Baccarat

Detailed Guide on Gaming Experience Offered by Baccarat

When it comes to classy casino experiences, baccarat is definitely one of the games that pop up in one’s mind. While extremely simple to play, baccarat is still popular with casino fans, offering them a fun experience every time they decide to play the game. While its origin is hard to define, the card game has been present at land-based casinos across the world for years. Nowadays, the game is also available at any reputable online casino you can come across on the web.

• History of Baccarat
• How to Play Baccarat
• House Edge and Odds
• Baccarat Bet Types
• Strategy for Baccarat
• Conclusion

Playing baccarat online has its perks, with the availability of different variations of the game being one of them. That said, whether you play baccarat online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, you can have a wonderful gaming experience. Before you start playing the game, however, we recommend you get familiar with its rules as well as other specifics of baccarat that will allow you to perfect your baccarat experience no matter where you play.

How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat House Edge

Baccarat Bet Types

Strategy for Baccarat

History of Baccarat

When it comes to the history of baccarat, the exact location and time when the game emerged, remain rather unclear. It is believed that it was invented in the 15th century and that it has Italian roots. However, there are still many disputes and heated discussions about this topic, provoked by the fact that not long after the game appeared in Italy, it was introduced to France. It has always been a high-stakes game and as such, it is no surprise that it gained in popularity quickly among the wealthy members of the society and it became the favorite game of the aristocracy.

As the years passed, Baccarat reached various different destinations, including England, China, and South America. Not long after, it became popular in most parts of the world and as a result, several variations were created in an attempt to suit the players’ needs of the respective country. Initially, when the game reached France, it became known as Chemin de Fer. In England, players came to know the game as European Baccarat, and the variation that was played in America was called Punto Banco. Each of these games has its specific rules and exciting features which is why Baccarat enthusiasts have the chance to experience their favorite game in various ways.

Mini Baccarat

Punto Banco

European Baccarat

How to Play Baccarat

The basic rules of the game can be defined as rather easy and simplified which makes it extremely suitable for all types of players, regardless of their experience and knowledge. Usually, the Baccarat tables are located next to the rest of the table games or in an area, specifically designed for this game. Each table has 14 available seats and two dealers, with the game being operated by a caller. The banker also plays a crucial role in the gaming process as he/she is responsible for dealing the cards. Depending on the variation of the game, this role can be performed by either the casino or the players. In Punto Banco, players get the chance to be the banker at some point during the course of the game.

In this card game, only two hands are dealt – the Player and the Banker’s. Each one of them consists of two cards. The objective of the game is to wager on the hand that will get the best point value, keeping in mind that the highest possible total that can be formed is 9. Players can choose from three types of bets – the Player, the Banker, and the Tie bet. At the beginning of each coup, they have to make up their minds and place a wager on the outcome they have chosen. Just like other card games, Baccarat also uses the fundamental principle of assigning point values to the card. Apart from the assigned value of the cards, players should also get familiar with the so-called third-card rule. It is worth mentioning that this rule can differ from one casino to another and usually, it is applied automatically.

• If the banker has a total of 2 or less – another card is drawn for the bank, regardless of the third card of the player.
• If the banker has a total of 3 – another card is drawn for the bank, except for the cases when the player’s third card is 8.
• If the banker has a total of 4 – another card is drawn for the bank , unless the third card of the player is 0, 1, 8 or 9 as then, the bank doesn’t draw a third card.
• If the banker has a total of 5 – another card is drawn for the bank, unless the third card of the player is 4, 5, 6 or 7 as then, no third card is drawn.
• If the banker has a total of 6 – another card is drawn for the bank, except for the cases when the third card of the player is 6 or 7.
• If the banker has a total of 7 – the bank is required to stand.

Baccarat House Edge and Odds

Baccarat is one of the oldest card games that have a significantly low house edge. In fact, its house edge is considered to be one of the lowest in the gaming industry. This is one of the reasons why after so many years, it is still one of the most played casino games of all time. However, it should be noted that the house edge and the odds of the game strictly depend on the particular variation and the casino. Moreover, if Baccarat is played online, it is also possible that its rules and house edge might be different. On the one hand, Baccarat is a card game and as such, the decks in use will inevitably have an impact on the game’s odds. On the other hand, since it is a game of chance, it is interesting to figure out to what extent the decks will affect the odds.

In most cases, Baccarat’s house edge is 1.09%, providing that the game is played according to the standard rules. Another important aspect that players should take into account when it comes to Baccarat is its wagering odds. The reason why is that the three available bets offer different odds and thus, they give gamblers lower or higher chances of winning. Besides the house edge and the odds, it is also advisable to consider the payout percentage of the game as well because players can draw an important conclusion based on this valuable information.

Baccarat Bet Types

Players have the opportunity to place one of the following bets: the Player, Banker, and the Tie. Depending on their choice, their chances of winning are different. Thus, it is compulsory, prior to playing, to have a look at the odds of each bet in order to be able to choose the best betting option. For instance, the bet that is considered to be their best betting choice is the Banker bet as it offers the lowest house edge. Since this bet has proven to win the most and it is highly favorable for the players, the casinos have imposed a countermeasure – gamblers have to pay a 5% commission, every time the Banker hand has the highest total.

Apart from the three basic bets that can be placed, it is also possible to put a number of side bets. Understandably, the available side bets depend on the variation of the game as well as on the casino. Some of the most famous ones include Dragon Bonus, Panda 8 and Dragon 7, Perfect Pair, and others. It is highly advisable that players get familiar with them beforehand in order to be able to take advantage of them, whenever they are available. This way, they can significantly improve their gaming experience and get even more excitement while playing Baccarat.

The Tie Bet

The Tie Bet payout is 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the casino.

The Player Bet

The Player Bet payout is 1:1.

The Banker Bet

The Banker Bet payout is 1:1 but the casinos gets a 5% commission.

Strategy for Baccarat

Baccarat is a game of chance and as such, the outcome of every coup cannot be influenced or predicted in any way. However, players can make a difference when it comes to their funds and betting choices as they can utilize some useful strategies in order to improve their game. Players should have money management skills as well as solid knowledge about the bets. They can also increase their chances of winning by using some of the popular Baccarat systems such as Paroli, Martingale, The 1-3-4-6 System, Card Counting and others.

In most land-based casinos, Baccarat players are given useful tools such as score cards and pens. Thanks to them, they have the opportunity to keep track of their money and bets much easier and to observe the pattern of the game. How useful these score cards are exactly remains a controversial topic, taking into account the fact that they are provided by the casinos.

Baccarat History

How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat House Edge

Baccarat Bet Types

Baccarat Strategy

Conclusion

Baccarat is a popular casino game that is played by a number of players globally. Thanks to its interesting nature and simple rules, it has become one of the casino classics of all time and as such, it can be found both in brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online. Baccarat enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to play the game at the comfort of their home and even get one of the most realistic feelings while playing online as a number of casinos also offer live baccarat.

Baccarat is also famous for being a high-stakes casino game and as such, it gives its players the chance to win big while having fun. In the past, the game was exclusively offered to only the upper-class members of the society, however, times change and luckily, nowadays, all types of players can enjoy it. In many casinos, it is also possible to find a number of variations of the game that have different betting limits and rules. Baccarat offers a huge diversity when it comes to side bets that enable players to get extremely excited and entertained by taking advantage of some of the additional wagers.