Different Types of Baccarat

It is amazing how many different games can be played in a casino. Blackjack, poker, keno, slot machines and of course, baccarat, are among the favorite games in every casino worldwide. But what is more amazing is the number of varieties a single game could have. Through the years, baccarat has evolved into a number of varieties, with different countries showcasing their own type of baccarat game.

The variety of baccarat played in most casinos in North America is popularly known as the American Baccarat. This version is especially popular in the casinos of Las Vegas. Here, the casino funds the game and gets a 5% commission from players for every win in the bank. The player does not have to do anything but place a bet on any of the three betting areas available in a baccarat table. These are the Bank, the Player and the Tie or Stand-Of.

Basically, the game is played by placing a bet on either the Player's hand or the Banker's hand. Some casinos even an offer a third betting area, which is called Tie or Stand-off. Each hand has a different set of rules for drawing the third card. But players need not to worry about memorizing these rules as they as applied automatically by the dealer from the casino.

"Punto Banco" is a baccarat variety closest to the American Baccarat. The rules and the manner of playing "Punto Banco" is almost the same as in the American variety. The difference lies in the table lay-out. A mini version of Punto Banco is also played in some casinos in Europe and in North America.

The French also have their own variety of baccarat. This baccarat variety is called the "chemin de fer". It has the same objective as the American baccarat but has more flexible rules in terms of drawing the third card. Also, the casino does not provide the fund for this baccarat game. The players wager amongst themselves and the banker is acted by one of the players. The role of the banker is passed to the next player in a counterclockwise manner, thus the name "chemin de fer", which means railroad.

Lastly, European Baccarat is a baccarat variety that originated in England. Here, the casino provides the funds for banker's hand. Unlike in the American variety, the player's hand may opt to "hit" or stand if the hand totals a value of five. The bank may also choose to take another card when the hand also totals five.