Baccarat en Banque

This game is mostly played in Europe and has the same aim as in standard baccarat – getting a hand that is closest to 9. The first thing that you will notice in Baccarat en Banque is the table. It is very different compared to other baccarat variations, almost unusual, and it can accommodate up to ten players at the same time.

The table seems like it is made of two separate tables that are joined together because there are two equal sections for five players each. However, this variation is very close to Chemin de Fer, only that here the banker position is much more permanent.

History of the Game

Baccarat en Banque has been referred to as only baccarat in the past, but back then people didn’t knew more than one variation, so any kind of version of baccarat was considered simply as baccarat. The game became popular across France in the 19^th century, and it is argued if Chemin de Fer or Baccarat en Banque first appeared in the USA with the coming of the French immigrants.

Baccarat en Banque Rules: How to Play the Game

Here the bank is put up for auction i.e. the banker becomes the one that makes the biggest bet. Alternatively, the banker becomes the one that has called it first. He sits in the middle of the table with players to his right and left side. All players can bank, and the first one to do that sits next to the banker. When the full stake has been met, no more are accepted.

The player can bank on one or two hands, in which case the wager is split in two. If he loses the first he can go bank three successive times, and if he loses three more times, he is not allowed to bank anymore. He can leave the table anytime after he plays out his hand, but he needs to specify the amount before leaving, and then the next person on the list becomes the banker. If the bank is beaten, the banker can continue only if he has the necessary funds.

When a player has a total of 8 or 9 after the cards have been dealt, the game stops. If he has 4 or less, he draws a third card. He must stand on 6 or 7, while on 5 he can choose to stand or draw. The banker can decide his moves for himself.

Tips and Strategy

Many people think that they can spot a pattern in Baccarat en Banque or that they can count the cards. They believe all of that will work, but it won’t. There is no particular strategy that you can use, since your moves are limited by the rules. Remember that baccarat is mainly a game of chance, little skill is applied, so:

• Be careful with your bankroll. If you don’t know how much money to bring, just multiply the minimum bet allowed with 30, and the resulting amount will be enough for a longer session.
• Learn the game prior to playing with real money.
• Try to learn a betting system, but only if you fully understand the game and the system.
• Finally, try to keep some of the winnings by setting them aside.

Summary

Baccarat en Banque is unique compared to other variations. Here you can bet on two hands at the same time, and you can challenge the banker, which can be exciting, and the game itself is more complicated than the standard baccarat game.