Live Baccarat Rules

While there are many different versions of the game of Baccarat, the most popular one is called Punto Banco, which literally means 'Player Banker'.

Mini Baccarat

In a casino, Baccarat is typically played at a large round table with several players around it, and more than one dealer. However, this version is somewhat ill suited to the live casino format, which is why most live baccarat casinos prefer to use a cut down version of the game called mini baccarat, which only requires one dealer, and can be played at a small card table, similar in size to that used in the game of blackjack.

In this version of the game, the dealer draws two hands from a single shoe of cards, typically containing six packs of cards shuffled together, according to predetermined drawing rules. These hands are referred to a 'Punto' (player) and 'Banco' (banker), although in reality both of these hands belong to the dealer, and the player has no influence over how the cards are drawn, and can only bet on one hand or the other.

How it Works

A cut card is put in between the sixth and seventh last cards, and when this cut card is drawn, this represents the final coup of the shoe. For each coup, two cards are dealt to each hand, starting with the 'player' hand. Then, the drawing rules are invoked to determine whether the player should get another card, and based on the value of this card, the banker may or may not receive a third card. This marks the end of the game, at which the totals for each hand are compared.

Card Worth

The way in which the totals for each hand are compared is as follows. Tens and royals are worth zero, and aces are worth one point. The winning hand is the one with the highest last digit. So, for example, if the player hand had two threes, this would beat a banker hand that featured a six and a seven. If the last digit is equal, then the hand is declared a tie. Players have the option to bet on the player, the banker, or a tie. If a tie is declared, all tie bets are paid out at eight to one, and all the other bets are held over until the next game.