Baccarat Variants

The worldwide popularity of Baccarat can be attributed to its straightforward rules and easy gameplay. It offers some of the most favorable House odds in the casino realm.

Though Baccarat relies on chance, experienced players frequently utilize various betting strategies to enhance the excitement of the game as well as increase their potential winnings. The general guidelines remain quite consistent across all forms of Baccarat, including online versions.

Often dubbed 'Chemmy,' Chemin de Fer is the Baccarat variant predominantly played in Monte Carlo and France, famously enjoyed by none other than James Bond and other renowned Baccarat enthusiasts.

1. Chemin de Fer

Translating to 'Railway,' Chemin de Fer represents the classic version of Baccarat, notable for allowing players to take turns as the Banker (Dealer). Key highlights about Chemin de Fer include:

The house does not act as the banker in this game. The casino only oversees the game, collecting a 5% commission on successful Banker wagers as compensation.

• The Banker (Dealer) determines the maximum bet value
• The player placing the maximum wager or one that is closest is acknowledged as the Player, the only other person besides the Banker receiving cards
• The Banker pays out winning wagers at a rate of 1:1, minus the commission
• Six or eight decks of cards are used
• Players cannot bet on the Banker, and vice versa.
• Among Baccarat alternatives, Punto Banco (Player/Banker) is the most recognized, embodying modern Baccarat and is available in casinos globally, including online platforms.

2. Punto Banco

In this format, the Casino acts as the Banker (Dealer) and competes against a chosen 'Player.' People can place bets on whether the Banker, Player, or a Tie will win. Notable aspects of Punto Banco include:

Punto Ba nco represents Baccarat, alternatively recognized as North American Baccarat

• Punto Banco is the top choice for Baccarat lovers
• Punto Banco features a low house edge, one of the lowest among all casino offerings
• The rules are simple and easy to learn
• Punto Banco pays out Player victories at a rate of 1:1, while Banker wins net 1:1, minus a 5% commission
• Punto Banco is customarily played with eight decks of cards
• Baccarat Banque, known as Baccarat à Deux Tableaux (Two Table Baccarat), is the variant that bears the closest resemblance to Chemin de Fer. This version assigns a player to be the Banker, typically the one who places the highest bet.

3. Baccarat Banque 

Additionally, the Banker has the exclusive privilege to bet on their own hand, while others must wager on the player’s hand, unless they opt to counter with an equal bet. The designated Banker maintains their role until the Shoe is depleted or they withdraw voluntarily. Essential points regarding Baccarat Banque include:

This Baccarat variation is generally favored in Europe, particularly in France. It shares many characteristics with Chemin de Fer.

• Baccarat Banque is usually played with three decks of cards
• Baccarat Banque distributes three hands: two Player hands (one for each table) and the Banker’s hand.
• Wagers can only be placed on the two Player hands.
• The Banker establishes the upper limit for bets and must compete against two Player hands.
• Baccarat Banque typically pays out at 1:1 for Player wins and 1:1 for Banker wins, less the 5% commission.
• In Banque Baccarat, cards are generally dealt face-down.
• As its title suggests, No Commission Baccarat removes the bothersome 5% charge that casinos impose on winning Banker bets. However, this usually comes at some cost. Instead of providing odds of 1:1 , the House sets a specific card total and pays just 0.5:1 if the Banker wins with that particular number.

4. No Commission Baccarat

For instance, if the designated value is six, all other winning Banker bets that do not total six points will pay out at 1:1. Beyond this difference, this version of Baccarat operates like Punto Banco – North American Baccarat. Important points about No Commission Baccarat include:

No Commission Baccarat removes the annoying 5% commission on winning Banker hands.

• This is largely a marketing strategy to entice players. Overall, No Commission Baccarat may present less advantageous odds than other variants.
• No Commission Baccarat is generally viewed as Punto Banco.
• One of the most favored online Baccarat adaptations, No Commission Baccarat is hugely popular.
• This variant typically rewards winning bets on both the Banker’s and Player’s hands at 1:1.
• A specific value for the Banker hand, as set by the casino, will only return 0.5:1 to compensate for the commission revenue loss.
• Another Baccarat variant that removes the 5% commission is EZ Baccarat – which, in contrast to No Commission Baccarat, actually provides better odds overall compared to traditional Baccarat (Punto Banco).

5. EZ Baccarat

In EZ Baccarat, all winning Banker hands pay at a 1:1 rate, with one exception: if the Banker’s hand totals seven points using three cards, then that particular Banker bet only results in a push. By streamlining the payment process and abolishing the need to calculate commissions, EZ Baccarat is usually faster-paced than most other Baccarat options. Key highlights of EZ Baccarat include:

EZ Baccarat has a House edge of 1.02% per hand, making it lower than the traditional advantage of 1.06%.

• The House Edge on the Player Hand remains at 1.24%, and the Tie stands at 14.36%, similar to standard Baccarat. These outcomes pay out at 1:1 and 8:1, respectively.
• Typically, EZ Baccarat is played using six or eight decks of cards.
• Evoking the essence of the original game, this type of Baccarat closely replicates the foundational version and eliminates many of the rules, especially those concerning the conditions for drawing a third card.

6. European Baccarat

In European Baccarat, if a Player ends up with a hand totaling five points, they have the option to draw another card or not. After the Player decides, the Banker can also opt to take a third card, independent of their hand value. Important aspects of European Baccarat include:

Players have the choice to draw a third card when their hand totals five points.

• In European Baccarat, the Banker has the discretion to draw a third card whenever they wish.
• An advantageous Player hand pays out at 1:1, while a winning Banker hand pays 1:1, minus a 5% commission.
• Typically, in European Baccarat, the House finances the Banker.
• The Banker is responsible for determining the maximum allowed bets.
• American Baccarat is what most people refer to when they mention Baccarat. The version that is played today made its way to Las Vegas from Havana, Cuba, and is often called Punto Banco due to this Spanish influence.

7. American Baccarat

Originally played by high rollers in an exclusive area, American Baccarat has gained immense popularity worldwide and continues to be a top preference. Noteworthy aspects about American Baccarat include:

American Baccarat is synonymous with Baccarat, also known as Punto Banco.

• This game is straightforward to learn and grasp.
• Three main bets are available: the Banker bet, the Player bet, and the Tie bet.
• American Baccarat is typically played with eight decks of cards.
• The House charges a 5% commission on all winning Banker bets.
• Baccarat Squeeze is a contemporary online Baccarat variation that was launched in 2016. Utilizing high-definition cameras, Baccarat Squeeze is available for live streaming and can be enjoyed on both desktop and mobile devices. While it follows the same rules as conventional Baccarat, the key difference is that the cards are dealt face down.

8. Baccarat Squeeze

To amplify the excitement, expertly trained dealers perform a ‘squeeze’ on the cards, allowing players a tantalizing glimpse, which brings added drama to the game. Important points about Baccarat Squeeze include:

A highly sought-after Baccarat variant that can be played online.

• Baccarat Squeeze adheres to the same principles as traditional Baccarat.
• The theatrics of the dealer squeezing the cards do not influence the results of the game.
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9. Dragon Tiger

Whether you’re just discovering Baccarat for the first time or seeking to enhance your experience, this captivating card game has many exciting options. Delve into the diverse styles available, whether your preferences lie in North American, European, or Asian variations – there’s a Baccarat option to cater to your unique tastes. Craving something exciting? In Baccarat, the decision is in your hands.

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