Punto Banco, sometimes known as North American Baccarat, is more commonly played in countries such as Australia, Canada, Sweden and the United States, and is a version of Baccarat. However, there are some key differences to Baccarat in playing Punto Banco, and before you play Punto Banco online, it’s important to know these.
When you play Punto Banco online, you should be aware the casino on the website banks the game at all times, one of its differences in traditional Baccarat. Betting is done by the player on the Player or the Banker; both of these being the names for the two hands dealt in each game.
As you play Punto Banco online the cards are dealt face down, to the Player first before the Banker, until they initially have two cards each, which are then turned over and added together. The croupier then calls the total (For example, four to the Player, three to the Banker) and from then the “Tableau” otherwise known as a table of play, is used to determine if there needs to be more cards drawn.
Depending on the two hands of the Player or the Banker, they may draw a single card from the deck, or stick, keeping their cards. The winner is the hand with the highest total out of the two players.
As with all card games, it is not all that simple; here are a few variables in the game when playing Punto Banco online:
The Player has to draw a single card if his initial total is 0-5. If he has an initial total of 6 or 7, he stands.
The play of the Banker depends on his hand, whether the Player drew a card and which card that was, for example:
– If Player did not draw a card then the Banker will draw if he has cards amounting to 0-5, and will stand if he has 6-7.
– If Player drew a 2 or 3, then the Banker will draw if he has 0-4, standing if he has 5-7.
– If Player drew a 4 or 5, then the Banker will draw if he has 0-5, standing if he has 6-7.
– If Player drew a 6 or 7, then the Banker will draw if he has 0-6, standing if he has 7.
– If Player drew an 8, then the Banker will draw if he has 0-2, standing if he has 3 -7.
– Finally, if the Player draws an ace, 9, 10 or a face-card, the banker will draw if he has 0-3 and stand if he has 4-7.
The cards are dealt by the online croupier according to the tableau, announcing the winning hand to either Player or Banker. Winning and losing bests are paid according to the rules of the particular casino where you play Punto Banco online, and can vary, so be sure to check before playing.
If both the Players and the Bankers hands have the same value at the end of the deal then it is announced “Egalite – tie bets win” meaning all tie bets being paid at 8 to one odds and all bets on the Player or Banker, remain active and in place for the next game (depending on the online casino, the customer may or may not be able to retract these bets).
Punto Banco is well known for its simplicity, as well as its fame as popular among the wealthy, with high stakes often the norm! Whatever you do, when you play Punto Banco online, pick a casino site you feel comfortable with, and have fun.
