Punto Blanco is essentially the same game as Baccarat. Another well known name for Baccarat is known as Chemin de fer (french for the railroad – the original version of the card game baccarat when it was introduced to France).

• Compared to other forms and variations of Baccarat, in Punto Banco, there are no optional plays.
• The object, just like Baccarat is to be the winner in the head-up or match-up play between the Player and the Banker hands. Both hands are dealt by the dealer and totalled and resolved by the dealer making it very easy for the player
• Punto Blanco is the game of 9. The winner is whoever is closest to the total of 9 with both cards.

Punto Banco Player’s hand when the first two cards have been dealt and has a total of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 then it gets a third and final card. From 6 to 9 it stays as it is.

Punto Banco Dealer’s hand the play is more complex. Bank draws a card only if the Players total of 6 or 7 is reached with three cards. If it is a two card total then Bank stands.

7 STANDS
8, 9 NATURAL

The wins of Punto Banco payout the same as Baccarat at even money. A winning Bank bet is paid at odds of 19-20, or in other words there is a 5% tax on Bank winnings. Winning tie bets are paid at 8-1 ( which sometimes is misleadingly written 9 for 1 ).

CNN’s Ramy Inocencio explains Punto Banco, the card game Phil Ivey was playing at a London private gaming club.

Great Video on How to Play the Game of Punto Banco