Speak The Language – Popular Punto Banco Terminology

Punto Banco is a popular card game which is actually quite similar to baccarat in some respects. It is played on a semicircular table and up to twelve different participants can play in a single hand. Interestingly enough, it is said that most versions of baccarat played within North America are likely to instead be Punto Banco.

Game Play

Six or eight decks of shuffled cards are used. They are placed within a “shoe” so that players will be able to deal the cards themselves during their turn. As in many other games, each card represents a specific value (aces are one, tens and face cards are zero and all numbered cards correspond to their own quantities). Once each player receives a total number of cards, the casino can play the hands as they are or opt to draw more from the shoe. The object of the game is for the players to get as close as possible to a total value of no more than nine. Also, the players can also choose which seat to sit in (as this will affect the cards which are received). It should finally be noted that Punto Banco (literally “Bank Player” in Spanish) offers one of the best house edges in gambling.

Terminology

The terminology of this game is as interesting as the action itself. So, it proves wise to take a look at some of the most common phrases. These will include:

Banker bet: betting that the banker will ultimately win.
“Carte”: the term used when a player wishes to receive another card.
Croupier: dealer.
Le Grande: a French term literally meaning “The Big”. This occurs when a hand totals nine points.
“Petite”: a hand that totals eight points (“petite” means “small” in French).
Cheval: the rule that a player can bet on two hands. Note that he or she must win both.

This is a brief description of the game of Punto Banco. By learning the basic strategy and terminology, the next winning hand may be just around the corner!