Baccarat Rules

Baccarat comes in various flavors, so we have split the Baccarat Rules based on their game type below.

Punto Banco

For a game of Punto Banco there can be up to 14 players at the table, with each placing a wager on either the ‘punto’ (player) or ‘banco’ (banker).  It is, however, customary for the bank to place a wager on the banco hand.

Punto Banco can use up to eight decks and every player is required to deal out the cards, unless they choose to pass the deal to the next player (known as passing the “shoe”). The deal remains with the same player until the punto hand wins. The majority of casinos will only take a 5% commission for bets on the banco, as is a game that uses eight decks of cards, the banco will, on average, win 3 to 4 more deals than the punto.

The game begins with every player, including the banker, being dealt to cards. Each card is given a numerical value: Aces are worth ‘1′; number cards from 2 to 9 are taken at face value, while the 10, Jack, Queen and King are all worth ‘0′.

The value of the cards is added so that it can only ever equal a single digit. For example, if two cards add up to 11, the 10 is dropped from the total number leaving a value of ‘1′. If a player receives a four and six (equaling 10) they will have a hand that is worth ‘0′. This hand is known as a ‘Baccarat’, making this the only card game named after the worst outcome.

Wagers are placed on the hand that the players believe will have the highest total, but it is also possible to call a ‘tie’ and place a wager on the punto and banco hands having the same value (this does has a much higher house advantage of 14.12%, compared to 1.17% for the banco and 1.36% for the punto.)

After the first hand has been dealt there is also the option of receiving a third card , but this depends on rules that differ for the player and banker: if either have a  hand worth ‘8′ or ‘9′ (known as a ‘natural’) they will have to stick with the cards they have been given.

If the player does not receive a third card the banker is obliged to stand when their hand is worth 6 or more. But when a player does this take a third card there are number of different rules that the banker must observe:

• If the banker’s hand is worth less than 2, a third card is drawn, regardless of the value of the player’s third card
• If the banker’’s hand is 3, a third card is drawn, unless the player received an 8
• When the banker has 4, a third card is drawn, unless the players hasn’t made a 0,1, 8, or 9
• For a bank total of 5, a third card is drawn provided the player has made a 4,5,6 or 7
• If the banker has 6, they will receive a third card only when the player has drawn a 6 or 7.
• If the banker’s hand is worth 7, they will have to stand.

Once you know the rules for Punto Banco it can be very easy game to follow – the more strategic versions of Baccarat, however, will require plenty of practice before you start playing for real money.

Chemin de Fer

Chemin de Fer is played with up to 12 participants, with one assigned as the banker – the main difference between this game and Punto Banco. The casino actually has no involvement in the game’s proceedings, although traditionally a croupier deals the cards and ensures that the rules are being followed. However, casinos will take a rake or commission from winning bank hands – usually 5%.

Each player at the table also fills the role as banker, where they will be in charge for the banks wins and losses. Once the bank loses, the duties pass on to the next player. Another aspect of Chemin de Fer that differs from Punto Banco is the three-card rule, which gives the bank and the player the choice of whether or not they can receive a third card.

Baccarat Banque

Baccarat Banque can be played with two to four decks and usually follows the same format as Chemin de Fer, except the person acting as banker must remain in charge of the bank until all decks in the game have been used, all the banks money is lost or if they retire early from the game. What player takes charge of the bank is decided upon before the game begins – normally the first person to arrive at the table, provided they can put the most money down.  Also worth noting is that in Baccarat Banque players are unable to pass the shoe.

Mini Baccarat

Mini Baccarat is essentially a smaller version of Punto Banco, being played at a smaller table and a dealer only assigned for the duration of the game. This version also comes with lower minimum and maximum wagers and is an ideal option for anyone who likes a fast pace to their gaming.

Although Punto Banco is the easiest version of Baccarat to play, it is also the one that comes with the best winning odds, so it will be highly recommended sticking to these tables when playing online. The other versions of Baccarat will be widely available, but will require far more patience and concentration.