Pontoon Blackjack Details Page

Software (9)

The quality of the software is very important when it comes to games that may not be that familiar to the player, because of features and other amenities that make the experience more trouble-free. In the case of Pontoon, Microgaming comes up very big, because there are, first of all, very complete help files for the player, which will invariably be needed. Also, there is Expert Mode, providing the opportunity for you to use AutoPlay, which makes the decisions for you at the virtual table. There is also a customizable blackjack strategy table used in AutoPlay, which presents a mathematically-sound blackjack strategy for this particular game.

Easy to Understand (6)

We won't lie; this is not the easiest game to understand. Most people won't catch on to the fact that the dealer receives both cards face-down and you have to make your decisions without seeing an up-card. Other problems arise in that there is no insurance, and that the terminology is largely different. This will take some getting used to, but the Help files should certainly be of great assistance.

Graphics & Sounds (9)

The graphics help you out a lot here, because it is so easy to see the cards and so easy to see the commands. At the top left of the actual game interface, you can see all the rules at a glance. There are plenty of sounds to avail yourself of, and you can turn them on or off at will, whether they be game sounds, win sounds, background sounds or advanced sounds. If you leave them on, you may find your experience to be greatly enhanced, without a lot of the hassle that you may encounter in a brick and mortar casino.

Game Speed (9)

In an unfamiliar game, you may want to go at your own pace. With Pontoon from Microgaming, you get to do just that. You can slow down the pace of the game by choosing "Slow" in the speed controls, which will reduce the intimidation factor (if in fact that exists). If you want to increase the pace, you can go to Medium, Fast or Fastest levels. So upon becoming an "expert," you can play with as much rapidity as you want.

Game Features (9)

You can use "Auto-Rebet," which puts the same bet, for the same amount, each and every time a hand is set to begin. If you want to step up the speed of the dealing procedure (above and beyond the regular speed controls), you can use "Quick Deal" to do that. You can use "Game Statistics" to get your hand results, and the strategy tables give you an idea of how to play the hands. If you want everything to happen automatically, you may want to opt for the AutoPlay option.

Fun Factor (9)

It really all depends on whether you are the adventurous type. If you are, you are going to find this an engrossing experience, because it gets you thinking, within the context of playing a version of blackjack you may have never seen before. If you are one who is content to play a conventional version of blackjack, maybe this is not for you.