit to 21 with 5 or more cards your winnings are doubled. Also if you hit and have 6 cards in front of you without busting you automatically win regardless of what the dealer has. Also in Super 21 if the player gets Blackjack it is always a winner. Even if the dealer has Blackjack the player still gets paid.

Super 21 is a fun variation of regular blackjack and can be very profitable. For more information on this game see our Super 21 page and also find USA online blackjack casinos that offer Super 21.