Have you ever wondered why the card game Pontoon is called by that name? If you???re a fan of this popular game, you might be interested to know its history and the reason behind its name.
The Origins of Pontoon
Pontoon is a card game that is similar to Blackjack. It originated in Europe, and was first played in France in the 18th century. The game was known as ???Vingt-et-Un???, which means ???twenty-one??? in French. It was a popular game among French nobility and was also played in other parts of Europe.
As the game spread across Europe, it underwent several changes and variations. The British version of the game was called ???Pontoon???. This version of the game was played with different rules and had its own unique terminology.
The Rules of Pontoon
Pontoon is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The objective of the game is to get a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer???s hand, without going over 21. The game can be played with anywhere from two to eight players.
One of the main differences between Pontoon and Blackjack is that the dealer???s cards are both dealt face down. In Blackjack, the dealer???s first card is dealt face up.
Another difference is that in Pontoon, a hand of five cards that totals 21 or less is considered the second-highest hand in the game. This is known as a ???Five Card Trick???.
Why is it Called Pontoon?
The reason why the British version of the game is called ???Pontoon??? is not entirely clear. There are a few theories about how the name originated.
One theory is that the name comes from the French word ???ponton???, which means ???pontoon??? or ???floating bridge???. This theory suggests that the name was chosen because the game was played on floating barges on the River Thames in London.
Another theory suggests that the name comes from the fact that the game was played in the officers??? mess on British naval ships. In this theory, the name ???Pontoon??? is derived from the French word ???ponton???, which refers to a temporary bridge used to board ships.
In Conclusion
Although the origin of the name of the game is uncertain, Pontoon has become a popular card game in many countries around the world. Whether you play the British or the French version of the game, it is a game that requires strategy, luck, and a bit of skill.
