Played everywhere, from Monte Carlo high-stakes tables to basic online platforms, baccarat combines simplicity with an inimitable sense of glamour. Once reserved for the noble class, today, baccarat is now open to all, thanks to online play: no need for tuxedos, just clear rules and speedy gameplay. If you are intimidated by casino table games such as poker, baccarat is an elegant and more simple way to gain some invaluable playing experience.
If you’ve been dreaming of learning how to play online baccarat, this simple guide will get you there. You will understand the rules, values, and bets, and even pick up some smart tips to start confidently.
Basic Rules of Baccarat
Baccarat is played between two hands, with the player (multiple players can play at one time) and the banker. A fast, regimented game, baccarat gets its kicks from picking the right bet. Players can wager on which hand is closest to nine, or bet that the round will end in a tie. With no decisions to make during gameplay like poker or blackjack, a bet is placed, the cards are dealt, and results happen automatically.
It’s a game with an ancient pedigree, born in Italy and perfected in France, before it was embraced by the world. Thanks to the James Bond films, the glamour and romanticism of baccarat went mainstream. Soon, players realized what an easy game baccarat was to learn.
All baccarat variants start off the same. A hand is dealt to the player, and a hand is dealt to the banker. Before the cards are dealt, you place your bet on who you think will win, or if the round will end in a tie.
The aim is for each hand to get a total as close to nine as possible. If the Player or Banker has a natural eight or nine, then the round ends immediately. If not, then a third-card rule comes into play.
The version of baccarat that’s most common today is Punto Banco. In a Punto Banco game, all the dealing and play are done by the casino or the dealer. Players just place their bets and don’t have to make any decisions during gameplay. However, in European casinos, Chemin de Fer is widely popular, where one player holds the shoe and is designated as the banker.
Counting in Baccarat
Almost every online casino has Punto Banco rules as standard, so beginners can get the hang of things without having to think about complex decisions. Counting baccarat cards in all variants goes like this:
1. Ace = 1 point
2. 10 = 0 points
3. Face cards = 0 points
4. Deuces through 9 = count straight up
With your cards, you add them like simple math. For example, a 3 and a ten equal 3. Having a playing hand worth a natural 9 are winners. However, if eight is the highest hand after the initial round, those are winners too. In the event of getting an additional card, and the total goes over 9, you don’t bust, unlike playing blackjack, real money, and sweepstakes games.
So, if the cards add up to ten, the baccarat total isn’t ten. It’s zero, because you drop the first number, meaning the total is zero. If the total is 16, the baccarat total is six because you drop the first number.
Understanding When the Third Card Comes into Play
In the absence of a natural, the third card rule determines whether or not more cards are dealt. Players do not make these decisions on the fly, rather, the additional draw boils down to this:
1. The player must take a third card if the value is three or less. They can take a third card for values between 0-5. However, the player must stand on 6 or seven.
2. The banker draws based on the player’s hand. If the banker’s hand is between 3-6, they can only draw based on the player’s card. However, the banker must draw if the playing total is between 0-2.
Because the banker’s rules are more complex, it might take some practice to get the hang of them so they come naturally, especially in person or with live dealer play.
Making Baccarat Bets
Baccarat is often considered the most beginner-friendly casino game, partly because of its limited number of bets. You don’t need to understand a lot of rules and different wagers to play.
The Banker Bet
This is the most optimal bet in baccarat. A winning Banker bet will pay 1:1, but you need to pay a commission to the casino of 5%. The commission is taken on each win, not each bet. However, many live baccarat games feature no commission, which lowers the house edge that much more.
The Player Bet
The player net pays 1:1, and you don’t have to pay a commission for any wins. The disadvantage is that the player’s hand will win less often than the banker’s hand, which slightly increases the house edge.
The Tie Bet
The tie baccarat bet pays 8:1 in some casinos. However, the house edge is well over 14%, which makes it not popular to make on a steady basis.
Baccarat also has side bets, especially Dragon Tiger and Super 6, which are available as their own games at many online casinos. While the potential of side bets are alluring, the house edge is not on your side, so make them sparingly.
Baccarat Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Baccarat, today, is one of the most beloved card games. Below are some common questions surrounding this elegant game.
Where did baccarat come from?
It’s believed that baccarat has its origins from the ancient Italian card game that didn’t have zeros. Some believe that its current name comes from the real-life French town.
Is baccarat a skilled game?
While some strategy is involved, baccarat, like other card games, is literally the luck of the draw.
Can you play baccarat outside of casinos?
Fortunately, there are many online casinos that support live baccarat games, including variants like Grand Bonus Baccarat.
