Baccarat - Getting Started

How to Play Baccarat Online

In the last four decades, baccarat has become one of the top casino games in the US. Its appeal to gamblers has increased its presence in both online and on land-based casinos.

Why is Baccarat so Popular?

Here are some of the top reasons why baccarat is popular today:

No Complex Strategies

Baccarat does not work with complicated strategies although its complex scoring system might seem confusing at first glance. The game's outcome is partially dependent on your actions, giving players more control than other casino games.

It is Straightforward

The basic principles of getting yourself into the game of baccarat are easy. You just need to learn the fundamental guidelines, and you'll be on the path to becoming an expert.

It is Affordable

The reason why people gamble is to make huge chunks with a few dollars. Consequently, only a few people participate when games require a large sum of money. Baccarat is a game for almost anyone within the legal age of gambling. And you can play for as low as between** $5 and $25 **for each game. Moreover, its low-risk variations at online casinos have recently maintained its popularity.

It is a luck-based game

While mental skills may be a significant advantage for some gamblers in certain casino games, having fate decide your winning may be a thing to consider. Though baccarat's outcome is always unpredictable, its luck-based tag has since increased in popularity amongst casino players.

Great odds of winning

The excellent chances of winning are one of the major reasons baccarat is popular amongst gamblers.

A typically available baccarat wager has a 1.06% of the house edge for a banker bet, 1.24% for a player's hand, and 4.84% or 14.36% for a tie. Because of the low house edge, the banker's bets are often considered the most attractive wager.

Is Online Baccarat Legal in the US?

US gambling laws vary with each state. As of 2023, online baccarat is legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvanias, West Virginia and New jersey. In most other states, online gambling is not specifically legal or illegal. Gambling is however banned in states like Utah.

What are the Different Types of Bets in Baccarat?

On a baccarat table, two major hands are dealt to a player with the highest cumulative, considered the winning hand. However, before cards are dealt, players need to make three possible bets:

• The banker bet
• The player bet
• The tie bet

The banker bet

The banker bet is the best wager option. Since it has a low house edge, it is often regarded as a favorite and the most recommended option to wager. Winnings typically come with a 5% commission. So, in theory, when you win a $100 wager on the Banker bet, you'll officially be going home with $95.

However, the commission price may fluctuate depending on the casino and the variation of the game.

The player bet

Coming in close to the banker bet, the player bet is considered the second best option in baccarat casino games. It has a reasonable house edge compared to the tie bet and, interestingly, has no commission tied to its win.

The tie bet

For this type of wager, you hope the player and the banker have the same points in hand. Though the thriller emotions can be exciting and rewarding, you should know that placing a tie bet is not often the safest play.

What are the Odds in Baccarat?

The banker bet is the best option, with odds of 45.86% to win. The player bet comes in a close second with 44.62% odds of a win. In contrast, the tie bet comes in the rear with 9.52% odds of a win.

The following table lists the house edge, odds, and payouts of the three major bets for a standard eight-deck baccarat game.

New players need to learn more about odds before placing their chips on the table.

What are Baccarat Hand Values

The goal of baccarat is to get a 9 or the number closest to it. Understanding the worth of each card value makes it easier to calculate each hand.

Baccarat cards are summed up using unique rules. Although the goal of this casino game is to get a 9, a ten-digit is taken off automatically if the total number is more than nine. For example, if a player gets a 14, the first number (the tens digit) is subtracted, which in this example would leave the player with a 4 value.

More examples of baccarat hand values:

Ace + 2 = 3

5 + 8 = 13 (the "ten" is subtracted), leaving the player with a 3

2 + 3 = 5

9 + 6 = 15 (the "ten" is subtracted), leaving the player with a 5

3 + 5 = 8

9 + 9 = 18 (the "ten" is automatically removed), which leaves the player with a value of 8

Jack + Ace = 1 (according to baccarat’s card values, 10, Jack and other picture cards are worth zero)

7 + 4 = 11 (the "ten" value is dropped), and your baccarat hand remains 1

What are the Card Values in Baccarat?

There are several ways to play baccarat, but the most critical thing to know in any casino game is to understand the value of each card.

The values of baccarat cards are as follows:

• The Ace card is worth 1.
• The card numbers from 2 to 9 are worth their actual face values in calculations.
• Card number 10 is worth zero.
• The Jack card is worth zero.
• The Queen card is worth zero.
• The King card is worth zero.

What is a Natural Win in Baccarat?

When playing baccarat, a natural win refers to a two-card hand totaling 8 or 9 for either the player or the banker. In simple terms, no more cards are dealt, and the player who hits a 9 or an 8 wins the bet.

What is the 3rd Card in Baccarat?

In baccarat, after the first two cards are dealt to the player and banker with no natural win in view, a subsequent third card may be required. However, drawing this card is dependent on the total value of cards in the player's hands.

Player’s rule:

• If the initial summed-up cards dealt to a player are between 0-5, they are dealt a third card.
• The player does not take on any other card if the two initial card's total is six or seven.
• The player will not need an additional card if the initial two cards sum up a natural win (8 or 9)

Following the player's rule, the banker will only draw a third card if the two initial cards are between 0-5. And will stand if the sum of the two hands is between 6 and 7. However, it becomes more complex, and the following rule sets in:

Banker's rule

• If the card value of a player's third card is a 2 or 3, the banker draws a third when its initial two cards fall within 0-4 and stands with a total between 5-7.
• If the value of a player's third card falls between 4 and 5, the banker draws a third when its initial two cards lie in a range of 0-5 and stand with a total between 6-7.
• If a player's third card is a 6 or 7, the banker draws a third when its initial two cards fall between 0-6 and stands with a total of 7.
• If a player's third card is an 8, the banker draws a third when its initial two cards fall between 0-2 and stands with a total between 3-7.
• If the value of a player's third card is an ace, 10, 9, or any face cards, the banker draws a third when its initial two cards fall between 0-3 and stands with a total between 4-7.

What are the Rules for Playing Baccarat in Person?

Playing baccarat in person means that players would have to leave the comfort of their residence for a retail point. The following steps show how to play baccarat both online and in land-based casinos:

• The dealer calls for all bets to be placed on the table, and participants wager on the banker, player, or a tie.
• Immediately bets are made, cards are dealt with the dealer and the player, each receiving a hand with two cards.
• The player bets on which hand is closer to 9 (natural win) or goes the extra mile to bet on a tie.
• The player and the dealer reveal their cards, and whichever hand totals eight or nine is declared the winner.
• A third card is probably drawn if neither the dealer nor the player's hand makes a natural win.
• The player draws a third card if their initial cumulative card is less than six.
• Like the player, the dealer potentially draws a third card if their initial card total is less than six.
• If the player draws a third card, the dealer automatically follows a set of banker's rules depending on each player's value.
• The dealer announces the winner and distributes cash prices which sometimes attract a 5% commission when the banker’s hand wins.

What are the Rules for Playing Baccarat Online?

Playing baccarat online is similar to playing in brick-and-mortar casinos. However, new players must:

1. Be conversant with baccarat online rules

Knowing the rules for casino games would help you understand how games unfold. So, as a new player, you need to sign up for the beginner level to learn the basic rules. Interestingly today, several online casinos provide a basic version of the game. So it is easy to gather some good tips.

2. Play Free Baccarat Games Online

New Baccarat gamblers must test gambling strategies before applying them to real money games. To achieve this goal, you need to try free baccarat games online.

3. Place wagers wisely

For online baccarat, it is much more than just learning the game's rules. It would be best if you were wise when placing bets since it wholly depends on the size of your bank account. Remember, baccarat is ultimately based on chance. It only makes sense to place your bets based on how much you have to spare.

4. Keep an eye on the odds

Before starting your journey at a new online casino, check that the odds on offer are correct. The basic commission deduction on banker bets is 5% but surprisingly, some casinos charge as much as 25% for the same bet.

5. Play short sessions of online baccarat

Deciding on how many games to play before starting your gaming session online is always an advantage. With this in mind, you are cautious to walk away when the game isn't favorable.

6. Read the terms and conditions of online baccarat

Many online casinos do not list online baccarat in the wagering terms, and you might not get bonus money. So, it is always important for players to check the terms and conditions before making a deposit.

What are some Examples of Baccarat Strategy?

• Focus on the banker bet
• Try to avoid the tie bet
• The Martingale strategy
• The Fibonacci Strategy
• The Paroli Strategy
• The Labouchere Strategy
• The D’Alembert Strategy

What are the Advantages of Playing Baccarat Online?

It can played at home

Playing baccarat at the convenience of your home cannot be underrated. You don't need to search the entire wardrobe to get the perfect tuxedo or dress to play baccarat. Moreover, you set your rules as regards the specific time you've allocated for it. With your smart gadgets handy, baccarat time will always be fun.

Online Wagers are less expensive

For land-based casinos, the wagers allowed on the decks are often outrageous. And only wealthy and experienced players get the opportunity to sit at this table. However, with online baccarat, players can begin with as little as$20 investment.

Extraordinary customer service

Tech support is always available, and complaints are addressed in real time.

Special Discounts

Since there are several competitors in online gambling sites, baccarat players are often treated with care during special events. With these special events, you can enjoy all the enticing discounts online.