Baccarat Banque is the final baccarat variant of this series, but by no means is it the least popular. It’s traditionally played across two tables and the banker will have to take on two Player hands at once.
Baccarat is a popular casino game that is simple to play and easy to understand. It has a rich history, with rumours that it originated in 15th-century Italy before it exploded in popularity in 19th-century France.
If you’ve ever seen baccarat offered at a casino, whether it’s baccarat online or in a land-based casino, it’s probably Punto Banco which is being played.
However, there are three major variants of baccarat: Punto Banco, baccarat chemin de fer, and baccarat banque (or à deux tableaux). All three of these have a Player and a Banker, and three possible outcomes. Either the Player wins, the Banker wins or it’s a Tie.
We also have guides on how to play Punto Banco and how to play Chemin de Fer, if these capture your interest too.
How to play Baccarat Banque
Before we start looking at different strategies, you need to understand the basics of how to play a round of Baccarat Banque, which is also called a coup.
Before dealing the cards
First of all, you’ll notice that the table layouts are slightly different with Baccarat Banque, which is otherwise known as Baccarat Deux Tables - this is because, well, there are two tables. In modern casinos, there will be one table shaped like an 8, where players will sit at each end. The Banker will stand opposite the croupier.
Baccarat Banque is also played using three decks of cards, rather than the six decks for Chemin de Fer or eight for Punto Banco.
The person with the most money will become the Banker.
Dealing the cards
The croupier will use the shoe to shuffle the cards. Then the deck will be handed to the players on both sides to shuffle, although they do not have to take this offer. The final shuffle will go to the Banker.
The Banker will then deal one card face down to the players on the right, one card face down to the players on the left, then one for themselves.
Betting
Some places will let players bet after the first card, some places will demand that everyone receives their second card first. For clarity, we will place the betting section here, but it could happen after the second card also.
Players can only bet on Players hands, but they can wager on their own, the other side’s or both at once. The Banker can only wager on the Banker’s hand.
As in Chemin de Fer, the total Player’s wagers must match that of the Banker. So if the Banker bets $5,000 then the total wagers from the Players at the table must also match $5,000. No more, no less.
Finally, all three teams will receive a second card to complete their hand.
Figuring out the points
The first hand to act will be the Player on the right of the Banker.The second to act will be the Player on the left of the Banker. The last to act is the Banker.
The aim of the game is to get as close to nine as possible. Aces count as one and face cards 10, but if you go into the double digits then you only count the last number. So if you total 12, your score is actually 2, etc.
When it comes to their turn, if the Player hand has a total of an eight or nine, then it’s considered a natural win and they turn the cards over. If the Banker cannot beat them, then they win.
Drawing extra cards
If the players don’t have a natural win, then it progresses to the next stage. Traditionally, the player who bet the most takes over as the decision-maker for that Player hand. The typical strategy is:
- If the score is six or seven points then take no more cards
- If the score is four or less, take a third and final card
- If the score is five, you can choose whether or not to take another card
As for the Banker, as he is only risking his own money and not that of the team, they can play however they like.
Paying out the winners
The payouts are even money, but the casino may take some rake from the winning hand.
Winning Baccarat Banque strategies
While Punto Banco is purely a game of chance, Baccarat Banque has a little more to it, thanks to the Banker not having to adhere to any rules. This means that you’ve got the chance to read the Banker’s expression and get a gauge on their card (or two) before you decide to draw a third.
It’s particularly important to have some knowledge of strategies if you’re a beginner, because these will give you some kind of direction while learning how to play.
Learn the Third Card rule
The most important action in Baccarat Banque is knowing when to pull that third card, and when to stick. It can be all too tempting to go for that hero call when you’re already on six or seven, but maths isn’t always going to be in your favor!
- If the score is six or seven points then take no more cards
- If the score is four or less, take a third and final card
- If the score is five, you can choose whether or not to take another card
In Baccarat Banque, it’s recommended that you vary your strategy when the score is five, due to their being two Player teams.
Set a budget and stick to it
This might seem obvious, but with such a low house edge in baccarat, it’s easy to get carried away. Whether this is from chasing losses or being lured in by the low house edge, it’s always advised to bet responsibly and manage your bankroll as strictly as you can.
Understanding Baccarat Banque terminology
If you’re struggling to understand what baccarat is all about, and why there’s a coup involved, then we have a full baccarat terminology guide here.
