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The Definitive Guide to Punto Banco

Punto Banco is a hugely popular card game that gets players totally hooked. It is a game of chance which is dependent on the cards the player receives. This means that players have just as much chance to win as anyone else, because no skills or form of strategy is necessary. The winning hand will be either the Player’s or the Banker’s. The winning bets depend on the casino, however in most cases, 1-1 (even money) is given for Player’s bets. The house edge is quite low at approximately 1%.

 

The game is very similar to Baccarat, except that there are not any optional plays, and there are fixed house rules as to how the cards are dealt. There is a shoe (which houses four, six or eight pre-shuffled decks. A card sized piece of plastic, which is usually yellow, is included in the shuffling, and is the sign which shows the shoe’s last coup.

The aim of the game is for players to bet on the winner of the two hands given to the players and the bank. The winner is the one who has 9, or the closest to it. This is calculated when the card values are added together, and the last digit is used as the accepted number.

The different rules for the players and banker mean that if in the beginning, the player has between 0-5 as a total card value, he is eligible to draw another (third) card. If his total is 6 or 7, then he has to stand. If the player only has 2 cards, then the banker has to follow the same rule as the player, and has to regard only his own cards, and the 0-5 and 6 or 7 card rule applies. There are more complicated rules if the player draws a third card.

If at the end of the deal, if the Player and the banker have scored the same value, it is classed as a ‘tie bet’, which is awarded with 8-1 odds. In this instance the bets on both sides stay active for the following game.

If you want a game of Punto Banco come on down to Les Croupiers. We’re happy to serve both first timers and experts. 

The Ultimate Guide to Successful Poker Bluffing

Have you got a good poker face? Do know when to hold’em and when to fold’em. Here are a few simple pointers on bluffing in poker.

Bluff Believably

Make sure your bluffs are believable. Remember your opponents are trying to determine your hand strength and your decipher your play; if your bluff doesn’t make sense you’ll likely get caught and lose the pot. If you check pre-flop and flop but the suddenly raise on the river, it will be obvious that you are either bluffing or a weak player. Bluffing is most believable when you could potentially have a winning hand and no one knows you don’t. For example if a pair of Ace’s is on the table and you bluff opponents may think you have an ace in your hand giving you an intimidating 3 Ace’s. However if the community card pool is JH 2D 7S 8S and you suddenly start to raise when you get 3C on the river, it will be obvious you are bluffing because the best you could likely have is a pair.

Bluff To Win Pots

Often the best time to bluff is to save a pot gone bad. Say you have a heart in your hand and two more come down on the flop, you raise hoping for a flush. Your opponents call. On the turn you get another heart..you still have a shot at your flush on the river so you bet again, your opponent calls. On the river you get a diamond. You didn’t get your flush but your opponents doesn’t know that. Since you’ve been betting consistently it will be believable for you to try and take the pot now. If you bet with a weak hand your opponent will likely think you have a flush and fold the pot to you. Be careful to watch your opponents play as well in case he was also looking for the flush.

Bluff in Moderation

Last but not least, don’t over bluff. Bluffing is a powerful poker tool and should be used when it is needed, but don’t over do it.

Knowing When to Split in Blackjack

Knowing when to split in Blackjack is essential to winning or losing. It could make a difference in you reaping the rewards or in losing a hefty sum of money. When is it a good time to split in blackjack, then?

Splitting takes place when your cards match and when they are equal in value. For instance, if you have two eights or two aces, then splitting will occur. Some casinos will also make it possible for you to split any two non-matching face cards, creating interesting possibilities in your game.

In order to split your cards you will need to make the dealer aware of it. Simply telling him you want to split should suffice, and allow you to place another bet right next to the bet which you placed originally. Once this all takes place, the dealer will then separate both cards and bets, and you will be able to continue playing with new possibilities.

That is all there is to splitting in blackjack.

Important Blackjack Terminology and Their Meanings

Blackjack is quite a popular game and therefore there are a number of regular terms that are used by the players. Understanding a few of the common phrases is a great way to appreciate Blackjack and improve your strategy.

Blackjack

It only makes sense that this term is understood first. A Blackjack will occur when the player reaches the maximum number of twenty-one points without exceeding it.

Bust

A bust will occur if a player exceeds twenty-one; thus he or she will lose the hand.

Double Down

A player may choose the option to place another bet on top of his original wager. This can only be done when the first two cards are dealt and doubling down can only be chosen one time during a hand.

Hit

Should a player ask for another card, this is referred to as a hit. If the total numeric value exceeds twenty-one, the player will lose.

Remember, there are piles more terms. Keep watching our social media updates for interesting facts and more obscure blackjack terminology.