Punto Banco

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Punto Banco

Punto Banco Game – Play Popular Baccarat Variant Online

Punto Banco is a popular casino game that is a simplified version of Baccarat. This game is frequently chosen by players as it has quite a low house advantage and its rules do not require a deep dive.

What Is the Main Idea of Punto Banco?

The aim of the Punto Banco game is quite simple. Users should place a bet either on Punto (or player) or Banco (or dealer). A bet on a draw is also possible. After that two cards are dealt. The side that has a closer number of points to 9 is a winner. If the number of points is equal, it is a tie.

Punto Banco: Main Rules

Punto Banco is played with 6 to 8 decks of cards.

Once the bet is placed, the initial two cards are dealt. However, there is a possibility to get an extra card if needed.

Values of Cards:

  • All 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings give 0 points.
  • Aces count as 1.
  • Cards 2-9 have their natural value.

Keeping in mind that one needs to have up to 9 points to win in Punto Banco, it is important to mention that the sum that goes over 10 is counted as zero. E.g. if a dealer or a player gets cards 7 and 9, then the sum is not 16, but 6.

Punto Drawing Rules:

  • Player draws one card if they have 0-5 points.
  • If there are 6-9 points, a player stands.

Banco Drawing Rules:

  • The dealer draws a card when he or she has 0-2 points.
  • If Banco has 3 points, and Punto has 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9, a card is drawn.
  • When the dealer scores 4, and Punto has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Banco draws a card.
  • If Banco has 5 points, and Punto has 4, 5, 6, and 7, a card is drawn.
  • When the dealer has 6, and Punto has 6 and 7, a Banco draws a card.
  • 7 stands
  • 8 and 9 are naturals

Payouts in Punto Banco

The house advantage is very low compared to other table games. It is only 1.47%. However, a house adventure on a tie is huge – 14%. Therefore, although a win on a tie has a 9:1 payout, a tie occurs quite rarely. As a result, a strategy of placing bets on ties is a negative one.

Another interesting point is about payouts for bets on Punto and Banco. Wins on Punto are paid evenly, but payouts on Banco have a 5% commission.

Punto Banco FAQ

What is the aim in Punto Banco?

Player bets either on Punto or Banco. The side that scores 9 points or closer to that figure wins.

Is there a tie possibility in Punto Banco?

A tie is possible in this game, but it occurs quite rarely. Moreover, the house advantage on tie bets is 14%.

How points are counted in Punto Banco?

Cards 2-9 have their natural value, Ace gives 1 point, other cards contribute 0 points. However, 10 scored points are counted as 0.