Baccarat is a casino game that is famous all over the world. From beginners to high-stakes players, everyone plays it because of its simple rules, fast game-play and low house edge. You don’t have to do any heavy math or take difficult decisions. Just place your bet, relax, and enjoy the game.
If you also want to play baccarat but don’t understand the basic rules, then this article is specially for you.
How to play Baccarat?
There are only 3 types of bets in Baccarat:
- Bet on Player
- Bet on Banker
- Tie (both equal score)
You just have to decide on whom to bet. After that the game continues on its own. No decision has to be taken like hit or stand in blackjack.
Card Values:
- A = 1 point
- 2 to 9 = face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0 point
Two cards are given. The goal is to get a total close to 9. If the total is 10 or more, only the last digit counts. For example, 7 + 8 = 15, then your score will be 5.
In some situations the third card is also drawn, but that happens on the basis of fixed rules. The player does not have to decide anything.
Betting Options and House Edge
The special thing about baccarat is its low house edge, meaning the casino’s advantage is quite low if you place the right bet.
Win Chances:
- Banker wins: 50.68%
- Player wins: 49.32%
- Tie: 9.5%
The banker wins a little more, so the casino takes a 5% commission on his win. If the tie has an 8:1 or 9:1 payout, the risk is high.
House Edge:
- Banker: 1.06%
- Player: 1.24%
- Tie: 4.85%–14.36% (depends on payout)
Different Variations of Baccarat
Here are some common variations of Baccarat that you will find in online and offline casinos:
- Punto Bank
Most common version
Based entirely on chance, you don’t have to do anything
- Mini Baccarat
Small table, quick rounds
Perfect for beginners
- Chemin de Fer / Baccarat Banque
More strategic variations
Mostly popular in Europe
Players can take some dishes
- Speed Baccarat
Fast gameplay (under 30 seconds)
High-energy
- Lightning Baccarat
Multipliers and special payout
More Thrill
Best Baccarat Playing Strategy
Your decisions don’t play much of a role in Baccarat, but there are some smart tips that can help you:
- Flat Betting – bet the same amount every round
- Avoid Progressive Betting – like the Martingale system (in which the bet is doubled every time), because it is risky
- Mostly bet on the banker – statistically it is the best option
- Take roadmaps lightly – charts like Big Road or Bead Plate only provide visual aid, they do not predict outcome
- Most importantly: control your bankroll. Don’t chase too much when you lose. Don’t be overconfident even when you win.
Baccarat in Online Casinos
These days the craze for baccarat has increased in online casinos. Live dealers, fast games and multiple table options have made this game even more popular.
- Providers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play are bringing new versions
- Real-time stats, side bets and VIP tables are available
- Can be played on both mobile and desktop
- There are options for everything from micro stakes to high rollers
Baccarat has now become an important part of the live casino world along with blackjack and roulette.
