Refined in France, Baccarat banque is also known as baccarat à deux tableaux, which translates as “baccarat on two tables”. As that suggests, this variant of the game is played across two tables, and this is because a banking element will be incorporated.

While classic baccarat is typically played with a shoe of six or eight decks of cards, there are usually only three decks used in baccarat banque. In a round of baccarat banque, there will be two hands for the player and the dealer, with each of the hands separated between the two tables. Ultimately, the banker can compete versus both player hands at the same time.

Baccarat Banque Rules

Aside from there being multiple hands, baccarat banque has similar rules to classic baccarat. After receiving two cards, the cards are scored (0 for face cards, 1 for aces, and 2-9 for number cards). A “natural” 9 is the best hand and will win (or draw if there is a tie) – an 8 can also be a natural though isn’t quite as high. When scoring, only the left number counts with double digits (19 is 9).

Baccarat banque also offers the option for hands to be played with a third card if none of the hands is a natural 8 or 9. However, the hand with the lowest score (5 or fewer) will take their card first. As a result, the hands that are 6 or 7 will be required to wait until those with 5 or fewer have made their decision.

When it comes to betting, users should remember that placing a banker bet will carry a 5% commission cost that must be placed if the bet wins. However, this can be avoided when a winning stake has been placed on the player bet. When a tie results, the even-money payout improves to 9/1 or 8/1 depending on what the casino site is willing to offer.