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Pontoon is the British version of the internationally popular banking game Twenty-one, having its roots back in the French civilization.
Pontoon can be played by a higher number of persons, using a standard 52 card pack. For a large number of players, two 52 packs can be mixed together. The objective of the game is for a Player to come as close to 21 without going over, while still having a higher total than the Dealer, this event being preceded by a wager made by the Player. Once the wager is made, the Player is dealt two cards face up as well as two cards are dealt to the Dealer also. If the total value of the Player's cards is closer to 21 than the Dealer's, the Player wins the wagered amount. The Player also wins, if the Dealer exceeds 21 and the Player has not busted. If the Player's total runs over 21, the Player loses the wagered amount.
The cards hold different values: the ace is worth 1 or 11 at the holder's choice, Kings, Queens, Jacks and Tens are worth ten, and the remaining cards are worth their pip value.
In order to play the game right, one player is designated as the banker. The banker has an advantage, so the first banker is chosen at random: usually it is decided whoever cuts the highest card.
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