This game is essentially the player (Punto) playing against the Banker (Banco), each one wanting to win one hand valued at 9 points. That is why the game is also called Punto Banco. As a player, you can bet either on Punto or Banco. However the player who is Banco can only bet on Banco. There is a Shoe that holds the card pack and it remains with the same player as long as Banco wins. If Punto wins, it transfers to the next player. If you are Banco, then the casino will earn 5% commission from your winnings. This is acceptable because Banco wins more often than Punto.

How to play

•  You get two cards from the dealer, who also holds two cards

•  Both sides compare card values and the highest to 9 wins. If both sides have 9, the dealer will take back both sets of cards and deal another round.

•  If you have an 8 or 9, this is termed a 'Natural'. No more cards are dealt. Sometimes � if you have low scoring cards, the casino will allow you to receive a third card.

•  The player who gets closest to 9 wins.

Rules

1)  In Baccarat, only cards valued up to 9 are used, and Aces have a value of.

2)  Suits of cards (hearts, clubs etc) don't count, only the numbers.