Punto Banco

Punto Banco is incredibly similar to casino favourite Baccarat, as the aim of the game in Punto Banco is to reach 9, but unlike Baccarat, both the players and bankers gameplay is dictated by certain rules. In Baccarat, the banker will continue to deal 3 cards, unless either you or the banker uncovers a 9. However, if the player has 2 cards and a hand total of 7, the banker will continue to deal, regardless of how close the player is to 9. In Punto Banco though, the gameplay is cleverly governed and it helps to know the rules.

Like Baccarat, casino goers can bet on either the player or the banker (the banker's bet still comes with a commission though, usually around 5%), there is also the option to bet on the chance the two will tie, which at casinos like Intercasino pays 8:1.

As you can see, the Punto Banco table is incredibly similar to a multi-player Baccarat table. The obvious similarities between Baccarat can often catch newcomers to the game out, who aren't sure of the rules of Punto Banco, thankfully, we have provided a quick and easy guide to all you need to know about the game.

Rules

Players

Unlike Baccarat, a player's choice in cards is governed by already established rules. Below are the player's card rules for a typical game of Punto Banco:

Having a card hand valued at 1,2,3,4 or 5 means the dealer will draw you another card (to the maximum of 3 cards). A hand valued at 6 or 7 means the banker will allow you to stand (receive no more cards) and a hand of 8 to 9 is "natural", so the player will be dealt no more cards.

Banker

The banker's next moves in a game of Punto Banco are dictated by the card value of the player's hand. If the player's allowed to stand, but the banker has cards valued between 0-5, he will hit, if his cards have a value of 6-7, he will stand. Essentially, this is all you need to know, but we have included the banker's other moves, so you know what to expect. If the player has cards value is 2-3 and the banker has a hand value of 0-4, they will hit, if the cards are at a value of 5-7, they will stand. If the player's cards are valued as 4 or 5, then the banker will draw if they have a card value of 0-5 and stand if they have cards to the value of 6-7. If the player has a 6-7, the banker will draw if they have a hand ranging from 0-6 and will stand if they have a hand to the value of 7. If the player draws an 8, the banker will draw if they have 0-2 and stands if he has 3-7. Finally, if the player draws an ace, 9 or 10 value card then the Banker will draw if he has 0-3 and stand if he has 4-7.