Traditionally, baccarat has several popular versions, including Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque, and Macao. Punto Banco, in turn, has several variations, such as Mini-Baccarat, Super 6, Punto 2000, and EZ-Baccarat. You can find more details on the Wikipedia website. It’s also worth noting that, of all these versions, only Chemin de Fer includes an element of player skill, while the others are purely games of chance.
Punto Banco is the most popular version of baccarat, played with six to eight decks. The casino acts as the bank and follows fixed drawing rules, called the “tableau.” Players bet on either the “player” or “banker” hand, which don’t represent the gambler or house. Cards are dealt, and the hand closest to nine wins. If neither hand has a natural 8 or 9, additional cards are drawn based on preset rules. Punto Banco is purely a game of chance, with strategies having no impact on the outcome.
Mini-Baccarat is a smaller, faster version of Punto Banco, popular among casual players. It follows the same format but with lower betting limits. One variation, Super 6, pays even money on banker wins, except when the banker wins with a 6, in which case it pays only 50%. This increases the house edge but speeds up the game since the casino doesn’t collect a commission. Mini-Baccarat appeals to players looking for a faster, more relaxed experience.
EZ-Baccarat removes the commission on winning banker bets but introduces specific conditions: when the banker wins with a total of 7 after the third card, the result is a push for banker bets. The game also includes special bets like “Dragon 7” and “Panda 8,” which offer high payouts for certain outcomes (40-to-1 and 25-to-1, respectively). EZ-Baccarat simplifies the payout system while adding extra betting options.
Chemin de Fer uses six decks and offers more player control than Punto Banco. One player becomes the banker, and the others are punters. The banker deals the cards and makes decisions on bets. Players take turns deciding whether to draw a third card, adding strategy to the game. The banker position rotates, and players can “go bank” by matching the banker’s bet. Chemin de Fer is a social game that involves both luck and skill.
Baccarat Banque is similar to Chemin de Fer, but with a more permanent banker position. The banker remains until all the cards in the shoe are dealt or until they choose to retire. The game uses three decks, and players can “go bank” as in Chemin de Fer. The banker deals cards to the players on their right and left sides, following similar rules. Baccarat Banque adds stability with its long-term banker role.
Macao is played with two decks, and the goal is to beat the banker by having a higher card value. Punters bet against the banker, and each player receives one face-down card. Players can request additional cards but risk going over 9. The banker wins in case of a tie, but punters can win more for certain hands, like a natural 9 or 8. This fast-paced game is considered an early version of baccarat.
| Version | Decks Used | Banker Role | Player Decisions | Special Bets | House Edge (%) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punto Banco | 6-8 | Casino | None | None | 1.06% | Fixed rules, pure chance |
| Mini-Baccarat | 6-8 | Casino | None | Super 6 variation | 1.46% (Super 6) | Smaller table, quicker pace |
| EZ-Baccarat | 6-8 | Casino | None | Dragon 7, Panda 8 | 1.02% | No commission on banker bets, extra side bets |
| Chemin de Fer | 6 | Rotating player | Yes | None | Varies | Strategic, rotating banker, player decisions |
| Baccarat Banque | 3 | Permanent banker | Yes | None | Varies | Long-term banker, side betting options |
| Macao | 2 | Banker | Yes | None | Varies | Fast-paced, players bet against the banker |
Live baccarat comes in many variations, each with unique features, though the core rules remain consistent. Most live baccarat games follow the Punto Banco format, where “Punto” means Player and “Banco” means Banker. Here are the most popular live baccarat versions offered by leading casino providers:
Standard baccarat is the classic version and remains the most popular, available at nearly all online live casinos.
Speed Baccarat is ideal for players who prefer a fast-paced game with more betting opportunities. The game is just like standard baccarat but with a quicker deal. Cards are dealt face-up, and third cards are revealed almost instantly, ensuring rapid gameplay.
Baccarat Squeeze offers a suspenseful experience with over 15 cameras capturing every detail. The dealer slowly reveals cards for the hand with the larger wager, creating added drama and excitement.
In Baccarat Controlled Squeeze, players are in control of the card reveal. Cards are dealt face-down on a glass panel, and players can slowly reveal them by clicking on the corners. This Macau-style VIP experience adds interactivity, and new players can even practice the squeeze without placing a bet.
No Commission Baccarat eliminates the usual 5% commission on banker wins. The only exception is if the banker wins with a 6, in which case the payout is 0.5:1.
Lightning Baccarat adds a thrilling twist with RNG-based multipliers. Each round features 1-5 randomly generated Lightning Cards from a virtual deck, with multipliers ranging from 2x to 8x. If two or more Lightning Cards match your bet, the multipliers stack. A 20% Lightning Fee applies to each bet.
XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat takes the excitement up a notch. This version offers more Lightning Cards and bigger multipliers. In each round, 4-8 Lightning Cards appear with multipliers up to 10x. A 50% fee applies to each bet. Matching multiple Lightning Cards can multiply winnings up to 1000x, with a potential 2,850,000x multiplier on a Tie bet.
Salon Privé Baccarat offers a top-tier VIP experience, with private tables, high maximum bets, and the ability to choose the dealer and control the game speed. VIP players also get personalized service, including a dedicated room manager.
Prosperity Tree Baccarat introduces multipliers through a unique “Tree of Wealth.” Eight randomly generated Prosperity Cards offer 2x or 3x multipliers each round. If your hand matches a Prosperity Card and wins, your payout is multiplied. A 20% fee applies to each bet, which is clearly displayed in the interface. This version is also available as a First Person game for solo play.
Golden Wealth Baccarat offers a luxurious VIP experience, enhanced with an augmented-reality magical pot for added excitement. A 20% Golden Card fee applies to every player’s bet. In each round, five Golden Cards are dealt, each featuring a random multiplier of 2x, 3x, 5x, or 8x. If a player wins with matching Golden Cards, their payout is multiplied accordingly. A First Person RNG version of this game is also available, offering the same immersive experience.
Mega Baccarat by Pragmatic Play adds a game-show feel with the chance to trigger a Mega Round. If the dice roll totals eight or nine, the Mega Round activates, and multipliers apply to payouts. Winning bets in this round can pay out up to 1,000x. Any other dice result leads to a regular baccarat round.
When choosing a live baccarat game, Standard Baccarat is the best place to start, offering a simple, traditional format with a Return to Player (RTP) of 98.94%. For faster-paced gameplay, try Speed Baccarat, which increases the speed without changing the core rules.
If you enjoy suspense and interaction, go for Baccarat Squeeze or Controlled Squeeze. These games add a ritualistic element while maintaining the same baccarat rules.
For players seeking no commission, No Commission Baccarat is a solid option, though it offers a slightly lower RTP of 98.76%.
If you’re after bigger potential wins, consider Lightning Baccarat or XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat, which add RNG multipliers for a chance to boost payouts but come with additional fees. VIP players should consider Salon Privé Baccarat for a more personalized experience.
In conclusion, Standard Baccarat is a great starting point, while other versions offer unique features based on your preferred style of play.