Baccarat Table Layout
| Updated: Baccarat Tables and Different Layouts Available to Land-Based and Online Players
If you are a fan of Bond movies, chances are you have seen the iconic 007 character playing baccarat in a secluded area of a classy casino. That said, you probably cannot recall the layout of the table if you have no previous experience playing the card game. We can assure you that there is nothing too complicated about the baccarat table, even though there are several variations of the table layout you may come across. As the card game is available at numerous brick-and-mortar casinos, you can discover several different variations of baccarat across casino floors.
Despite having slightly different layouts, baccarat tables share many similarities. This allows players to adapt easily to any type of table, ensuring a smooth gaming experience with any baccarat variation. As the game has become popular at virtual casinos, one can find different baccarat games at numerous online casinos. Typically, due to the nature of online play, virtual baccarat tables use the Mini Baccarat layout, making the whole betting experience easier and more personal.
No matter where you choose to enjoy your baccarat sessions, understanding the table basics can help you experience equally exciting gameplay both online and offline. If you need help understanding the baccarat table layout, we recommend checking the article we have provided below.
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 suit your bankroll. Generally speaking, the layout of baccarat tables is essentially the same, but there might be minor tweaks in the design or in the position of the betting sections.
Despite the differences among baccarat tables, you will always see two sections named “BANK” and “PLAYER”. You may come across tables that accommodate up to 24 players, but the number of available seats can be much lower. Regardless of how many players join the game, you will notice that seat number 13 is missing because of the negative connotations attached to this unlucky number. The baccarat table is composed of two identical halves, each displaying the sections that correspond to the players’ seats.
One section of the table is reserved for the caller, the dealer who follows the game and announces each move. Because the caller is well aware of the rules, they will also announce when a card should be drawn or when a hand must stand. It is also the caller’s duty to declare the winners and collect commissions. Thanks to the caller, you will be able to keep track of the game. That said, players often ask for a pad and pen so they can note the winning tendencies during the session.
In front of the caller, there are cash slots where players place their money to buy chips. 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 are seated in seat 7, your bets will be placed either in the “Player” or “Banker” section of the 7th position on the table. Because baccarat also allows players to bet on the next coup resulting in a tie, they can put their chips in the center of the layout, where the “Tie” section is usually marked. You will also notice that the payout of 8 to 1 is displayed in the respective “Tie” betting section.
You will notice that in front of the caller there is a section with numbers that correspond to the seats at the table. This is the so-called commission section, which is handled only by the caller. Every time players win their bet on “Banker” they owe the house a commission of 5%. Whenever they win a hand, either on “Banker” or “Player”, they are paid even money. However, when the winning bet is placed on “Banker”, the caller places a 5% chip in 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 in charge of that side of the table. The house dealer on your side will hand you your chips, and you will be ready to play. During the game, you will also have the chance to exchange money for chips by notifying the house dealer. Simply put, the main job of house dealers is to assist players with their baccarat affairs. In addition to exchanging money for chips, this dealer will pay out your winning bets, keep track of the commission you owe each time you win a bet on “Bank”, and 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 monitoring every move. They must stay alert and report any issues to the shift supervisor during the game. You will also see that casinos use security cameras, which help the security staff 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 with a nod. The play will be paused briefly 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 announce that no more bets are allowed.
Before you join a baccarat table, it is important to know the rules you will be playing under. Another key point of etiquette is to never join the table at an inappropriate time. This includes instances when a coup is in progress and players are waiting for the result. There are situations in which players might be invited to join while the game is still being played. Although it is fine to accept the invitation and take a seat, you should not attempt to place bets or distract the players who are currently at the table.
Another important rule is to pay your commission when you leave the table. Forgetting to pay what you owe the house is quite embarrassing. Furthermore, because baccarat is considered a game for high-rollers, good etiquette also includes tipping the dealers. A tip of around 25% is generally considered decent, but it is entirely up to you to decide how much you will actually tip the dealers.
If you are joining a Big Baccarat table, you are advised to dress appropriately, as you may not be allowed to play if you are not wearing the proper casino attire. Another element of baccarat etiquette concerns handling the cards. 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 to those who have joined the table. There is nothing wrong with declining to handle the shoe, but make sure to do so politely.
Different Baccarat Table Layouts
Once you have learned the baccarat table basics, you will have an easy time playing any variation of the game. Since the place where you play matters, the table size may differ, which may impose slight changes to its layout. Playing online will also present a modified look of the classic baccarat table, which should not scare players off. Even if there are minor alterations to the layout, you will still be able to spot all of the key betting elements somewhere on the table.
Big Table Layout
Usually, big tables allow 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. Although big baccarat tables can be found at land-based casinos, you are unlikely to spot them while roaming around the main gaming floor. This is because full-size baccarat tables are typically intended for high-rollers and are therefore located in secluded areas, away from the other casino games. The players who join Big Table Baccarat are usually dressed to the nines, fitting the overall ambience of the game.
The middle part of the table is designated for the caller, which is why there is a U-shaped cut. Corresponding to the three betting possibilities at the start of the game, there are three betting sections on the table, as well as three different dealers (a caller and two house dealers) who run the game.
Big Table Baccarat often features high betting limits, which may range between $50 and $100,000 or even higher. This type of table has two sides that look almost identical, representing the betting sections for each seat. There is a house dealer in charge of each side, while a third dealer (the caller) sits in the middle, where the U-shaped cut is.
Although there are different variations of baccarat, the Big Table layout is most suitable for high-rollers who enjoy wagering larger stakes and seeking a more thrilling, movie-like gambling experience.
In addition to the standard full-sized table, players may also come across the Big Baccarat version, which is run by only two dealers. The shape of the table in Big Baccarat is slightly altered to fit the betting style of the game. Midi Baccarat is another variant of the classic card game, very similar to the full-sized version. However, it offers lower betting limits, and the table can seat only nine players.
Mini Baccarat Table Layout
While baccarat was once considered a game suitable only for high-rollers, thanks to Mini Baccarat even those who prefer smaller bets can enjoy the classic. The more reasonable betting options of Mini Baccarat have made the game popular among both high-rollers and casual players. When you play Mini Baccarat, you will encounter betting limits that usually vary between $5 and $25.
The Mini Baccarat table can host up to seven players, and, as the name suggests, the table itself is much smaller. The caller’s responsibilities remain the same, running the game from the middle part of the table. Next to them is the rack with betting chips, as well as the commission section with seven positions corresponding to the players who have joined the game.
The rules of Mini Baccarat are similar to those used in American Baccarat; however, the semi-circular shape of the table has the players and the caller facing each other. Another layout characteristic is that the “Player” and “Banker” betting sections are marked on the players’ side of the table.
Even when you play Mini Baccarat, you will clearly see the three betting sections marked on the layout in front of each player. The section closest to the caller is for “Tie” bets. The next section is for “Banker” bets, while the section directly in front of every seat allows betting on “Player”.
The strict dress code required at Big Baccarat tables is not an issue with Mini Baccarat. This is why many players feel far more comfortable playing this variation, avoiding the discomfort of having their clothing choices judged. If the full-sized table feels too pretentious for you, try Mini Baccarat, which is perfect for players who prefer less risky bets and do not want to dress up just to take a seat.
Online Baccarat Table Layout
As virtual casinos have become increasingly popular among gambling enthusiasts worldwide, gaming diversity is constantly expanding. This is why baccarat can be found on numerous casino sites where fans of the game can enjoy virtual betting.
The tables that you encounter online resemble the layout of Mini Baccarat. This means that the betting table is much smaller, and because you are the only player, the compact size is more convenient. Once again, you will have three betting sections in front of you: the “Player” section is closest, followed by the “Banker”, with the “Tie” section furthest away. The payout for a “Tie” is usually displayed on the table felt as well. Depending on the baccarat variation you choose, you might also be able to place a side bet. If this feature is available, you will clearly see the additional betting section on the table.
One reason many players enjoy online baccarat is that they can pick a variation that suits their bankroll perfectly. This way, they do not have to refrain from playing simply because they cannot make high bets.
In addition to games with impressive graphics and sound effects, gaming developers have introduced a brand-new variation of online baccarat. Thanks to innovative solutions developed by the live-casino industry, players can stay in the comfort of their own homes and still play with a real professional dealer. With numerous live-casino studios around the world, gambling aficionados can enjoy an authentic baccarat experience with a gaming setup and tables that resemble those at top-class brick-and-mortar casinos. Some VIP tables are dedicated to one player at a time, and there is just a single dealer, with a layout resembling that 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 on either Tiger or Dragon, and each side draws just a single card. The table layout is very similar to Mini Baccarat, but instead of “Banker” and “Player” you will see betting sections labeled “Dragon” and “Tiger”, which are extremely popular with Asian players. Betting on a “Tie” is also possible, while some variations may introduce additional special side-bet options.