Baccarat has been a staple game at all the best casinos for years. The rules have changed several times over the years and they are still developing. This means there are lots of variants and exciting twists. We’ve covered everything you need to know about Baccarat.
Baccarat is a card game that began in France or Italy in the 1400s. The name Baccarat comes from the Italian word baccara which means zero. The card game is played at a table with a standard 52-card deck. Depending on the version of Baccarat being played, up to 14 players can play at any one time.
In baccarat, bets are placed before the cards are dealt with because cards are immediately dealt face-up. You can choose to bet on the dealer’s hand, a player’s hand, or a draw. Winning a bet placed on a player or on the dealer pays out 1-1. However, the dealer may take a small commission. Wins placed on a draw pay out an awesome 8-1.
Once bets are placed, each player receives two cards from the dealer. The values of each card are;
From 2-9: face value, 2 is 2, 3 is 3, etc.
10, Jack, Queen, and King: zero
Ace: 1
The aim of the game is to get a score as close to 9 as possible. If you are dealt two cards with a combined value over 9, your score becomes the second digit of the total. So, if you are dealt a 6 and a 7, the total is 13 so your score becomes 3. The winner is the hand which is closest to 9.
If no hand is equal to either 8 or 9, a third card can be drawn. This is where the rules vary depending on which version you play.
Baccarat is often considered a game of luck as bets are placed before any cards are dealt. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t strategies you can use to increase your chances.
Tip 1: Betting on the dealer is the best strategy. However, as with most games, when the odds are stacked, the winnings are less. Your first bet should always be on the dealer.
Tip 2: The dealer will win just over 50% of the time, so when you notice a winning streak, you can up your bets on the dealer. Chances are, they will keep winning for a while.
Tip 3: If you notice yourself losing more than you are winning; walk away. Taking a break for a minimum of half an hour can change your mindset and help get you back in the game.
Tip 4: Avoid the tie bet. The tie bet has the best winning odds, 8 to 1. However, the chances of a draw happening are so low, it makes it almost impossible to win.
There are two main variants of traditional baccarat played in most online casinos. They are:
Punto Banco: Punto Banco is the most simplified version of the game. The rules are standard across all casinos and players can bet on the player, the dealer, or a draw.
Chemin de Fur: In Chemin de Fur, the dealer will change every time he loses. Additionally, the player always plays with the player’s hand and tries to beat the dealer. The dealer will choose the stakes each round with the hopes he doesn’t lose.
Most casinos offer the standard game of baccarat but some offer multiple variations. The best online casinos in the UK for baccarat are:
Betway Casino: Betway offers a wide range of baccarat games from the simple to the most complex. There are lots of fast-paced options for you to win money quickly.
888: 888 has several variants of Baccarat as well as offering live streams of tables. You also get a £200 bonus just for joining.
Grosvenor Casino: Grosvenor casino offers a beautiful design with a sleek playing style. It’s easy-to-use and has a huge range of table card games including baccarat.
Casimba: Casimba is fun and quick. It offers lots of choices for baccarat players with great bonuses for regular players and big winners.
Yeti Casino: With over 400 games and a pay-out time of just one day, Yeti is very popular with Baccarat players. With great graphics, Yeti brings the excitement of the casino to you.
Baccarat has been a popular game for hundreds of years and it isn’t going anywhere. Easy-to-learn, quick and sociable to play, Baccarat is a firm favorite. And it’s easy to see why. So, now you know how to play, and how to stack the baccarat casino odds in your favor, why not give it a go yourself? Let’s play casino baccarat online!
