Pontoon Odds Calculator
Calculate odds, house edge, and expected returns for Pontoon (British Blackjack). Understand rule variations and their impact on your odds.
Formula:
House Edge = 1 - Expected ReturnHouse Edge
0.38%
Expected Return
99.62%
Pontoon Probability
4.83%
Pays 2:1
Five Card Trick
4.5%
Pays 2:1
Dealer hits soft 17, pontoon pays 2:1
Rule Variations Comparison
| Rule Set | House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK Standard (8 decks) | 0.38% | Dealer hits soft 17, pontoon pays 2:1 |
| UK Liberal Rules | 0.17% | Better doubling rules, dealer stands S17 |
| Australian Pontoon | 0.39% | Similar to Spanish 21, different payouts |
| Casino Tight Rules | 0.62% | Restricted doubling, dealer wins ties |
Key Differences from Standard Blackjack
1
Must Hit on 14 or less
Cannot stand on stiff hands - more busts
2
Dealer Wins Ties
Ties go to house, not push
3
Pontoon Pays 2:1
Natural 21 pays better than standard BJ
4
Five Card Trick Pays 2:1
Incentive to draw more cards
5
Can Double on 2-4 Cards
More doubling opportunities
6
Dealer Cards Face Down
No visible up card to base strategy on
Pontoon Payouts
2:1
Pontoon
Natural 21
2:1
Five Card Trick
5 cards ≤21
1:1
Regular Win
Beat dealer
Lose
Tie
Dealer wins ties
Key Facts
- •Pontoon (natural 21) pays 2:1 instead of 3:2
- •Five Card Trick pays 2:1 and beats regular 21
- •Dealer wins ALL ties (no pushes)
- •Must hit on 14 or less (cannot stand)
- •Both dealer cards are face down
- •Can double down on 2, 3, or 4 cards
- •House edge: 0.17% - 0.62% depending on rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pontoon and how does it differ from Blackjack?
Pontoon is the British version of Blackjack with key differences: dealer wins all ties, you must hit on 14 or less, both dealer cards are face down, and Five Card Trick (5 cards under 21) beats regular 21. Pontoon (natural 21) pays 2:1.
What is a Five Card Trick?
A Five Card Trick is when you draw 5 cards without busting (going over 21). It pays 2:1 and beats any regular hand except a Pontoon. This rule encourages aggressive play when you have 4 cards.
Why does the dealer win ties in Pontoon?
The dealer-wins-ties rule is a significant house edge contributor in Pontoon. It means you need to beat the dealer outright - no pushes. This is partially offset by the 2:1 payouts for Pontoon and Five Card Trick.
Is Pontoon better or worse than Blackjack?
With optimal strategy and good rules, Pontoon house edge can be as low as 0.17-0.38%, comparable to good blackjack games. However, the strategy is more complex due to no visible dealer card and different playing rules.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
House Edge
0.38%
Expected Return
99.62%
Pontoon Probability
4.83%
Pays 2:1
Five Card Trick
4.5%
Pays 2:1