Overview & Rules
Baccarat (Punto Banco) is usually played with 6–8 decks. Two hands are dealt: one for Player, one for Banker. Each hand starts with two cards. Face cards and tens count as 0, other cards as their pip value. Only the last digit counts (e.g. 14 → 4). Drawing rules are fixed: depending on totals, a third card may be drawn. The hand closest to 9 wins. Players bet on which hand will win or if they will tie.
Bet Options & House Edge
| Bet | Payout | House edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 19:20 (5% commission) | ≈1.06% | Best bet in the game; low edge even with commission. |
| Player | 1:1 | ≈1.24% | No commission; slightly worse odds than Banker. |
| Tie | 8:1 | ≈14.4% | Looks attractive but carries huge house edge. |
Figures assume standard eight-deck Punto Banco. Some casinos offer 9:1 on ties, lowering house edge to ~4.8%, still much worse than Banker/Player.
Strategy & Etiquette
- Bet Banker: Statistically the strongest bet. Over time Banker loses less than Player.
- Avoid Tie: Even at 9:1, the edge is poor. Stick to Banker/Player bets.
- Bankroll management: The game is slow and simple — set session limits to avoid fatigue betting.
- Etiquette: Don’t touch chips once “no more bets” is called. In high-limit games, card squeezing may be allowed; handle carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the difference between Punto Banco and Chemin de Fer?
- Punto Banco is purely chance with fixed rules. In Chemin de Fer, players can choose whether to draw a card, adding skill.
- Why does Banker have lower edge?
- Because drawing rules slightly favor Banker hands. The 5% commission balances this advantage.
- Can Tie ever be worth it?
- Not long term. Even at 9:1 payouts, Tie remains poor value.
- Is Baccarat only for high rollers?
- No. Many casinos and online platforms offer mini-baccarat with low stakes and the same odds.