Punto Banco - The North-American Variation of Baccarat Game
Punto Banco is one of three main baccarat variations and it is also known as being North-American Baccarat, or just American baccarat, because of its popularity and appearance in this region. If to translate the name of Punto Banco in English, we'll have Player vs. Banker that is actually the main concept of the game. Kerry Packer, the Australian tycoon, is a great fan of this baccarat variation.
History
This variation of baccarat appeared in 1950's when Tommy Renzoni brought baccarat to Las Vegas from Cuba; that is why the original name of this baccarat variation - Punto Banco - has a place to be. The object and rules of the game stayed the same, and in such a way this game variation became to be American baccarat and was quickly widespread and loved by all American gamblers.
The Object
The object of Punto Banco is to bet one of only two hands - Player or Banker - by having more points, the biggest number of which is 9. A gambler can make a bet on Player, Banker or both Player and Banker (which is called Tie).
Punto Banco is played at a special baccarat table which usually stays in a separate casino room behind purple curtains: maximum 14 players can take part in a game and 3 dealers help to control the game. Actually, each gambler can play the role of a dealer and be both a Player and a Banker: Punto Banco permits every player be a banker one by one during a game.
Card Values
Punto Banco is played with six or eight decks of 52 cards and their values are determined to be the following:
2-9's = equal to their values
10's, Jacks, Queens, Kings = 0 points
Ace = 1 point
So, the maximum you can get at baccarat table is 9 points; and even if the sum of your points exceeds 9, they will be recounted in a right way. For example:
8's + 7's = 15 = 1+ 5 = 6. The final result is 6 points.
Jack + King = 0 points (baccarat).
Ace + 9's = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1. The final result is 1 point.
Player's and Banker's Rules
Two cards are dealt faced down to a player and a banker, and then results are counted, depending on which a winner is determined. If a player or a banker has 8 or 9 points (which are called to be "natural") then no more cards are dealt and a winner is automatically known. If no, the following steps can be done:
By a player:
- if the points are 0-5 - the third card is dealt
- if the points are 6-7 - a player stands
- if the points are 8-9 - it is a "natural" and a player wins
By a banker (if a player takes the third card):
If a player's third card is 2 or 3: a banker has 0-4 takes the third card
a banker has 5-7 stands
If a player's third card is 4 or 5: a banker has 0-5 takes the third card
a banker has 6-7 stands
If a player's third card is 6 or 7: a banker has 0-6 takes the third card
a banker has 7 stands
If a player's third card is 8: a banker has 0-2 takes the third card
a banker has 3-7 stands
If a player's third card is 9,10, face-card: a banker has 0-3 Ã takes the third card
a banker has 4-7 stands
Commission
Minimum bet when play Punto Banco is $25, maximum - $500.
A Player - 1,24% of advantage
A Banker - 1,06% of advantage + 5% commission for a house
A Tie - 14,4% of commission
This variation is often use for playing baccarat online: Punto Banco is considered to be American Baccarat.
This baccarat variation is believed to be the classical one: it was the first variant of the game.
It is played preferably in Europe and it is difficult to find in land-based casinos of America.