Interested in enjoying a classic baccarat variation, popular among players in the most glamorous land casinos?
Baccarat banque will give you just that. But how does it work?
This blog guide explains just that. You’ll also understand:
- How exactly you can play baccarat banque
- Alternative versions of this game
Here we go.
What is Baccarat Banque?
Baccarat Banque is played with three 52 card decks, fewer than most other baccarat games. But there are other differences.
For example, there’s more interaction and decision-making than in the common version, Punto Banco. Plus, unlike Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque, has a fixed banker role that doesn’t change between each hand.
One player acts as the banker. When you load up a Baccarat Banque table, there are three play options. Predict who will win the game round and place your coins on either: the player, the banker, or the tie. Two player hands are dealt (one on each side of the banker), and all players bet on one of them or the banker.
Cards numbered 2 to 9 count at their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, or King) and 10 equal zero, and an Ace is 1. If your total exceeds 9, only the last digit counts. For instance, a 2 and a 9 will produce a score of 1 (which is weak, by the way).
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How to Play Baccarat Banque
The rules of Baccarat Banque are simple. Up to 5 players can play on either side of the banker. You can play on the banker’s hand, one of the two player hands (left or right side of the banker), or the tie.
For the first deal, two hands are dealt to the banker and two to the players. This creates three 2 card hands: one for players on both sides and one for the banker.
The cards are then revealed, and we can add the total card values in each hand. The closest score to 9 wins the round. If a total exceeds nine, it resets back to zero. If the value is less than five, a third card gets drawn.
Much like other baccarat versions, your cards get drawn according to set game rules. More on the drawing rules in a second.
One player holds the Banker role until they lose or give up the position. The Banker has more discretion to choose whether to draw or stand.
Baccarat Banque: Example
In Baccarat Banque, the banker operates in a different manner to Punto Banco. Here, the banker can decide to draw a third card or stand. This brings some strategy to every round of gameplay.
Here we will use some example play scenarios. Using typical card numbers drawn and how they can impact the result.
Dealing
The player receives two cards: a 3 and a 4 for a total of 7. The banker’s hand also receives two cards: a 2 and a 3, totalling 5.
Player’s Move
The player must play their hand by specific drawing rules. In this case, with a total of 7, the player stands straight away.
For your reference, here are the drawing rules:
- For hands totalling 0 to 4, the player must draw a third card.
- On a hand of 6 to 7, the player must stand.
- With 5, they can choose to draw or stand.
Banker’s Decision
When the banker holds 5, they can ignore the pre-set drawing rules. Instead, the banker must choose to draw a third card or stand, depending on the current game state. Factors like the players’ third card (if applicable) and card totals influence the decision.
In our example, the banker opted to draw a third card and received a 3, bringing their new total to 8.
Round Outcome
In our gameplay simulation, the player’s hand scores 7. While the banker’s hand is 8. So, the banker wins the round by only one point.
Once a game round is over, the Banker awards prizes at a 1:1 ratio. But any prizes take the house’s 5% commission into account. Anyhow, the banker can continue their role onto the next hand, unless they lost the last play or want to step down.
Remember that the Banker’s decisions can affect how a game plays out. If they opt to take a third card, a comparison of all hands decides the round outcomes. Or if they stand, the round ends straight away on the banker’s 2 cards score versus all players.
Tips for Banque Baccarat
When it comes to this version of the game, there are a few tips that can help you feel more confident and have more fun:
- Rules: Unlike in blackjack, here most drawing goes by set rules. Yet, the banker retains the freedom to draw or stand. So disciplined, sensible play is important.
- Discipline: Don’t place too many coins on a single round. Stay disciplined with your coins.
- Banker decisions: The banker’s moves to either draw or stand can affect an entire round.
- Gameplay history: Check the banker’s previous gameplay to gain insights for upcoming rounds.
- Luck: Baccarat banque is a game of luck. So, strategy is less important than other table games like blackjack.
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Alternative Baccarat Variants
There are several baccarat variants that have cropped up since the game was invented. Some notable ones are Chemin de Fer, most popular in France for a long time, or Punto Banco baccarat – usually the default for modern baccarat playing.
There are also interesting options such as:
- No Commission baccarat
- Speed baccarat
- Mini baccarat
Recap
Baccarat Banque is a unique version of baccarat, well suited for those looking for more interaction and action than in other variations.
Ready to test your knowledge now that you’ve also checked our other social casino guides? Start playing at McLuck social casino and grab those tasty rewards right now.
