The object of the game of Baccarat is to get a hand as close to 9 points as possible. While there are several variations of the game (often in countries outside North America it goes by a different name, and the rules differ as well), the basic goal alwasys remains the same: to get a hand with as close to 9 points as possible. Below I will discuss the similarities and differences between the varying forms of the game of Baccarat.Baccarat is played around the globe, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that there are several popular variations. The object of the game is always to bet on the hand that comes closest to 9 points.
- Number of players at the table
- Table size and layout
- Number of decks
- Who serves as banker and controls the shoe
- Who controls the action (finances the game)
- Whether or not there is a cap on the sum of all players’ bets for a round
- Drawing rules
- Odds and payouts
Mini Baccarat
Mini baccarat, popular in the United States, is almost identical to American baccarat. The table is smaller than the American baccarat table, approximately the size of a blackjack table. It accommodates only seven players. Instead of a crew of three, a lone croupier mans the table, attending to all game details. The croupier controls the shoe at all times, and acts as the banker for all hands. Mini baccarat lacks the sense of exclusivity of the other variations and provides a less intimidating atmosphere. You won’t find mini baccarat behind velvet ropes in a far corner of the casino. You’ll find it up front and center, right in the middle of the casino floor along with the other games. Mini baccarat is accessible to the rest of us. Dress is casual, and minimum bets usually start at $5.
Chemin de fer
Chemin de fer is French for railroad, and this version is the French national baccarat treasure. It can also be found in some casinos throughout the rest of Europe, but not in North America. Chemin de fer requires a minimum of two players. The major difference is that the casino does not fund the action. Instead of betting on either the banker or the player, you are the banker, the player, or a wagering spectator in each hand. The banker deals two hands, and the players bet against one another for the privilege of “playing” the player hand. Players can pass on controlling the shoe and the action. Hit and stand rules also differ from the American version, providing more flexibility.
European Baccarat
As the name suggests, this version is popular in Europe and can be found in most of the European casinos . Like Chemin de fer, the banker finances the game, and the game cap is determined by the banker. For example, if the cap is $2000, and the first player bets $1000 followed by another player betting $500, no more bets are allowed for that hand. If a player wants to wager the entire cap, he or she says, “banco.” Caps are usually much smaller than they are in versions funded by the house.
Baccarat en Banque
You’ll find Baccarat en Banque in some European casinos. The casino funds the action, and the game only requires one player present at the table. Baccarat en Banque differs from all other versions: the banker deals three hands, a banker’s hand and two players’ hands. Players bet on one of the two players’ hands, but not on the banker’s hand. There are no set drawing rules; instead, they vary according to the dealer.
Punto BancoThis version is similar to American baccarat. It is available in Europe and it comes in two versions: punto banco and mini punto banco. The major difference is in the table layout, illustrated below
