Objective of the Game
The aim of Holländische Bank (also known as "Baccarat Bank" or "Baccarat à deux tableaux") is to act as a banker and control the gameplay, trying to achieve the highest card value closest to 9 against players known as 'punt players'.
Preparation
- Cards: A standard 52-card deck is used. The cards have the following values:
- Ace: 1 point
- Cards 2 to 9: face value
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10, Jack, Queen, King: 0 points
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Players: The game requires at least 2 players, ideally 3 to 6 players.
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The Banker: One player takes the role of the banker. The other players are the 'punt players'. The banker sits in the middle of a long table.
Gameplay
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Bank Setting: The banker sets a certain amount of money as the bank, which he is willing to risk.
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Punt Players’ Bets: Punt players then bet against the bank. They can bet any amount up to the limit of the bank.
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Card Dealing: Each punt player receives two cards, and the banker receives two cards as well. The punt players' cards remain hidden.
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Objective: Each player tries to achieve a total value as close to 9 as possible with two or three cards. Totals exceeding 9 are adjusted by subtracting 10 (for instance, 15 becomes 5).
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Third Card: The banker can decide whether or not to draw a third card. Punt players cannot draw based on their hidden cards.
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Decision: If any player — either the banker or a punt player — has a total of 8 or 9, the game stops and the hands are compared.
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Outcome: Whoever is closer to 9 or exactly 9 wins. If the banker wins, he gets the bets and adds to his bank. If a punt player wins, he takes from the bank.
Peculiarities and Strategies
- Banker Role: Being the banker is crucial, giving more control over the game and the option to pull a third card.
- Bets: Consider strategic thinking about bet sizes, depending on the bank's status and your own risk tolerance.
Win Conditions & End
The game is flexible with respect to session length or can end upon reaching a pre-set winning goal.
