Baccarat was first played in middle-age Italy, and the name originated from a translation of zero, which was the worst hand a player could get. The game gradually gained attention throughout the world and thus, several variations emerged. While some of these variations weren’t riveting enough to maintain gamblers’ interest, games like Chemin de Fer and Punto Banco managed to endure.
Walk into any online or land-based casino today and you’re almost guaranteed to find baccarat on the roster of available games. As the rules of the game are extremely easy to comprehend, such popularity only comes naturally. Whether a player is an experienced stalwart or a green rookie, they can revel in the lower house edge of baccarat. Because baccarat is not a proprietary game from any UKGC-registered software developer, players can even find challenging variants of the game at most non GamStop casinos. Players who’d like to join in the fun can try some of the following most played variations of baccarat.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco resembles the classic version of baccarat and is, therefore, among the most favoured variants of the game. The game is played using six standard decks of 52 cards. A maximum of twelve players can participate in a game at a time. The betting options also remain the same, with players choosing to bet on the player or the banker. A tie bet is also allowed, where it’s presumed that the player and the banker’s cards are equal. Once players make up their minds and place their wagers, the cards are dealt and their values estimated.
Baccarat Banque
Another variant that lists as among the most preferred variants of this classic card game is Baccarat Banque. As it is one of the oldest variants of the game and originated in France, a lot of UK gambling enthusiasts aren’t familiar with the game. One of the distinctive characteristics of this variation, also known as Deux tableaux, is that the dealer is chosen at the beginning of each round. This trait sets Baccarat Banque apart from Chemin de Fer. Usually, the dealer is the first player to join the game or the player who’s made the highest stake.
Chemin de Fer
This particular baccarat variant, whose name means railway, is mostly played in France. Chemin de Fer could easily have been identical to the classic variation of baccarat. The only major difference is that players compete against each other and not the dealer. Usually, players take turns to become the banker, using six standard decks of cards. Another aspect that sets Chemin de Fer apart from classic baccarat is that the banker sets aside a particular amount of money that they want to wager. Each player on the table is allowed to announce a Banco. This means they’d be willing to match the banker’s stake.
European Baccarat
The major differentiating factor between European Baccarat and all the other variations is that the player can choose to stand or to draw when they get a hand with a value of 5. On the other hand, the banker is also allowed to decide whether or not to draw an extra card. When playing European baccarat, it’s also worth noting that the banker is funded by the house. Therefore, if the banker stands at £500, then one of the players wagers £300, and another one wagers £200, no other players would be permitted to place another bet during that round.
Mini Baccarat
Even though this variant has pretty much the same rules and gameplay as Punto Banco, the baccarat variation enjoys a huge following from most players. As Mini Baccarat is a lower-stakes version of the classic card game, it’s no surprise that it commands a lot of popularity. Mini Baccarat is an excellent option for recreational baccarat players who’re on a tight budget. Another distinctive characteristic of the game, as is implied by its name, is that it’s played on a smaller table than most of the other variants. Mini Baccarat is also played at a quicker pace, which appeals to most bettors who’d just want to squeeze in a round or two during their lunch or smoke breaks.
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