For many years casino games have been a major source of entertainment for numerous people around the world. While nowadays online and mobile casino have contributed to the change in the industry, there are still some players who enjoy the classy feel of table games. When we are talking about traditional casino games, it is impossible not to mention baccarat.
This game was known as a favorite of aristocrats and as it slowly started gaining popularity in different countries, many people enjoyed the card game. Baccarat has earned itself the reputation of a game for high-rollers. Soon, the game became very popular among James Bond fans and it appeared in many books and movies which were portraying fictional characters as classy casino players.
While it is true that baccarat was considered a game strictly suitable to high-roller, nowadays, everyone can play the game. The fact that online casinos have also become a popular way to gamble, contributed to the launching of different virtual baccarat variations which can fit the preferences of both big players and casino fans who enjoy less risky stakes.
If you are also interested in the game and you would like to learn more about its rules, you can start by learning about the table layout. This will help you to recognize the baccarat table at land-based gambling facilities and will have a better understanding of the different betting options. In addition to that, you will be able to differentiate the various types of baccarat tables and will have an easy time playing both online and at physical casinos.
Sections of The Baccarat Table
Whether you are approaching the baccarat pit in a brick-and-mortar casino or you have joined a gaming site, you will be able to pick a table with betting limits that will suit your bankroll. Generally speaking, the layout of baccarat tables is all the same but there might be some tweaks in the design or the position of the playing sections.
Despite the differences in baccarat tables, you will always have two sections which will be named “BANK” and “PLAYER”. You may come across tables that accept up to 24 players or the number can be lower. No matter how many players are joining the game, however, you will notice that the seat with number 13 is nowhere to be seen. This is due to the negative connotations of the number considered unlucky. The baccarat table is comprised of two identical halves, each of which displays the sections that correspond to the seats of players.
One of the sections on the table is for the caller. This is the dealer who follows the game and calls out each move. Since the caller is well aware of the gaming rules, he/she will also announce when a hit is supposed to be done or when a certain hand has to stand. It is this particular dealer’s duty to also announce the winners and collect commissions. Thanks to the caller, you will be able to keep a track of the game. In addition to that, players often can ask to be provided with a pad and a pen in order to be able to follow the winning tendencies in the game.
In front of the caller, there are cash slots where players place their money in order to buy-in. Between the slots, there is also a place designated for the cards that have already been used in the game. If we assume that you have sat on seat 7, your bets will be placed either on the “Players” or “Bankers” section on the 7th position. Since in baccarat players can also choose to bet that the next hand will end in a tie, they can put their bet in the center of the table layout, where the “Tie” section usually is marked. You will also notice that the payout of 8 to 1 is displayed in the “Tie” betting section.
You will notice that in front of the caller, there is a section with numbers which coincides with the numbers of seats on the table. This is the so-called commission section and it is handled only by the caller. Every time players win their bet on “Bankers” they owe the house a commission of 5%. Whenever they win a hand, either on “Bankers” or “Players” they are paid even money. However, whenever the winning bet was made on “Bankers”, the caller places a 5% chip on the commission section of the table, right on the number denoting the seat of the winner.
How to Settle on the Baccarat Table
As you approach the baccarat pit, you will be greeted by one of the house dealers who are in charge of each side of the table. You will be handled chips by the house dealer on your respective side and you will be ready to play. During the game, you will also be able to exchange money for chips thanks to the house dealer. It can be said that the main job of house dealers is to help players with their baccarat affairs. In addition to the exchange of money for chips, this type of dealers will also pay off your bets, keep a track of the commission you owe every time you win a bet on “Bank” and will also help you stay on top of your markers which is the money drawn on your credit.
When you play, you will notice that each baccarat table also has a supervisor who is in charge of keeping a track of every move in the game. He or she has to always stay alert and report any issue to the shift supervisor. You will also see that casinos use security cameras which help the casino security staff to monitor the course of the game.
Once you have exchanged your cash for chips and have joined the table, you may greet the other players by nodding your head. The play will be paused for a bit until your money is taken and replaced with piles of chips which are then placed in front of you by the head dealer on your side. An announcement by the caller will prompt players to place their bets and after a brief moment, the caller will notify that there are no more bets allowed.
Before you join a baccarat table, it is important to know the rules you will be playing with. Another key point of the etiquette that players must keep in mind is to never join the table at an inappropriate time. This would mean taking a seat while the previous game is still ongoing. There are some cases when players might be invited to join the table while the game is still being played. Although it is okay to accept the invitation and take a seat, you should not attempt to place bets or try to distract the other players.
Another important thing is to pay your commission when you leave the table. Forgetting to pay what you owe the house is quite embarrassing. There is a reason why baccarat is considered a game for high-rollers and a part of the good etiquette includes tipping the dealers. A 25% tip is what is considered as a good tip but it is entirely up to you to decide how much you would actually tip the dealers.
If you are joining a Big Baccarat table, you are advised to dress up nicely as you may not be allowed to play if you are not wearing the proper casino attire. In some cases, players may be asked to handle the shoe which essentially means that they will be dealing the cards to the other players. Usually, the player who has placed the biggest wager is given the shoe, or it is passed around those who have joined the table. There is nothing wrong with declining to handle the shoe but make sure to do it politely.
Different Baccarat Table Layouts
Once you have learned all the basic sections of baccarat tables, you will have an easy time playing any variation of the game. Since it depends where do you play the game, its size may differ which will impose slight changes in the layout of the table. Playing online will also present you with an altered look of the classic table. This being said, you will always have all the key elements of baccarat somewhere on the table.
Big Table Layout
Usually, big tables allow either 12 or 14 players to join the game at the same time. If you choose to play at a brick-and-mortar casino, chances are, you will find a full-size baccarat table. Despite the fact that the big tables can be easily found at land-based casinos, you will not come across them while roaming around the rest of the table games. This is due to the fact that full-size baccarat tables are intended for the high-rollers and the game can be found at a secluded area, away from the rest casino games. The players who join Big Table Baccarat are usually dressed to the nines.
The middle part of the table is designated for the caller and this is why there is a u-shaped cut. Based on the betting possibilities at the beginning of the game, there are three betting sections on the table, as well as three different dealers (a caller and two house dealers) that run the game.
The Big Table Baccarat often has high betting limits which may range between $50 and $100,000 or even higher. This type of baccarat table has two sides which look almost the same, representing the betting sections for each seat on the table. There is a house dealer in charge of each side of the table, while a third one (caller) seats in the middle where is the u-shaped cut.
Although there are different variations of baccarat, it is the Big Table Layout which is most suitable for high-rollers who enjoy playing with bigger stakes and embark on a more thrilling movie-like gambling experience.
In addition to the standard full-sized table, there is also a Big Baccarat version with two dealers and a table in a slightly different shape. There is also a midi-baccarat which is very similar to the full-sized one but allows lower betting limits and can fit only 9 players.
Mini Baccarat Table Layout
While back in the day baccarat was considered a game suitable only for high-rollers, thanks to Mini Baccarat, even those who make smaller bets will be able to enjoy the fun the casino classic provides. The more reasonable betting options of Mini Baccarat have made the game quite popular among both high-rollers and regular players. When you play mini baccarat, you will come across betting limits which usually vary between $5 and $25.
The Mini Baccarat table can host up to 7 players. Just like the name of the game suggests, the size of the table is a lot smaller in this baccarat variation. The caller yet again runs the game from the middle part of the table. Next to him/her is the rack with betting chips as well as the commission section with 7 positions corresponding to the players who have joined the game.
The rules of Mini Baccarat are similar to the ones used in American Baccarat, however, the semi-circle shape of the table has placed the players and the caller facing each other. The betting sections “Player” and “Banker” are marked on the players’ side of the table.
Even while playing Mini Baccarat, you will clearly see the three different betting sections marked on the table layout, in front of each player on the table. The betting option which is the closest to the caller is the one that allows placing chips on “Tie”. The next section is the one that indicates the “Banker” bets, while the section right in front of every seat on the table, allows betting on “Player”.
The strict dress code that needs to be met at Big Baccarat tables is not an issue when it comes to Mini Baccarat. This is why a lot of players feel a lot more comfortable playing this game, as they will not be judged this harshly about their clothing choices. If you feel like the full-sized table is way too pretentious for you, try Mini Baccarat which is perfect for players who are not willing to play with way too risky bets and dress up just so they can seat on the table.
Online Baccarat Table Layout
As virtual casinos have become a new trend among gambling enthusiasts around the world, gaming diversity is constantly increasing. This is why baccarat can be found at numerous casino sites where fans of the game can enjoy their virtual betting.
The tables that you will come across online, resemble the layout of Mini Baccarat. This means that the betting table is a lot smaller and the fact that you are the only player, makes the compact size more convenient. You will yet again have the three betting sections in front of you, the “Player” one being the closest one to you, followed by the “Banker” and the “Tie” furthest from you. There is also the payout for “Tie” usually displayed on the table felt. Depending on the baccarat variation you have chosen, you might also be able to place a side bet. If this is a possibility, you will clearly see the additional betting section on the baccarat table.
One of the reasons why many players enjoy playing baccarat is the fact that they can pick a variation which suits their bankroll perfectly. This way they do not have to refrain from playing just because they cannot make high bets.
In addition to games with wonderful graphics and sound effects, gaming developers started working a brand new variation of online baccarat. Thanks to the fairly new industry of Live Casinos, players have the chance to stay in the comfort of their own homes and still play with a real professional dealer. Thanks to numerous Live Casino studious around the world, gambling aficionados enjoy an authentic baccarat experience with a set and tables that resemble the ones at top-class brick-and-mortar casinos. The tables are yet again dedicated to one player at a time and there is just a single dealer, with a table layout resembling the one of Mini Baccarat.
At many interactive casinos, there is also a live dealer version of Dragon Tiger which is another interesting variation of baccarat. If you decide to play the game, you will notice that you can bet either on Tiger or Dragon and each of the sides can draw just a single card. The table layout is very similar to Mini Baccarat but instead of “Banker” and “Player”, you will see betting sections with the words “Dragon” and “Tiger”. Betting on a “Tie” is also an option and gives virtual players to enjoy a gripping casino experience.