Punto Banco is a game of chance and skill that combines elements of baccarat and blackjack. This popular card game is a staple in online live casinos in Mali and is played with six to eight decks of 52 cards. The goal of the game is to acquire a higher point total than the banker, or “banco,” by correctly wagering on either the player’s two-card hand or the banker’s. Aces are worth one point, 10s and face cards are worth zero points, and all other cards are worth their face value.
The player and banker are each dealt two cards. If they have a score of 8 or 9, they are considered “natural” and the round ends. If the player has a lower score than the banker, they must stand. If neither have a natural, the player may choose to draw a third card or stand. The banker must then draw a third card if the player’s score is 4, 5, 6, or 7. If the player stands, the banker must draw a third card if their score is 5, 6, or 7.