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Download on Google Play- Shuffle 6 decks together.
- Players place bets on Player, Banker, or Tie.
- Deal two cards to each hand.
- Bets are locked before the deal.
- Cards are revealed and totaled.
- Third-card drawing rules are applied automatically.
- Player and Banker bets pay 1:1 (Banker minus 5% commission).
- Tie bets pay 8:1.
Rules
Punto Banco is the most widely played version of Baccarat, found in casinos worldwide. Players bet on whether the Player (Punto) or Banker (Banco) hand will win, or if the round will end in a tie.
Objective
Bet on which hand, Player or Banker, will have a total closest to 9, or bet on a tie.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 14 players.
- Deck: 6 standard 52-card decks shuffled together (312 cards total).
- Deal: The dealer deals two cards each to the Player hand and the Banker hand, face up.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Before any cards are dealt, each player places a bet on Punto (Player), Banco (Banker), or Tie.
- Step 2: Two cards are dealt face up to both the Player and Banker positions.
- Step 3: Card values are totaled: Aces count as 1, cards 2 through 9 are face value, and 10s and face cards count as 0. Only the last digit of the total matters.
- Step 4: A third card may be drawn for either hand according to fixed drawing rules. The hand closest to 9 wins.
Scoring
- Player bet pays 1:1.
- Banker bet pays 1:1 minus a 5% commission.
- Tie bet typically pays 8:1.
Variations
- Mini Baccarat: A smaller table version with lower stakes and faster play.
- Chemin de Fer: Players take turns as the Banker and can make decisions on drawing.
Tips and Strategies
- The Banker bet has the lowest house edge, so it is statistically the best wager.
- Avoid the Tie bet as it carries a significantly higher house edge.
- Track results if you like, but each hand is independent and past outcomes do not affect future ones.
Tips & Strategy
Stick to the Banker bet for the best odds. Avoid the Tie bet due to its high house edge.
Since all decisions are automatic, strategy is limited to bet selection. The Banker bet offers the best expected return.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Punto Banco is the version of Baccarat famously associated with James Bond films.
What commission is typically charged on winning Banker bets in Punto Banco?
History & Culture
Punto Banco emerged in Argentina in the 1950s and quickly spread to casinos in the United States and around the world.
Baccarat is the highest-grossing table game in Macau and many Asian casinos. It has a long association with high-roller culture worldwide.
Variations & House Rules
Mini Baccarat uses the same rules at a smaller, faster table. Chemin de Fer gives players more agency over drawing decisions.
Play with fewer decks for a faster home game. Use chips or tokens to simulate casino-style betting.
