Thursday, 25 September 2008 02:45

So you want to play Baccarat. This popular game is also called Punto Banco (one of three variants) and is a casino card game that is usually played via a craps-sized table. Similar to Faro or Basset, Baccarat involves 12-14 players. Those who choose to play Baccarat in an online casino find virtual dealers that deal the cards. 3 dealers make for an interactive experience for online Baccarat.

Bets:
1. Banco (banker)
2. Punto (player)
3. Stand-off
Playing Online Baccarat

Players can bet on either Punto or Banco or, at times, Stand-off. The dealer gives out two cards each, first to the player and then to the banker. A third card may be dealt. Dealer customarily bets on Banco. Players may pass the Shoe to the next player, deciding not to deal. The Shoe stays with the player if the bank wins. When Punto wins the Shoe passes to the next player.

Hands:
• Minimum of 2, maximum of 3 cards
• 2 cards are placed face-down under the Shoe
• The player with the largest bet on Punto is given 2 cards, face-down
• Punto player looks at cards, gives them to the person who dealt them
• This player turns the cards over
• A casino dealer announces the results and the winner

When there is a total of 8 or 9 in either hand, this is called a Natural. No more cards are dealt. When it’s not a Natural, the dealer may instruct that a third card be dealt.

Game objective

Whether you are playing in a casino or enjoying online Baccarat, the objective of the game is to guess and bet on the hand that has the highest total value. The hand with the highest count wins!