Baccarat Variations
When we talk about the game of baccarat, we usually refer to the American Baccarat played in North America. There also exist several other variations of the game depending on which country it is played in. However, notwithstanding the differences, the object of the game remains the same - to get a winning hand as close to 9 as possible.
Learn Baccarat , baccarat tips and some of the baccarat variations are listed below:
Chemin de fer
This variation of baccarat is found in European casinos, mainly in France. Chemin de Fer is French for "railroad". The object of the game and the values determined are same as the American Baccarat. The distinguishing factor is that the casino does not play the role of the banker in Chemin de Fer. You cannot just bet on Player or Bank; you must be one or the other. The players bet among themselves, and the bank rotates among the players. The play moves counter clockwise around the table like a train. In American baccarat, on the other hand, you are playing against the House and the casino plays the Bank. In Chemin de Fer the Casino is not directly involved in the betting. It only provides the dealer or the croupier and the necessary equipment to play the game. For all these, the Casino takes a percentage commission, or rake, (usually 5%) on all winning Bank hands. In another distinction, Chemin De Fer has flexible drawing rules for the third card. The Player has the option of either drawing or standing on five whereas in the American version, the player automatically hits if he has total of 5 or less. The play of the banker is completely optional.
European baccarat
European Baccarat has two major differences in rules as compared to American Baccarat. The player has the option of standing or drawing on 5 and the banker who is also the dealer, has the option to draw a third card. The casino finances the banker hand. When a player wants to cover the entire banker's bet, he calls out "banco" following which no other players are allowed to bet.
Players who choose to bet with the bank to win are charged the same percent of their winnings, (approximately 4% or 5% like in any other version of baccarat
Baccarat en banque
This variation of Baccarat is also found in some of the European casinos. With the goal remaining same, the distinction is that only the house plays the role of banker. This way the bets can be much larger than when another player acts as the bank. Among other rules, three hands, on for the bank and two player hands are dealt. The players can bet on one or both of the player hands, but never on the dealer's hand. The drawing rules are optional.