Super 6 Baccarat is another leading version of No Commission Baccarat, particularly popular in Asian markets and online. Also known as Punto 2000, this variant eliminates the 5% commission on Banker wins. The trade-off is that when the Banker wins with a point total of 6, winning Banker bets are paid at 0.5:1 instead of the usual 1:1. The game is named for this specific rule and its corresponding “Super 6” side bet, which offers a high payout if this exact outcome occurs.
The Core Appeal: Why is Super 6 So Popular in Asia?
While other No Commission versions exist, Super 6 holds a special place, especially among Asian players. Its appeal stems from a combination of speed, simplicity, and cultural resonance.
Faster Gameplay
Like all No Commission games, Super 6 is significantly faster than its traditional counterpart. By removing the need for dealers to calculate and collect the 5% commission, more hands can be dealt per hour. This fast-paced action is highly valued in many Asian gambling cultures, where players enjoy a dynamic and efficient gaming experience.
Cultural Significance of the Number 6
In Chinese culture, the number 6 (六, liù) is considered auspicious and lucky because its pronunciation is similar to the word for “to flow” or “smooth” (流, liú). It symbolizes that everything will go smoothly. A game centered around a “Lucky 6” has an inherent cultural appeal that resonates with many players.
Simplicity of the Rule
The core rule of Super 6—a half-pay on a specific outcome—is arguably simpler and more intuitive for some players than the “push” rule found in EZ Baccarat. A win is still a win, even at a reduced payout, which can feel psychologically more rewarding than having a bet returned with no profit.
The Defining Rule: Banker Wins on a Total of 6
The single rule that defines Super 6 Baccarat is straightforward:
If you bet on the Banker and it wins with a point total of exactly 6 (whether with two or three cards), your wager is paid at 0.5:1 (half your stake).
All other winning Banker hands (on totals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, or 9) are paid at the standard 1:1.
Let’s look at two clear examples:
Example 1 (A Normal Banker Win): You bet $50 on the Banker. The Banker hand wins with a total of 8. You receive a $50 profit, for a total return of $100.
Example 2 (A Super 6 Win): You bet $50 on the Banker. The Banker hand wins with a total of 6. You receive a $25 profit (half of your stake), for a total return of $75.
The Super 6 Side Bet: Turning a Reduced Payout into a Big Win
The game’s signature rule gives birth to its signature side bet. The “Super 6” is a separate, optional wager that the Banker will win with a total of 6.
The Payout: A winning Super 6 side bet typically pays 12 to 1.
This side bet creates an interesting dynamic. Players who consistently bet on the Banker can place a small “insurance” bet on the Super 6. If the Banker wins on 6, the reduced payout on their main bet is more than compensated for by the large win on the side bet.
Example: You bet $100 on the Banker and $10 on the Super 6 side bet. The Banker wins with a 6. You only win $50 on your main bet, but you win $120 ($10 x 12) on your side bet, for a total profit of $170.
The Numbers Game: House Edge in Super 6
While the gameplay is simpler, the mathematics behind the house edge are slightly different from traditional Baccarat.
Banker Bet House Edge: The half-pay rule on a winning 6 increases the house edge on the main Banker bet to approximately 1.46%. This is slightly higher than the 1.06% in the classic commission version.
Super 6 Side Bet House Edge: This is where players must be cautious. The house edge on the 12:1 Super 6 side bet is extremely high, often around 29.98%. This makes it one of the worst statistical bets in the casino, similar in value to the Tie bet.
Super 6 vs. EZ Baccarat: A Quick Comparison
Super 6 and EZ Baccarat are the two giants of the No Commission world. Their core difference lies in their “catch” rule:
Super 6: A Banker win on 6 is a half-pay.
EZ Baccarat: A three-card Banker win on 7 is a push.
The choice between them often comes down to player psychology. Some players prefer receiving half a win rather than no win at all, making Super 6 more appealing. Others may prefer the specific side bet opportunities offered by EZ Baccarat’s Dragon 7 and Panda 8.
Conclusion: The Fast-Paced Asian Favorite
Super 6 Baccarat has cemented its place as a casino favorite by offering a streamlined, commission-free experience that is both fast and easy to understand. Its appeal, particularly in Asian markets, is a powerful combination of efficient gameplay, a simple core rule, and a touch of cultural luck associated with the number 6. While the odds are slightly less favorable than in the classic version, for many players, the speed and simplicity of Super 6 make it the most enjoyable way to play the grand game of Baccarat.