The classic game of Baccarat, a game both loved and feared by casinos and betting houses all over the world. A simple enough game that manages to capture almost everything people love about gambling - whether you’re playing online or with friends.
Card games and gambling have grown in popularity worldwide and with the rise of online gambling – there is no better time to jump in and enjoy!
While the game’s name might make you think of an ancient game of untold complexity that requires a PHD to understand - this couldn’t be further from the truth! It is a very simple game, and you’ll be up to scratch in no time!
With that being said, let’s get started on the basics of Baccarat.
How to play Baccarat
Fortunately for those of us who like to relax while gambling, Baccarat is a game of pure chance! All the betting takes place before the round begins. Meaning that the player can sit back & relax while sipping on a martini with friends – because this isn’t a game that relies on hard study and laser-focus.
There are just three possible bets to place. You can either bet on: ‘Player’, ‘Banker’ or on a ‘Tie’.
You are placing a bet on which hand you think is going to be closest to ‘9’.
After kissing your lucky charm and placing your chips on one of the previously mentioned bets, the dealer will deal out one hand for both, ‘Player’ and ‘Banker’, you win or lose according to your bet (or the power of your lucky charm).
If both dealt hands end up being the same, a player who bet on ‘Tie’ would win the round.
‘Player’ and ‘Banker’ are fairly equal chances of winning, Tie has a much lower chance of winning, happening just 9.6% of the time.
Understanding your cards
The dealer will explain pretty much everything to you as the game progresses. Which means you can pay zero attention to the current round and still come out on top – but where would be the fun in that?
For most Gamblers, the fun comes from the thrill, and if you don’t know if you should be thrilled, you’re likely to get bored of Baccarat in just a few rounds.
Thankfully, calculating a hand is very easy. All ‘face cards’ (Jack, Queen, King) and tens have a value of zero. Numbered cards match their written value, and an Ace has a value of one.
Betting options for Baccarat
The betting options are incredibly simple.
You can either bet on – Banker, Player or Tie.
The house is automatically acting as the banker in all games and has a slight advantage over the Player – but also has to pay a 5% commission at the end of the game.
What’s the payout for Baccarat?
‘Payout’ refers to how much money a player will gain for winning a round.
The pay-outs are fairly consistent amongst all online and in-person casinos worldwide.
Typically, the pay-out for both Player and Banker is 1:1.
The pay-out for the much rarer ‘Tie’ is 8:1 – higher risk with greater reward.
Is Baccarat popular in the USA?
Despite finding its origins in late medieval Europe and becoming a staple casino game in much of Asia - Baccarat is becoming very popular in the United States.
It emigrated to the USA in the 1950s, when the Vegas Casinos first began cropping up. With American’s enjoying the simple pleasure that the game brings. It is typically played with the Punto Banco ruleset.
Advanced rules of Baccarat
The third card rule
As previously mentioned, Baccarat is not a hands-on experience. You are in the safe hands of your dealer, who will announce your winnings and losings. Though, if a comprehensive understanding is what you’re after, understanding the third card rule is a must.
The third-card rule decides if ‘Player’ or ‘Banker’ must pick up an additional card. The rules are different for both.
Player:
If the Player hand has a total of 8 or 9 – no more cards are drawn (this is known as a ‘natural’).
If the Player hand has a total of 6 or 7 – no more cards are drawn (this is known as a ‘stand’).
If the Player hand has a total of 5 or less – a third card is drawn.
If the Player hand has a total of 10 – a third card is drawn.
Banker:
If the Banker hand has a total of 7 or higher – no more cards are drawn.
If the Banker hand has a total of 2 or less – a third card is drawn.
If the Banker hand has a total of 3 – a third card is drawn if Player’s third card is not an 8.
If the Banker hand has a total of 4 – a third card is drawn if the Player’s third card is not a 0, 1, 8 or a 9.
If the Banker hand has a total of 5 – a third card is drawn if the Player’s third card is a 4, 5, 6 or a 7.
If the Banker hand has a total of 6 – a third card is drawn if the Player’s third card is a 6 or a 7.
Best tips and strategies for playing real money Baccarat
The Banker’s advantage
Betting on the banker’s hand to win will have a slight advantage. The Banker’s hand will win 45.8% of the time, with the Player’s hand winning 44.6% of the time – doesn’t sound like a huge difference. But, when we factor out the chance of a Tie (9.6%), the Banker hand wins 51% of the time!
Before you run-off to the Baccarat table, ready to put your lifesavings on ‘Banker’, it is important to note that betting on the Banker’s hand leads to having to pay a 5% commission.
Avoid betting on Tie
When playing with real money, most Baccarat Pro’s argue that its best to avoid betting on Tie. This is because Tie wins only 9.6% of the time, some players like to take the added risk to claim the 8:1 payout odds – but it is probably best avoided. The house edge of a bet on Tie is 14.36% - slot machines are 5 – 10%.
Know your limits
While not quite as difficult as being in an actual casino, where free booze can blur your sense, it is important to set a limit for yourself when gaming.
Even something as simple as having a maximum amount of money that you are prepared to gamble with every session. Regardless of winning and losing, you need to stick to that amount – no matter what!
Alternatively, if positive thinking is more your thing, have a maximum you’ll be prepared to win. And don’t stop until you reach that amount.
Where to play Baccarat online
Finding a trustworthy online casino is vitally important before you start betting on real money.
There is no better place to jump in and start earning real money than SlotsLV. It is one of the premiere providers of dozens of casino and gambling games.
Even if you’re a complete newbie! The practice tables are a perfect place to find your footing – without spending a single penny.
Tips for online Baccarat
When jumping into the world of online gambling, it is important to know that you’re in safe hands – Slots.LV has been in business for over ten years.
Still, it helps to have a few handy tips before you go racing off to potential riches!
Practice makes perfect
One of the great things about online casinos are their propensity towards letting players practice playing games with no money, before jumping into the real money pool.
Slots.LV is no exception. It can be important to get a few rounds under your belt before you jump into your first games.
Both ‘Classic Baccarat’ and ‘Baccarat’ feature practice modes – the difference between the games we will go over a bit later.
Different Baccarat strategies
Though Baccarat is a game of chance, throughout the ages, there have been different playstyles for attempting to maximise your earnings. From renaissance Italy to the modern day – here are just a few.
The 3-Step Paroli System
Despite it sounding like an incredibly efficient system for making pasta, the Paroli system has been a favourite method of betting since the days of Leonardo Da Vinci.
While not quite as advanced as some of the things old’ Da Vinci was working on, it certainly has its place in your gambling arsenal.
Essentially you start with a bet (let’s say $20), if you were to bet on Banker or Player and you won, you would have $40.
You then bet your $40 in the hopes of gaining double the money again.
If at any time you fail to double your money you go back to your base betting amount.
You’re only trying to double your money three times (get to $160) and then you go back to your base amount of $20 and put your winnings aside.
The martingale system
From Italy to France, it is time to cast our minds forward to 18th century France. Where an especially clever maths professor introduces a new strategy for gambling.
This strategy seems to work best for the high-rollers or those willing to wager with more money, but it doesn’t take a maths professor to figure it out.
This is a strategy of loyalty, of backing your bet until you see a win.
If you bet $10 on player, if you lose, you don’t jump ship and bet on banker. You double your next bet on player and keep doubling until you win.
After a win, you revert back to your original bet.
By betting more, you eventually receive a win and can cover your losses, while also showing how loyal you are. A win-win!
What are the different versions of Baccarat?
There are 3 popular versions to play – all with slightly different rules.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is probably the most popular version.
It is played with 8 decks of cards and follows the same rules outlined in this beginners guide.
Chemin De Fur
This beautiful sounding variation originated in France (obviously), where it is still the most popular variation.
It is similar to the previous variation - though, it does not follow a casino system and has a few key differences.
This means that instead of the casino dealer being the ‘Banker’, it is designated by the other players, with the Banker also acting as the dealer.
At the start of every round, the designated Banker will wager the amount of chips or currency he is willing to wager.
The rest of the table will then go in order and decide if they want to match the wager and bet against the Banker.
If all the players decide they don’t want to wager against the Banker (a risky move if the banker is feeling confident), the game is then played similarly to the Punto Banco variation with each player betting an amount of their choosing.
The designated Banker can withdraw from being the Banker and it falls upon the next player in order.
Baccarat Banque
Our third and final variation of Baccarat is Banque - It shares much of the same DNA as the previous two variations with a few differences.
Unlike in Chemin De Fur, it is far more rigid in who is acting as the Banker.
It features three decks of cards and the designated Banker deals all of the cards until the game’s completion.
The Banker sits in the middle of an oval table with players on either side of him.
He will deal three cards to the players nearest on the left and right of him.
The nearest player (on right and left) of the banker will play until they lose, in which case, the next cards will be dealt to the player next to them – trickling down like a waterfall on either side.
What variation of Baccarat does Slots.LV offer?
Though, the different variations of Baccarat may seem to be quite complicated – there is nothing to fear!
Slots.LV, like most online casinos in the western world, only offer the Punto Banco variation on their online games.
It is by far the easiest to pick up and play with no prior knowledge.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is Baccarat a game of luck or skill?
It's typically a game of luck, however by implementing some tried and tested strategies you can increase your chances of coming out on top.
Which bet wins most frequently in Baccarat?
There is a slightly higher chance that Banker wins the round (45.8%), however there is a 5% commission for a winning bet on the banker.
Can you play Baccarat online for real money?
Yes, you can play online for real money and it is growing in popularity. Slots.LV is a great site for jumping in and exploring the world of online Baccarat.
What is the trick to Baccarat?
There is no ‘trick’ to success, and it is usually a game of chance – however betting on the Banker and following well-tested betting strategies can improve your chances greatly.
What is the pay-out on Baccarat?
When betting on either: ‘Player’ or ‘Banker’ - the payout is 1:1 When betting on ‘Tie’ – the payout is 8:1
What is the value of different hands in Baccarat?
Jack, Queen, King and ‘10’ = a value of 0 Ace = a value of one Numbered cards (1-9) = match their written value
Are there formal strategies for winning at Baccarat?
Yes, there are numerous strategies for improving your chances of success at Baccarat: • The Paroli System • The Martingale System • The Labouchere System
What are the different Variations of Online Baccarat?
There are three main variations: • Punto Banco • Chem De Furs • Banque Punto Banco is the most popular variation of the game in both online and in-person casinos.
Can you practice Baccarat online?
Yes, you can practice online before you are willing to jump into your first game. Slots.LV has practice rooms on their two Baccarat games, that will get you up to speed in no time!