A complete Punto Banco guide explaining rules, gameplay structure, betting options, card values, drawing rules, and payouts. Learn how this popular casino baccarat variant works.
Introduction
Punto Banco is the most widely played version of baccarat in casinos worldwide. Unlike traditional baccarat, Punto Banco is entirely a game of chance — players do not make decisions during the hand. The dealer handles all actions, and the only choice players make is selecting one of the available bets: Punto, Banco, or Tie.
This guide explains how Punto Banco works, what the bets mean, how cards are valued, how the drawing rules operate, and what payouts to expect. By the end, you will fully understand the structure of the game and the logic behind each round.
What Is Punto Banco?
Punto Banco is a fixed-rule version of baccarat where:
- Punto = player’s hand
- Banco = banker’s hand
- Tie = both hands end with the same point total
The game uses 6 or 8 decks of cards shuffled together.
The objective is simple:
👉 Bet on the hand you believe will finish closest to 9.
You do not control the gameplay — all drawing rules are automatic.
Card Values in Punto Banco
Cards are valued as follows:
- Aces = 1
- 2–9 = face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0
If a hand exceeds 9, only the last digit counts:
- 14 → 4
- 18 → 8
- 20 → 0
This is called a modulo 10 scoring system.
How a Round of Punto Banco Works
A full round consists of the following steps:
1. Players Place Bets
Choose one of the three main bets:
- Punto (Player hand)
- Banco (Banker hand)
- Tie (Both hands equal)
Some tables also offer side bets, but they are optional.
2. Initial Cards Are Dealt
Each side receives two cards face-up:
- First card → Punto
- Second → Banco
- Third → Punto
- Fourth → Banco
The totals are calculated immediately.
3. Natural Win Check
If either hand totals:
- 8
- 9
This is called a Natural, and no more cards are drawn.
The round ends instantly.
4. Drawing Rules (Third Card Rules)
Punto Banco uses a strict rule system that determines whether a hand receives a third card.
Punto (Player) Rules
- Punto draws a third card if total = 0–5
- Punto stands on 6–7
- Punto stands on 8–9 (Natural)
Banco (Banker) Rules
Banco’s action depends on:
- Banco’s current total
- Whether Punto drew a third card
- Punto’s third-card value
Here is the official drawing table:
| Banco Total | Banco Draws When Punto’s 3rd Card = | Banco Stands When = |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Always draws | — |
| 3 | Draws unless Punto’s card is 8 | Stands if Punto drew 8 |
| 4 | Draws if Punto drew 2–7 | Stands if Punto drew 0–1 or 8–9 |
| 5 | Draws if Punto drew 4–7 | Stands otherwise |
| 6 | Draws if Punto drew 6–7 | Stands otherwise |
| 7 | Never draws | Always stands |
These rules are fixed and do not depend on player decisions.
Understanding Winning Hands
The winning hand is the one closest to 9.
Examples:
- Punto = 7, Banco = 5 → Punto wins
- Punto = 8, Banco = 8 → Tie
- Punto = 3, Banco = 9 → Banco wins
Payouts in Punto Banco
Payouts depend on the bet type.
Punto (Player) Bet
- Pays 1:1
Banco (Banker) Bet
- Pays 1:1,
BUT includes a 5% commission to the house.
Some casinos use No Commission rules, but the majority apply the standard commission.
Tie Bet
Typically pays:
- 8:1 or
- 9:1
Depending on the casino.
House Edge in Punto Banco
| Bet | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Banco | 1.06% (best bet) |
| Punto | 1.24% |
| Tie | 14.36% (varies with payout) |
Banco is statistically the strongest bet because the drawing rules favor the banker’s position.
Why Players Enjoy Punto Banco
Punto Banco is popular for several reasons:
- Very simple to play
- No decisions required
- Fast-paced and easy to follow
- Some of the lowest house edges among casino games
- Elegant presentation and classic casino atmosphere
- Suits both beginners and high-stakes players
Its combination of simplicity and favorable odds makes it a casino staple.
FAQ
Is Punto Banco the same as Baccarat?
Yes — Punto Banco is the most common modern version of baccarat.
Do players make decisions during the game?
No. All actions follow preset rules.
Is Banco always the best bet?
Statistically yes, due to the drawing rules.
How are totals calculated?
Only the last digit of the hand’s sum counts.
Can a round end immediately?
Yes — if either hand has a Natural 8 or 9.