Baccarat Variants

Baccarat enjoys global acclaim due to its straightforward rules and ease of play, boasting some of the smallest House edges in the casino realm.

Despite being a game of luck, seasoned Baccarat enthusiasts often apply betting techniques to enhance the excitement and potentially boost their bankroll. The fundamental rules are consistent across all Baccarat versions, including those played online.

Known colloquially as 'Chemmy', the Chemin de Fer variation is predominantly played in Monte Carlo and across France. It's a favorite of renowned figures like James Bond.

1. Chemin de Fer

Chemin de Fer, meaning 'Railway', is Baccarat's original version, and it stands out for allowing player rotation in the role of Banker. Key aspects of Chemin de Fer include:

The casino simply officiates this game and earns a 5% commission from winning Banker bets.

• The Banker determines the maximum bet amount.
• The player betting the maximum or closest to it acts as the Player, being the only one besides the Banker to receive cards.
• Winning bets are paid out at 1:1, excluding the commission.
• Six or eight decks of cards are used
• Players cannot place bets on the Banker, and vice versa.
• Among Baccarat variations, Punto Banco, or Player/Banker, is synonymous with modern Baccarat and is accessible in casinos worldwide, including online.

2. Punto Banco

In Punto Banco, the Casino serves as the Banker, contending against a designated 'Player'. Participants have the freedom to wager on the Banker's victory, the Player's win, or a Tie. Key facets of Punto Banco include:

Punto Banco bears the hallmark of Baccarat, also recognized as North American Baccarat

• It's acclaimed as the most widespread Baccarat version.
• Punto Banco is renowned for its low house edge, one of the most favorable in casino games.
• The rules are simple and easy to learn
• Player wins are rewarded at 1:1, while Banker wins at 1:1 minus a 5% commission.
• Typically, Punto Banco is played with eight decks.
• Closely akin to Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque, alternatively known as Baccarat à Deux Tableaux, assigns a player as the Banker, generally the individual placing the biggest bet.

3. Baccarat Banque

The Banker is uniquely permitted to bet on their hand, while others must wager on the player's hand unless they propose a matching wager. The Banker retains their position until the Shoe is depleted, they can no longer fund bets, or they opt out. Key details about Baccarat Banque include:

This Baccarat variant is prevalent in Europe, particularly in France, sharing similarities with Chemin de Fer.

• Generally played with three decks of cards.
• Features three hands: two Player hands for the two tables and a Banker's hand.
• Bets can only be placed on the two Player hands.
• The Banker establishes the maximum wager and competes against two Player hands.
• Player wins are paid out at 1:1, while Banker wins at 1:1 after a 5% commission.
• Cards in Banque Baccarat are usually dealt face-down.
• As the name suggests, No Commission Baccarat dispenses with the 5% House commission on winning Banker bets. But this concession often comes with a twist. Typically, instead of a 1:1 payout, the House elects a point value, compensating only 0.5:1 when the Banker wins with that total.

4. No Commission Baccarat

For instance, if the chosen figure is six, other successful Banker bets not amounting to six will pay at 1:1. Aside from this, it mirrors Punto Banco—North American Baccarat. Key details about No Commission Baccarat include:

No Commission Baccarat strips away the bothersome 5% commission on triumphant Banker hands.

• Acting as a marketing lure, this variant features less attractive odds compared to other Baccarat types.
• No Commission Baccarat is often a variant of Punto Banco.
• It's among the favorite online Baccarat variations.
• This version generally pays 1:1 for winning wagers on both Bankers and Players.
• The casino names a specific Banker hand value, with winnings only paying 0.5:1 to balance the absence of commission income.
• Another Baccarat type that eradicates the 5% commission on winning Banker hands is EZ Baccarat, offering better odds than standard Baccarat (Punto Banco).

5. EZ Baccarat

All winning Banker hands pay 1:1, except when a three-card hand makes seven; in that instance, the Banker bet results in a push. With faster gameplay due to omission of commission calculations, EZ Baccarat is quicker than most Baccarat variations. Key points about EZ Baccarat include:

EZ Baccarat's House edge is 1.02% per hand, less than the 1.06% advantage in traditional Baccarat.

• The Player Hand House Edge (1.24%) and the Tie (14.36%) remain consistent, paying 1:1 and 8:1 respectively.
• EZ Baccarat commonly employs six or eight decks.
• This version closely mirrors the original game and tends to have simpler rules, especially regarding drawing a third card.

6. European Baccarat

In European Baccarat, if a Player achieves a five-point hand, they can opt for an additional card. After the Player's decision, the Banker may also opt for a third card regardless of their hand's total. Key points about European Baccarat include:

When a five-point hand is drawn, Players may choose to draw a third card.

• In European Baccarat, Bankers can always opt to draw a third card.
• Winning Player hands are paid at 1:1, while Banker hands win at 1:1 less a 5% commission.
• The Banker is typically bankrolled by the House in European Baccarat.
• The Banker determines the maximum bet limits.
• Often termed as Baccarat, the American variant, originating in Las Vegas from Havana, Cuba, is widely recognized as Punto Banco owing to its Spanish influence.

7. American Baccarat

Once the domain of High-Rollers in secluded rooms, American Baccarat has gained global traction as one of the most beloved Baccarat types. Key aspects of American Baccarat include:

American Baccarat is equivalent to Punto Banco.

• Renowned for its simplicity and easy grasp.
• Three primary bets exist: Banker, Player, and Tie.
• American Baccarat typically involves eight-card decks.
• The House charges a 5% commission on victorious Banker bets.
• The 2025 Baccarat Purge: Pick Your Game Wisely!

8. Baccarat Squeeze

Dive into the rich tapestry that is Baccarat. Explore numerous Baccarat flavors and determine which variant sweetens your Bankroll the most!

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• Ties lose half (50%) of the bet value
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10. Mini Baccarat

Baccarat graces us with its multitude of styles and palettes. Credited largely to Italy for its roots, though some pose a French lineage. The reigning variant today is North American Baccarat or, more commonly, Punto Banco.

Baccarat reigns as Asia's casino card game choice, infusing many versions with enticing oriental elements, especially in side bets.

• Its global magnetism stems from easy-to-follow principles and effortless play. Baccarat also boasts some of the leanest House margins out there.
• Although Baccarat is fundamentally luck-driven, adept players weave in betting systems to enhance both excitement and bankroll returns. The rudimentary guidelines remain constant across both physical and online Baccarat renditions.
• Known as 'Chemmy,' Chemin de Fer is highly favored in Monte Carlo and across France. Notably, a favorite of James Bond and other celebrity Baccarat aficionados.

Baccarat tables

Banker roles dictate ceiling bet amounts.

The player choosing to bet the maximum or nearest to it gets designated as the actual Player, becoming one of two parties to receive cards, aside from the Banker.

• Big Table Baccarat

Winning bets rake in a 1:1 payout, subtracting the courtesy commission.

Neither the Player nor Banker can place bets for one another.

Punto Banco, globally synonymous with modern Baccarat, is available across casino landscapes, moving effortlessly to virtual platforms.

• Mini Baccarat

Casinos embody the Banker role, aligning against an elected 'Player.' Bets revolve around potential wins for the Banker, Player, or the chance of a draw. Noteworthy aspects in Punto Banco:

Punto Banco stands second to none as Baccarat, aptly dubbed North American Baccarat.

• Midi Baccarat

Esteemed for its razor-thin house advantage, it rivals most casino offerings in lucrativeness.

Player victories pay out evenly at 1:1, while Banker triumphs undergo a nominal adjustment, reflecting a 5% commission.

Baccarat dazzles with its array of flavors and styles. While originating from Italy, many acknowledge its French roots, with North American Baccarat or Punto Banco being the most widely embraced variant.

Baccarat Banque, or Baccarat à Deux Tableaux, draws the closest parallels to Chemin de Fer among its peers but introduces a player as Banker via top-tier wagers. Baccarat Rules page .

Uniquely, Bankers can directly stake on their hands, while all others bet collectively on the player's hand, unless matching a stake precisely to initiate a challenge. The reigning Banker presides until the Shoe's depletion, lacks funds, or cedes willingly. Baccarat Banque aspects: page .

Predominantly rooted in Europe, notably France, and echoes distinctive Chemin de Fer attributes.

Traditionally, Baccarat Banque employs trios of card decks.

Notably, Player bets gravitate around two designated hands.

Bankers declare maximum betting thresholds and face two Player hands.

Commended wagers typically pay 1:1, adjusting Banker wins for commissions.

Example-wise, should the number be set at six, any contrasting successful Banker bets pay evenly at 1:1. Comparable to Punto Banco, this version remains aligned with North American Baccarat. Key points in No Commission Baccarat:

Dispensing with the challenging 5% commission burden elevates its appeal to players.

• Punto Banco

This serves as an enticement tactic, generally proposing less favorable odds compared to other Baccarat variants.

• EZ Baccarat

Exclusively identified with Punto Banco for its foundational characteristics.

Types of Baccarat to play if you’re a pro

Among online players, No Commission Baccarat garners a significant following.

• Dragon Tiger Baccarat

Wins from Banker and Player hands reciprocate evenly at 1:1, complemented further by the specific Banker hand limited to 0.5:1 payouts if stipulated.

• Chemin de Fer

EZ Baccarat, another variation that exempts the 5% commission on victorious Banker hands, distinguishes itself further. Unlike the No Commission Baccarat, EZ Baccarat advocates more beneficial odds.

Banker hands triumph at a full 1:1 payout. The only exception exists when a tri-card Banker attains seven, resulting in a tie or push. The removal of commission minutiae allows EZ Baccarat to play out swifter than most versions. Key EZ Baccarat attributes:

EZ Baccarat parades a minuscule House edge of 1.02%, outperforming the standard Baccarat edge of 1.06%.

• Player edge remains at 1.24%, while Tie holds at 14.36%. Wins distribute evenly at 1:1 for Players and 8:1 for Tie instances.

• Predominantly, six or eight-card decks engage EZ Baccarat rounds.

Author

Maria Louisa

Casino Content Writer

Bankers typically derive monetary support from the house.