Glossary of Baccarat Terms and Slangs

Wondering about the meaning of common baccarat terms? Our baccarat glossary is your go-to guide! Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player refining your lingo, this page covers everything from basic phrases to advanced terminology.

Understanding the right baccarat terms can help you make better decisions and enjoy the game even more. We break down key expressions, strategies, and rules in a simple way, making it easier to master the game. Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Play online baccarat at Las Atlantis Casino and experience the excitement firsthand.

A

Action - Refers to the total amount of money wagered by a player during a baccarat session.

B

Baccarat - The name of the game, meaning "zero" in Italian, referring to the worst possible hand.

Banco - Spanish for "bank" or "banker"; refers to the dealer or player holding the shoe in baccarat.

Banco Prime - The privilege of matching the bank's wager if more than one player calls "Banco."

Banker Bet - A bet placed on the banker’s hand to win, with a 5% commission on winnings.

Banque - A European variation of baccarat played across two conjoined tables with one banker.

Bankroll - The total amount of money a player sets aside for gambling.

Burning - The process of discarding the top cards after shuffling before a new game starts.

C

Caller - A casino staff member responsible for announcing points and handling the cards during baccarat.

Carte - A French term used to request another card from the dealer, similar to "hit" in blackjack.

Chemin De Fer - A popular European variation of baccarat where players take turns acting as the banker.

Cheques - Special chips used in land-based baccarat games.

Cheval - A bet placed on two hands, won if both hands win or lost if both hands lose.

Commission - A 5% fee taken by the house from winning banker bets.

Coup - A single round or hand of baccarat.

Croupier - A French term for the dealer responsible for managing the game.

Cut - Dividing the deck after shuffling, typically done with a plastic cut card.

Cut Card - A plastic card used to cut the deck after shuffling.

D

Dealer - The person responsible for dealing cards and running the game in baccarat.

Deux Tableau - Another term for the Banque variation of baccarat.

Discard Tray - A tray used to hold discarded or burned cards.

Down Card - A card dealt face down, also known as a "hole card."

Dragon Bonus - A side bet that pays if the player’s hand wins by at least four points.

E

Edge Sorting - A controversial technique of identifying card values based on imperfections in the card design.

F

Face Cards - Cards with portraits (Jack, Queen, King) valued at zero in baccarat.

Fading - Placing bets against the bank or another player in a land-based game.

Flat Bet - Consistently betting the same amount regardless of wins or losses.

H

Hand - The cards dealt to the player or banker during a round.

High Roller - A player who bets large amounts of money.

House Edge - The mathematical advantage that the casino has over the player.

L

Ladderman - One of the three casino staff members running a baccarat game, overseeing the table.

La Grande - A natural hand totaling nine, considered the best hand in baccarat.

La Petite - A natural hand totaling eight, the second-best hand in baccarat.

Layout - The design of the baccarat table, including designated betting areas.

Loss Bet - A bet against the bank, often associated with a higher house edge.

M

Match Play - A promotion where the casino matches the player’s bet with bonus money.

Mini Baccarat - A faster-paced version of baccarat played at a smaller table with lower stakes.

Monkey - A slang term for any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King).

Muck - The collection of shuffled cards used in the game, typically consisting of six or eight decks.

N

Natural - When the first two cards dealt total either eight or nine, ending the round.

P

Palette - A long wooden tool used by croupiers to move cards around the table.

Panda 8 Bet - A side bet won when the player’s hand totals eight with three cards, paying 25 to 1.

Pass - A term used to signify a win.

Pit - The exclusive area in a casino where high-stakes baccarat games are played.

Player - One of the three main bets in baccarat, referring to the player’s hand.

Punter - A term for a player or bettor, especially in UK casinos.

Punto - The Spanish term for "player."

Punto Banco - The most common version of baccarat, popular in casinos worldwide.

Push - A tie in baccarat where no money is won or lost.

R

Railroad - Another term for Chemin de Fer, the European version of baccarat.

Run - A side bet that allows players to bet on a series of consecutive hands.

S

Shills - Casino employees who encourage other players to join baccarat games.

Shoe - A device used to hold and deal cards in baccarat, typically containing six to eight decks.

Shooter - Another term for the banker or dealer in baccarat.

Shuffle Up - The early shuffling of cards by the dealer to prevent players from counting cards.

Skill - A playful term used when a player has a good winning streak.

Standoff - A tie in baccarat where the player’s and banker’s hands have the same value.

Streak - A series of consecutive wins or losses.

Super Pan Nine - A variation of baccarat where players are dealt three cards instead of two.

T

Table of Play - The set of rules governing when the player or banker must draw a third card.

Tie - One of the three main bets in baccarat. Pays out 8 to 1 or 9 to 1.

U

Upcard - A card dealt face up.

V

Vigorish - A term for the commission taken by the house from winning bets, typically 5%.