How to play Punto Banco

Punto Banco is a variation of the card game Baccarat, also known as North American Baccarat. The winning or losing cards are controlled by the dealer, and winning depends on how you bet, rather than how you play.

Bets are placed, before dealing, on three outcomes: a win for the Player (Punto) or the Banker (Banco), or a tie. A win is achieved by holding cards closest to the value of nine. Cards have points equal to their face values from ace up to nine; a 10, Jack, Queen or King scores zero.

Cards are dealt out face down, with two to each player and two to the banker. They are turned over and if either hand has a total of 8 or 9, called a natural, that hand wins. If not, both are given the option of drawing one more card, with the totals held determining who draws first.