Understanding the Many Different Types of Baccarat

Because the game of baccarat Ausvegas is played on every continent, five dominant variations have developed which pertain to specific regions of the world. A game doesn’t exist for thousands of years without becoming diversified, and baccarat is no different.

Developing a better understanding of how the many different versions of baccarat work can make you a sharper strategist and stronger player.

Here are the five most popular different versions of baccarat, along with their histories and the locations in which they are practised.

1. Punto Banco

If you live in North America, Britain, or Australia, this is the version of baccarat you are most likely to be familiar with. Introduced to North America in the 1950s, Argentina was where the Punto Banco variation of baccarat was first developed.

Punto Banco is defined as a player-against-dealer game, which differs slightly from the European variation, which allows for players to bet against each other. It is a simpler version of baccarat in which the main objective is to reach a 9 (or closest to 9) before the opponent does.

2. Chemin De Fer

Chemin De Fer is the European version of baccarat. It differs quite significantly from other forms of the game, with the most significant change being that the role of banker rotates throughout the game from player to player.

Another unique aspect to Chemin De Fer is that players may choose to stand or take another card if his hand totals to 5.

3. Baccarat en Banque

This is the second Europe-based version of baccarat, and employs many of the same structural rules as Chemin De Fer.

However, one of the most distinguishable differences is that the role of banker is auctioneered off to whichever player is willing to take the biggest risk. If no one is willing, the casino plays bank. This version of the game also goes by Baccarat à Deux Tableaux.

4. Super Card 9

This version of baccarat can predominantly be found in North America. Also occasionally referred to as Pan 9, this game is played with a limited deck of just 36 cards. Those of the deck used are all traditional face cards as well as Ace and numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Each player starts off with three cards (with the live option of picking up one additional card) and the aim is to reach a total of as close to 9 as possible.

5. Three Card Baccarat

Three Card Baccarat is a variety of baccarat played mostly in Macau and parts of Asia, where it is one of the most widely-played casino games around. As its straightforward name suggests, this version of the game allows both bankers and players to handle three cards each.

A slightly less conventional version of baccarat, this game entails no further cards dealt once both the player and banker has made their bet.

This is the most unique characteristic of Three Card Baccarat, and what separates it from other versions. This style of game is also the most difficult to find online.