Punto Banco, often referred to simply as "Baccarat" in many casinos, is a simplified variant of this well-known card game that is played in gaming clubs in Paris. It is widely appreciated for its simplicity and purely randomness, making it a favorite of beginners and experienced players alike. Unlike other casino games where strategy can influence the outcome, Punto Banco's rules are based entirely on chance, laying down fixed guidelines that dictate each action.
Are you looking to learn more about this game to get into gaming clubs and casinos? In this article, we guide you through the rules of the Punto Banco, providing all the information you need to play confidently, even if you are a complete novice!

 

What is Punto Banco?

Origins and popularity:

 

The Punto Banco has its roots in the ancient history of card games. Its origins, in fact, go back to 15th century Italy, where a primitive version of the game, called "baccarat", was played by the aristocracy. Other sources place his birth in Latin America, probably in Mexico or Argentina. This game then spread to France, where it became known as "baccarat".

Before the modern version of the Punto Banco, which we know today, appeared in Cuba at the beginning of the 20th century. Very quickly, it conquered the casinos of Las Vegas thanks to its simplicity and its fast pace, seducing both big bettors and casual players.

Punto Banco has thus become one of the most-played casino games in the world, particularly in North America and Asia. In casinos, it is often surrounded by an atmosphere of prestige, with tables reserved for big bettors... However, many variations exist for smaller budgets, especially in online casinos, in order to make the game accessible to a wider audience.

Principle of the game: a bet on a duel

 

The principle of the Punto Banco is quite simple: two hands, the "Punto" (player) and the "Banco" (banker), compete to obtain a score as close as possible to 9. Players (up to 7) simply need to predict which hand will be stronger, or whether both hands will be tied. The game does not require any particular skill, as all actions are determined by the rules of the game, not by the players' strategic choices. This makes it an ideal game for those looking for a casual gaming experience, where the result is left to pure chance.

The basic rules of Punto Banco

Game procedure

 

As we said, the course of a game of Punto Banco is fluid and fast. Here's how the voting unfolds:

• Bet Placement: Players start by placing their bets on one of three available options: Punto Banco and/or Tie. Some casinos also offer side bets, but these options are not universal.
• Dealing the cards: Once the bets have been placed, the dealer deals two cards to each hand – two for the Punto and two for the Banco. These cards are dealt face-up.
• Point calculation: Points for each hand are calculated by adding up the card values. If the total exceeds 9, only the number of units is retained (for example, a total of 15 becomes 5).
• Applying Third Card Rules: Depending on the total points, a third card may be drawn for Punto, Banco, or both. These rules are automatic and strictly defined.
• Winner determination: The hand with the closest total of 9 wins. If you bet on the correct hand or a tie and the outcome matches your bet, you win.

Card values at Punto Banco

 

Understanding the values of the cards is essential to grasp the flow of the game. Here is how the cards are evaluated in the rules of the Punto Banco:

• Cards numbered from 2 to 9 are worth their nominal value. For example, a 4 is worth 4 points.
• 10, Jacks, Queens, and Kings: All these cards are worth 0 points, as are card combinations when they exceed 9.
• Ace: Ace is worth 1 point.

These simplified values make it easier to calculate points, a central aspect of the game.

 

Points calculation

 

The calculation of points is a fundamental element of the Punto Banco. Here’s how it works:

• The score of a hand is the sum of the values of the cards that make it up. For example, a hand consisting of a 7 and an 8 totals 15. However, the tens figure is ignored, which in our case gives a final score of 5.
• The maximum score a hand can get is 9, and there is no negative score or more than 9 in the game. This rule makes the calculations very simple, even for beginners.

Thus, two 9s will achieve a score of 8 (9 + 9 = 18, minus the tens figure), and a 4 and 5 will achieve a higher score (4 + 5 = 9).

 

Types of bets

 

Under Punto Banco rules, players have a choice of three main bets:

• Player Bet (Punto): You bet that the player's hand will have a higher score than the banker's.
• Banker Bet (Banco): You bet the banker's hand will be higher.
• Tie Bet: You bet that both hands will have the same score. This bet offers high odds but is obviously riskier.

Each type of bet has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in more detail later.

 

Specific rules and additional options

Third card rules

 

The third card rule is a special feature of the Punto Banco that adds a bit of complexity to the game. It determines whether a third card is dealt to either hand after the initial deal.

Here’s how it works:

• For the player (Punto): if the total of the player's hand is between 0 and 5, a third card is drawn. If the total is 6 or 7, the player remains. If the Bank or Punto makes a score equal to 8 or 9 with the first 2 cards, no more draws will be made on the board: this is called a "knockdown".
• For the banker (Banco): The rule for the banker is more complex and depends on the score of the player's hand and the player's third card, if any. For example, if the banker has a total of 3, he will draw a third card unless the player has drawn an 8.

These rules may seem complicated at first, but they are applied automatically by the dealer or the online casino software, so players do not need to memorize them.

 

The odds and the house

 

One of the most important aspects of Punto Banco is understanding the odds associated with each type of bet and the house edge. A summary of BMPs appears below.

• Banker bet: This is the most favorable bet for players, with a house edge of about 1.06%. This means that the redistribution rate is set at 98.94%. For example, for every €1 bet on the bank, the player will receive at least 98.94 euro cents. However, a 5% commission is usually deducted from the winnings for this bet.
• Player bet: The house edge is slightly higher, at around 1.24%, but no drawdown is made on winnings.
• Tie bet: This bet offers high odds (often 8 or 9 to 1), but the house edge is considerably higher, exceeding 14%.

These odds explain why betting on the banker is often recommended to players, even though the 5% commission may seem unblocking.

 

The "Big 6" variant in Parisian gaming clubs

 

The "Big 6" variant differs from the classic Punto Banco by a single rule regarding the banker's earnings. Here, the Bank is always paid equally, that is, for every unit wagered, the player receives one winning unit. With one exception: if the banker wins with a total of 6 points, the payout is halved. Instead of an even win, the player therefore receives only half of his initial bet.

One of the important consequences of this rule is the removal of the traditional 5% commission on the Bank's earnings... However, the half-payment reduction on a 6-win for the banker restores the balance of the game.

For more details on the Big 6, check out our dedicated article..

where players can make certain decisions, such as whether to draw a third card or not, which is different from the traditional Punto Banco where all actions are automatic.

Feeling ready to get started? Before you enter a high-end club, where the fun ofthe game and respect for players is in order, follow our tips to get started!

 

Managing a budget:

 

Managing your bankroll is essential to enjoy the Punto Banco without risking large losses.A few basic rules:

• Set a budget: Before you start playing, figure out how much you're willing to lose. Never exceed this budget, even if you are tempted to keep going to recoup losses.
• Use a progressive approach: increase your bets gradually, based on your winnings. For example, start with modest bets and increase them slightly if you are on a winning streak. This helps to limit losses and maximize gains.

Understanding the role of chance

 

It is crucial to remember that the rules of Punto Banco make it a near-total game of chance. Unlike poker or blackjack, where strategy influences the outcome, Punto Banco is entirely based on luck. This means that no strategy can guarantee a win. So play keeping in mind that the outcome of each game is unpredictable, and the main goal should be to have fun.

For an entertaining and rewarding experience in the company of other players who also come to have fun, do not hesitate to come and sit around a table in one of the most prestigious clubs in Paris..