Baccarat - Punto Banco

Punto Banco is the most popular modern form of baccarat. It is also known as North American Baccarat and the game is played against the casino itself. The casino is always the bank and the punters are always the players.

The game itself is also the simplest form of baccarat and players simply need to wager on which hand will win; the players hand (Punto) or the bank's hand (Banco), or a tie. The tie bet is not recommended as it has a high house edge and does not favor the player (over 14% house edge, depending on how many decks are used).

The cards are dealt face down to the player and banker (dealer). Once dealt, the cards are turned facing up and the continuation of the game is determined on the cards themselves.

If either the banker or player have 8 or 9 then no further cards are drawn and the winning hand is evaluated. However if neither has 8 or 9 a third card can be drawn based on the following rules.

Players must draw a third card if their cards value is 0 – 5 and stand if it is 6 or 7. If the player did not draw another card then the banker will draw a third card following the same rules as the player; 0 – 5 draw or 6 & 7 stand.

If the player drew a third card then the banker must play by these rules:
Player drew 2 or 3; banker must draw if has 0 – 4.
Player drew 4 or 5; banker must draw if has 0 – 5.
Player drew 6 or 7; banker draws if has 0 – 6.
Player drew an 8; banker draws if has 0 – 2.
Player drew Ace (1), 9, 10 or face card; banker draws if has 0 – 3.

Then the total will be calculated and wins paid up accordingly. A win by the player gets even money and a win by the banker gives the banker 95% of the wager with 5% commission to the casino. In some casinos the banker will also get even money unless they win with a 6 in which case the banker will only be paid 50% the original bet (this version of baccarat is called "Super 6").