Punto banco, or "North American Baccarat" is a version of the traditional baraccat game, which itself is believed to have originated in France. True to its origin, even the American baccarat game uses many French terms and phrases to define game play.

How to Play

Baccarat begins with both the player and banker having two cards. If the sum of either set of cards is an eight or nine, it is an immediate win. If not, play will proceed along a complex set of rules. Both the card in the player's hand and the card in the banker's hand determine the next move and whether it will be a stand or draw. The croupier draws cards accordingly throughout game play and announces the win at the conclusion of each hand.

Winnings

If the player wins a round, the typical winnings in most games of American baccarat are 1-1. When the banker wins a hand, winnings are 95% to the banker and 5% to the house. In some instances, even money is played to both the player and banker for wins. The exception is when the banker wins with a 6, in which case winnings are only 50% of the bet.

Ties

A tie where the banker's and player's hands are the same is announced with "Egalite." Bets that are tied are paid at 8 to 1 or 9 to 1 odds. The bets of both the banker and player stand and are not touched by the croupier.

Baccarat is a complicated game that may take time for beginners to master. It has stood the test of time however, and offers a different sort of game to bring to the casino.