Introduction to Punto Banco: Rules, Objectives, Winning Tips

By: Olena

Posted: April 19, 2023

Updated: April 19, 2023

Punto Banco is a popular card game in land-based and online casinos
Also known as Baccarat, it is one of the oldest casino games in the world
To familiarize you with this game, we made a complete guide to Punto Banco

Punto Banco is a card game that is played in casinos around the world. Also known as Baccarat, it is one of the oldest casino games, dating back to the 15th century. Punto Banco is popular among high rollers, and it is often associated with glamour and luxury gambling style, thanks primarily to James Bond movies. In recent years, Punto Banco has become more accessible to the public, and many online casinos now offer the game. To familiarize you with the rules of this activity, we have made a complete introduction to Punto Banco.

Introduction to Punto Banco: Rules and Gameplay

Punto Banco is a simple game to learn, with its rules easy to understand. The game is basically Baccarat, one of the most popular gambling activities in the world with similar rules. Also, it offers a very small house edge, giving all players a chance to win. Punto Banco is played with 6–8 decks of cards. The player and the banker are dealt two cards each, and the values of the cards are added together. Aces are worth 1, while face cards and tens are worth 0. The hand with the highest value wins, and if both hands have the same total, there is a tie. In some cases, the third card may be dealt to either the player or the banker. The rules for dealing this card are determined by the total of the first two cards. If the player's total is between 0 and 5, they can receive the third card. If the player's total is 6 or 7, they will stand. Then, the banker will draw the third card if his total is between 0 and 5, but stands if the value is 6 or 7.

Understanding the Purpose of the Game

The objective of Punto Banco is to bet on the hand that will have a total of 9 or the number closest to it. The game is played between two hands, the player hand and the banker hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkOlYmXSjT0 The player does not play against the dealer, but rather bets on which hand will win. The hands are dealt two cards each, and the hand with the highest total wins. If the value of a hand exceeds 9, the second digit is used as the hand value. For example, if a hand has a total of 13, the value of a hand is 3.

Types of bets in Punto Banco

There are three types of bets in Punto Banco at online casinos in Italy and in land-based venues. They are the player's hand, the banker's hand, and a tie. The payouts for each bet are different, and the odds of winning vary:

Betting on the player's hand pays even money.
Betting on the banker's hand pays 95% of the bet amount.
A tie pays 8 to 1, but the odds of winning are lower.

It is important to mention in our introduction to Punto Banco that experienced players prefer to bet on the banker's hand because it has a slightly higher chance of winning. However, the casino takes a commission on banker bets, which reduces the payout. Betting on the player's hand is a safer bet, but the payout is lower.

Punto Banco Tips for Beginners

If you are new to Punto Banco, there are some simple tips and tricks from our introduction to Punto Banco that you can use to increase your chances of winning at online gambling sites in Italy.

Bet on the banker's hand.
Avoid betting on a tie.
Manage your bankroll.
Don’t chase losses.
Play at safe online casinos.

Mistakes to Avoid

As we have just mentioned, one of the most common mistakes new Punto Banco players make is betting on a tie. Although the payout for a tie is high, the odds of winning are low. Betting on the banker's hand or the player's hand is safer if you aim for regular winnings. Another mistake is to bet more than you can afford to lose. Set a budget for yourself before you start playing, and stick to it. Don't chase your losses by betting more money, and don't borrow money to play. Also, don't let your emotions get the best of you when playing Punto Banco. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, but you should always play with a clear head. Make your bets based on strategy and probability, not on your emotions. Finally, choose licensed online casinos to play Punto Banco and other gambling games. King Billy Casino is one of the safest options to enjoy the thrill of this popular card game without leaving the comfort of your home.