Baccarat is known to be quite simple and to have quite a low house edge, and for this reason, it has become attractive to both amateur and professional gamblers. The aim of the game is quite straightforward: predict which of the ‘Player’ or ‘Banker’ hands will have a total closest to nine or if the round will result in a tie. Over time, however, the game evolved into several variants with unique rules or ways of affecting the odds of winning.
Classic Baccarat Variants
Punto Banco – the most played variation of baccarat
Probably the most important version of baccarat played by so many casinos around the world, especially those based in North America, Europe, and even online, is Punto Banco. It’s an absolutely mechanised version, meaning players just need to make bets while the croupier actually draws unambiguously according to predetermined rules. Gamers bet either on the Banker, the Player, or a Tie – the dealer does everything else.
Unlike other variations, where skill affects the outcome, Punto Banco is purely a game of luck since players cannot make any choices on drawing. The Banker bet is the most statistically favourable because of its lower house edge and is the best option when looking for consistency. Although the house edge is high, the Tie bet has always remained very tempting due to its higher payout of 8:1 or 9:1; yet, experienced players try to avoid it due to its low probability of winning.
House Edge:
- Banker Bet: 1.06% – The best bet due to the lowest house edge.
- Player Bet: 1.24% – Slightly worse than the banker bet.
- Tie Bet: 14.36% – Very risky due to its low probability of hitting.
Chemin de Fer
Chemin de Fer is a more traditional French variety of baccarat and is usually played in European casinos in the high-stakes room. Compared to Punto Banco, where the casino plays as the banker, players take turns being the banker in Chemin de Fer. This factor makes the games more strategic and interactive since players can draw or stand based on the game’s rules.
If you’re wondering how to play baccarat Chemin de Fer, the process differs from automated baccarat versions. Six decks are used, and the banker announces the amount he will bet. The other players may then decide whether they want to challenge the bank by matching that amount. The player with the highest bet represents all the other players at the table and competes against the banker.
House Edge:
Variable due to the player’s strategic decisions and banker bet sizing.
If played optimally, Chemin de Fer can have a lower house edge than Punto Banco, but only if the player makes the correct decisions.
The tie bet, if available, still has an unfavourable house edge similar to Punto Banco.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is another European variation, closely related to Chemin de Fer, but with one major difference: instead of the banker position rotating among players, a single player remains the banker for a prolonged period.
The game is played with three decks of cards, making it slightly different from the six-deck standard in Chemin de Fer. Like Chemin de Fer, the banker determines their bet size, and the players decide whether to challenge them by matching the bet. Since there are two player hands in Baccarat Banque, players can bet on either of the two hands or the banker’s hand.
This version of baccarat is more commonly found in European casinos and is less popular in North America or online platforms.
House Edge:
Banker Bet: Similar to Punto Banco (around 1.06% house edge).
Player Bets: Similar to Punto Banco (around 1.24% house edge).
The house edge may vary slightly based on the banker’s bet size and decisions.
Modern Baccarat Variants
Among the most played baccarat variations, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and EZ Baccarat are the top three. Every version has different rules and, thus, its house edge, directly impacting a player’s potential earnings.
The more traditional players who like to play baccarat will often prefer Punto Banco simply because it is available in most places. To those who like more interactive games, Chemin de Fer provides an element of strategy not seen in automated games. EZ Baccarat has recently become very popular among modern players since it doesn’t have the 5% banker commission, and this makes it a very good option for any player who is looking to keep the house edge as low as possible.
EZ Baccarat
EZ Baccarat is the modern variety of baccarat that eliminates the traditional 5% commission on all banker bets to make the game’s speed quicker and more player-friendly.
One of the key reasons players choose this version is the EZ Baccarat house edge, which is slightly lower than traditional baccarat. The most significant rule difference that distinguishes this game from others is the introduction of the Dragon 7 rule: if the banker wins with a three-card total of 7, the bet pushes instead of winning.
Having the lower house edge and being commission-free, EZ Baccarat is considered the most popular modern version of this game, especially online casinos. It’s the variant to go for if any player aims to increase his probability of winning.
House Edge:
Banker Bet: 1.02% – The lowest of any baccarat variation.
Player Bet: 1.24% – The same as in traditional Punto Banco
Mini Baccarat
Mini Baccarat is exactly the same as Punto Banco but is dealt on a smaller table with smaller maximum bets, hence more appealing for the amateur player. The game is speedier because the dealer handles all the cards, while in traditional baccarat, players may be involved in drawing cards.
Because the rounds of Mini Baccarat are so much faster, players can have many more hands per hour compared to a regular game. This increases both the potential big wins and big losses. Even though the house edge is the same as in Punto Banco, this speed could mean greater long-term losses if players are not careful.
House Edge:
Banker Bet: 1.06%.
Player Bet: 1.24%.
Tie Bet: 14.36%.
No Commission Baccarat
No Commission Baccarat does not take the 5% that is regularly taken for banker bets; thus, at first glance, it seems way more attractive. Yet, to keep the casino advantage intact, the game changes the payout on the banker’s win with a total of 6 by paying out only 50% of the placed bet instead of even money.
But this little rule change makes the house edge for the banker’s bet increase as high as 1.46%, which, due to that, is no longer as profitable as the regular Punto Banco or EZ Baccarat. Although seemingly a good alternative to avoid paying commissions, it turns out worse in the long run for those players whose favourite bets are banker bets.
House Edge:
Banker Bet: 1.46% – Worse than Punto Banco and EZ Baccarat.
Player Bet: 1.24% – Unchanged.
Below is a comparison of the house edges associated with the primary bets in various baccarat variations:
| Variation | Banker Bet House Edge | Player Bet House Edge | Tie Bet House Edge |
| Punto Banco | 1.06% | 1.24% | 14.36% |
| Chemin de Fer | Varies (Player Decisions) | Varies | Varies |
| Baccarat Banque | Similar to Punto Banco | Similar | Similar |
| EZ Baccarat | 1.02% | 1.24% | Varies |
| Mini Baccarat | 1.06% | 1.24% | 14.36% |
| No Commission Baccarat | 1.46% | 1.24% | Varies |
What You Should Know
Of the many variations of Baccarat, EZ Baccarat offers the best house advantage for players who like to bet on the banker at only 1.02%. Slightly better than Punto Banco, this variation is a better option for players looking to optimise their chances of winning.
If you are more into the strategic version, then Chemin de Fer could be a great option since decisions made by the players affect the game. This, however, requires more knowledge and involvement than automated versions like Punto Banco.
Those who like the speed of the action will find Mini Baccarat quite fun, but remember, the game’s speed can also result in larger losses if not kept in check. No Commission Baccarat, while sounding very appealing, actually gives the house a higher edge for banker wagers, making it a less desirable alternative.
Final Recommendation
Best overall odds: EZ Baccarat houses the lowest house edge on banker bets.
Best for strategic playing: Chemin de Fer is the best variant if you know how to play and the strategy.
Most accessible: Punto Banco is more known and easier to play
Irrespective of which one, always gamble responsibly and remember which house edge percentage is involved. The lesser that percentage, the better it would be for any long-term hope.
