Baccarat rules and card values
The game may somewhat resemble Blackjack, as some Baccarat rules are almost identical:
- There are two betting sides – the player and the bank. Winnings for the player are paid out standardly, but winnings for betting on the bank are paid out with a 5% fee (rake).
- Points are given by all cards according to their numerical value (2 gives 2 points, 3 gives 3, and so on), except for T, J, Q, K, as these give no points. Aces give 1 point.
- If the total points of the drawn cards exceed 9, then the right digit of the two-digit number is considered the point total (for example, if 6 and 7 are drawn, making 13, then 3 is the point total).
- The dealer draws two cards each for the player and the bank. If neither side gets 8 or 9, cards are drawn according to additional rules (described at the bottom of the article).
- Neither the player nor the bank receives more than 3 cards.
- The game is played with 6-8 decks of cards, which are shuffled when a certain number of unused cards remain. This amount is usually determined by the casino.
Where is the best place to play Baccarat?
How to play Baccarat?
Baccarat additional card drawing
Choosing the player's position:
The player's hand is always played first. After revealing the cards, the dealer announces their total out loud and only then reveals the bank's card total.
If the player's card total is 6, 7, 8, or 9, then a third card is not given, but if the player's position cards total between 0 and 5, then an additional card is revealed. In all cases where the card total is higher than the bank's, it is considered a win.
In cases where the total is lower – a loss. It is possible that the totals will be the same, in which case a tie is declared.
Choosing the bank's position:
- The bank is required to take a third card if the total is 0, 1, or 2, and the player does not have a total of 8 or 9.
- If the bank's total is 3 and the player does not have 8, a third card is also dealt.
- If the bank's card total is 4, a third card is dealt if the player does not receive a third card or if the player's third card total is between 2 and 7.
- A third card is dealt if the bank has 5 and the player does not receive a third card, or if the player's third card is between 4 and 7.
- A third card is dealt if the bank has 6 only when the player's third card is 6 or 7.
- The bank always plays with two cards if their total is 7, 8, or 9.
- The bank always plays with two cards if their total is 7, 8, or 9.
Above is a simplified version of the drawing rules: S – stand, H – hit.
One of the advantages of this game is its simplicity in betting, and the winning conditions resemble Blackjack. The easiest part is that you don't need to remember the intricacies of drawing the third card, as the dealer will take care of both the point calculation and the card drawing. You just need to have fun at the tables, place bets, and of course, win.
Baccarat winnings
In this game, you can risk both large and small amounts. Your winnings, of course, depend on the bet.
When betting that the player or the bank will win, the ratio is almost always 1:1, except when betting that the bank will win, the casino takes a 5% commission fee.
If you bet on a tie, the ratio is usually 9:1. For those betting on player or bank pairs (the first two cards are the same in rank, e.g., two kings, two sixes, two sevens, etc.), the ratio is usually set at 12:1.
If you bet on a perfect pair, i.e., the first two cards are the same in both suit and rank, e.g., two hearts queens, two spades eights, etc., the payout is 25:1.
Remember that different casinos set different payout ratios. In Baccarat, the optimal house edge is only 1.14%, which is one of the lowest compared to other casino games.
Baccarat online
Today, you can try Baccarat in almost all casinos in Asia, America, Canada, and Europe. However, this game is becoming increasingly popular in online casinos, where initial bets can be very small or very large.
You can play in many online casinos, but before starting, you should always carefully choose the right website and software, as conditions and offers often vary.
Here are some criteria to pay attention to when playing Baccarat online:
- Gambling license. Often the country where it is issued is not critically important, but the license must exist. Otherwise, the player risks getting into various problems, sometimes even difficulties withdrawing money from the account.
- The number and quality of tables. Since the game is very popular, many larger online casinos will have at least a few game tables, sometimes with different formats or betting limits.
- Explanation of rules and bets. Every player-oriented casino provides brief but detailed explanations of the game rules and types and amounts of bets.
- Probabilities and house edge. Often when playing card games, the house edge and the probabilities of winning bets are indicated.
- RNG (Random Number Generator) license. When playing online live, an RNG license is not necessary, as the player sees the dealer drawing the cards. In other cases, it is always necessary to check whether independent auditors have certified that the online casino uses a fair card dealing system.
- Privacy and security policy. Online casinos must ensure user safety and privacy – technical updates and methods of doing so are usually announced on the main page.
- Payment methods and quantity. The best online casinos have many different ways to both deposit and withdraw money from the account. Payment options indicate that the casino maintains good business relationships with other companies and is considered reliable.
Playing Baccarat online and betting smaller amounts will give you more practice, help you understand the rules, and perhaps develop your strategy to become a winning player.
When it comes to strategy, many tend to say that theoretically, the bank's chances of winning are only slightly higher, precisely because the third card is drawn considering the player's cards.
Remember, this is still a gambling game, where through experienced emotions, you can incur more expenses than profits. If you haven't played Baccarat online or live, Pokeriomokykla.com offers these online casinos with the best conditions and offers.
Baccarat online and baccarat in casino salons: what to choose?
Online Baccarat
✅ Advantages
- Convenience. Play anytime and anywhere.
- Variety. More game options.
- Bonuses. Bonuses and promotions.
- Lower bets. More affordable betting options.
- Privacy. Play anonymously.
❌ Disadvantages
- Less social. Lacks the atmosphere and interaction of a physical casino.
- Technical issues. Requires a stable internet connection.
- Trust. Finding reliable sites can be challenging.
- Cashout: Withdrawal processing time can take a while.
Baccarat in casino salons
✅ Advantages
- Atmosphere. Engaging and social environment.
- Immediate payouts. Winnings are paid out immediately.
❌ Disadvantages
- Inconvenience. Requires travel and adherence to dress codes.
- Higher costs. Higher minimum bets and additional expenses.
- Crowds: Noisy environment. Busy tables and noisy surroundings.
- Limited options. Fewer game variations.
History of Baccarat
Exact historical records about Baccarat emerged only in the 19th century, making it almost impossible to determine its origin, but it is believed that its beginnings could have appeared in Ancient Rome. The game most similar to the current one likely originated in 15th century Italy, as this country is considered the birthplace of almost all card games.
Later, at the end of the 15th century, this game became very popular in France. The first versions were played quite differently – there were more betting methods, more cards were drawn for a larger number of players, and there were two different versions of the game.
Later, it moved from France to America, where it was played according to the rules created in France. A bit later, in South America, the game changed significantly, as other players were eliminated, leaving only the casino house (bank) and the player. The version of Baccarat played now is almost identical to the then South American “Punto Banco”.
