A comparative investigation has been developed in conjunction with high-speed cameras and piezoelectric gauge to gain deep insight into the propagation behavior of premixed syngas-air flames. Experiments were carried out in two constant rectangular ducts, one closed duct (C-D) and one half-open duct (HO-D). One important finding is that the flame behavior in the C-D is different than that in the HO-D. The repeatable distorted tulip flame forms in the C-D while an unrepeatable distorted tulip shape forms in the HO-D. The repeated pressure-flame interactions result in a repetitive process of the tulip distortion. The downstream opening end of the duct has a significant influence on the flame propagation characteristics after the flame surface reaches the lateral walls. The opening end results in a higher maximum flame tip velocity, a lower overpressure and a longer plane formation time in the HO-D. Meanwhile, the position of the plane flame formation decreases as hydrogen fraction increases in the C-D while the opposite is true in the HO-D. Furthermore, the pressure build-up in both ducts are examined, and the maximum flame tip velocity is of importance for distorted tulip flame formation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.