Types of Baccarat Games

Introduction

Baccarat is a timeless casino card game renowned for its elegance and simplicity. Over the years, it has evolved into a variety of distinct versions, each bringing its own flair to the classic gameplay. The most prevalent form, especially in online settings, is Punto Banco, but numerous other exciting variants exist. This guide explores the diverse types of Baccarat games you might encounter, whether online or in physical casinos.

Table of Contents

• Punto Banco
• Chemin de Fer
• Baccarat en Banque
• Mini Baccarat
• Squeeze Baccarat
• Speed Baccarat
• Super Pan 9
• Commission Free Baccarat
• Three Card Baccarat
• European Baccarat
• Multi-Camera Baccarat
• Lightning Baccarat
• XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat
• Always 8 Baccarat
• Dual Play Baccarat
• Peek Baccarat
• Golden Wealth Baccarat
• Prosperity Tree Baccarat

1. Punto Banco

Punto Banco, often referred to as North American Baccarat, is the most widely played version globally, especially online. Players place bets on whether the "Player" (Punto) or "Banker" (Banco) hand will achieve a total closest to 9, or if the round will end in a tie. The game follows strict dealing rules, requiring no additional decisions from players after betting, making it straightforward and swift.

2. Chemin de Fer

Chemin de Fer is a favored variant in European brick-and-mortar casinos. Played at an oval table with multiple participants, players take turns acting as the Banker, who sets the round’s betting limit. After the initial deal, both the Player and Banker may opt to draw a third card if their hand isn’t a natural (8 or 9). The hands are then compared to determine the winner, adding a layer of strategy to this engaging version.

3. Baccarat en Banque

Baccarat en Banque, another European staple, utilizes three decks of cards, with the Banker role fixed throughout the shoe. The game begins with a meticulous shuffling process, followed by the dealing of three hands: one for the Banker and two for the Players. Third-card rules align with Punto Banco’s fixed conditions, ensuring a structured yet sophisticated experience.

4. Mini Baccarat

Mini Baccarat is a condensed, faster-paced take on Punto Banco, available both online and offline. It features lower betting limits, appealing to casual players, and is played on a smaller table where players don’t handle the cards. This setup accelerates the game, making it ideal for those seeking quick rounds.

5. Squeeze Baccarat

Squeeze Baccarat heightens the drama of traditional Baccarat by allowing the dealer or player to gradually reveal the cards, often by bending their edges. This suspenseful unveiling captivates players who relish anticipation, though the core rules remain identical to standard Baccarat.

6. Speed Baccarat

Speed Baccarat caters to players craving rapid action. Adhering to Punto Banco rules, it compresses each round to under 30 seconds, minimizing downtime between bets. This high-tempo format maximizes hands per hour, perfect for thrill-seekers.

7. Super Pan 9

Super Pan 9, popular in Los Angeles County, uses 8 or 12 decks with 7s, 8s, 9s, and 10s removed. One player serves as the Banker, and after bets are placed, each participant—including the Banker—receives three cards. Players may stand or draw additional cards, while the Banker must stand on 7, 8, or 9. Hands are then revealed, and payouts awarded.

8. Commission Free Baccarat

Known as Super 6, Commission Free Baccarat mirrors Punto Banco but removes the 5% commission on Banker wins. Player and Banker wins pay 1:1, except when the Banker wins with a 6, yielding a 0.5:1 payout. A Super 6 side bet offers 12:1 odds if the Banker triumphs with a 6.

9. Three Card Baccarat

A Macau favorite, Three Card Baccarat uses a single deck, dealing three cards to both Player and Banker. The top hand is three face cards, with subsequent scoring following Punto Banco conventions. Side bets like "Three Face Cards" pay 16:1 if the Banker’s hand consists of three face cards.

10. European Baccarat

European Baccarat closely resembles Punto Banco but introduces flexibility: players can choose to stand or draw on a 5, and the Banker may decide on a third card. Betting on the Player is capped at the Banker’s wager, adding a strategic twist.

11. Multi-Camera Baccarat

Multi-Camera Baccarat enhances online play with multiple camera angles, delivering an immersive experience. Dynamic shots of the table, cards, and even glimpses of other tables replicate a live casino vibe, though the rules align with standard Baccarat.

12. Lightning Baccarat

Lightning Baccarat spices up the game with RNG-generated Lightning Cards carrying multipliers (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 8x). Each round features 1–5 such cards; if they appear in a winning hand, payouts multiply accordingly. A 20% Lightning Fee applies to all bets.

13. XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat

An intensified version of Lightning Baccarat, XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat offers 4–8 Lightning Cards per round with multipliers up to 10x. Winning with matching cards can boost payouts up to 1,000x, or even 2,850,000x for a tie with six matching cards. A 50% fee is added to each bet.

14. Always 8 Baccarat

In Always 8 Baccarat, the Banker’s first card is fixed as an 8, altering round dynamics and inspiring new strategies. Players predict whether the Player or Banker will near 9, or if it’s a tie, with side bets like "Banker Pair" enhancing the excitement.

15. Dual Play Baccarat

Dual Play Baccarat merges online and land-based play, letting online players join a physical table via advanced cameras and audio. This hybrid setup fosters a shared experience between casino patrons and remote participants.

16. Peek Baccarat

Peek Baccarat retains standard rules but allows players to peek at 1–4 cards mid-game. Favorable reveals permit doubling or tripling bets, with a 20% fee applied to Player or Banker wagers, amplifying the thrill.

17. Golden Wealth Baccarat

Golden Wealth Baccarat exudes luxury, featuring five Golden Cards per round with multipliers (2x, 3x, 5x, or 8x). Winning hands with matching Golden Cards increase payouts, offset by a 20% fee, all set in a lavish environment.

18. Prosperity Tree Baccarat

Prosperity Tree Baccarat introduces eight Prosperity Cards per round, each with a 2x or 3x multiplier. Matching cards in a winning hand boost payouts, with a 20% fee added. A first-person RNG option lets players enjoy it at their own pace.