An introduction to the version named above. Special cases and local rules may differ. Agree on your rules before the first hand.
GAME PHASE 01
Goal & Bets
Two hands, one goal: the 9
There are only two hands: “Player” (Punto) and “Banker” (Banco). Both receive cards, and the hand that comes closer to 9 points wins. You hold no cards yourself. You only place a bet.
Your three betting options
Before the deal you place your stake on one of three fields: “Player” wins, “Banker” wins, or “Tie” (both equal). That is your only decision in the round.
GAME PHASE 02
Card Values
How the cards count
Ace = 1, the numbers 2 through 9 count their face value. And the twist: 10, Jack, Queen and King count 0. Suits play no role whatsoever.
Only the last digit counts
Add both cards together. If the sum has two digits, only the ones digit counts. Example: 7 + 6 = 13 → the hand counts 3. A hand can never be worth more than 9.
GAME PHASE 03
Dealing & Natural
Two cards each
The croupier deals in turn: two cards for the “Player”, two for the “Banker”. Both hands are turned face up and their points compared.
“Natural”: over immediately
If either hand shows 8 or 9 with its first two cards, that is a “natural”. The round ends immediately, no further card is drawn. The higher total wins.
GAME PHASE 04
The Third Card
Fixed rules, no choices
If there is no natural, fixed drawing rules decide whether a third card is dealt. Nobody chooses anything: the croupier strictly follows the table. You do not need to know it by heart.
The player goes first
Basic rule for the player hand: on 0 to 5 it draws a third card, on 6 or 7 it stands. (On 8 or 9 it would have been a natural anyway.)
The banker reacts
Whether the banker draws depends on its total AND on the player's third card (a fixed, somewhat nested table). The upshot: the banker tends to draw when its hand is low.
GAME PHASE 05
Payout
Closer to 9 wins
At the end, the points are compared. The hand closer to 9 wins. If you bet on it, your stake is paid out, usually 1:1 (you get back double your stake).
Banker commission & ties
On winning banker bets, the casino often keeps a 5% commission. The “Tie” bet pays much more (usually 8:1) but rarely happens, which is what makes it risky.
Third card: the banker table
Only without a natural: if Player stands on 6 or 7, Banker draws on 0–5 and stands on 6–7. If Player draws a third card, use this table. Tens and face cards count as zero.
| Banker total | Banker draws when Player’s third card is … |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | any card |
| 3 | anything except 8 |
| 4 | 2–7 |
| 5 | 4–7 |
| 6 | 6–7 |
| 7 | never |
No playing decision changes the next card. This website does not offer betting.
FROM READING TO UNDERSTANDING
Try it again.
With cards on the table.
The iPhone app walks you through sample rounds at your own pace. All eleven games and every lesson are free. You can also play Mau-Mau against computer opponents.
Explore Kartenschule ↗Coming soon to the App Store. In English and German.Publisher: Sebastian Kurock. Updated October 2, 2026. Based on Kartenschule’s own lessons.