An Intriguing Game with no Skill Required
Baccarat (meaning zero in Italian) is one of the oldest and easiest games to play in an online casino. The game has been played in Italy since the 1300’s and become popular when introduced as a classy and intriguing game through the James Bond film franchise. There are many reasons why it remains an increasingly sought-after feature of casinos. Baccarat at an online casino is an excellent game for beginners mainly because there are no complicated rules to learn. A player has only a few basic decisions to make, how much to bet and what to bet on.
No skill or special knowledge is needed and when the game is in play, no big decisions have to be made. The casino croupier does all the work and implements the rules which govern the game. It is also possible for complete novices to baccarat in casino online to play as well as a player with many years experience. Baccarat is a game of pure luck and chance and has a very low house advantage of only 1.06% on the banker bet.
Choosing a Casino that Offers Online Baccarat
Playing casino baccarat online is popular among Asian gamblers and you don’t need to try too hard to find an entertaining version on the internet. In deciding where to play, think first about the type of game you want to play. There are different versions available for all kinds of players. High-limit and live dealer games are plentiful for those looking for an intense thrilling experience, or perhaps a low buy-in game is preferred to ease your way into the action.
Do you want side bets for the chance of bigger wins and what type of device will you be using to play? These are all relevant questions to consider when choosing a good place to play Baccarat. Many of the established casinos can cater for all preferences. A selection of the best online casinos offering different versions of Baccarat can be found here. These casinos have been vetted to high standards to ensure you get the best baccarat experience possible online.
Don’t know the Rules? No Problem! You Can Still Be a Winner in This Game
The aim of Baccarat is to guess the winning result out of three possible outcomes. Either the ‘Player Hand’ or the ‘Banker Hand’ will win while betting on a ‘Tie’ is also an option. The hand which is closest to the number 9 wins.
| CARD | VALUE |
|---|---|
| ACE | 1 |
| 2-9 | FACE VALUE |
| 10, JACK, QUEEN, KING | 0 |
To start playing an online casino baccarat game, the player must first decide how much they want to bet and then choose whether to bet on the ‘Player’, the ‘Banker’ or bet on a ‘Tie’. Two cards are dealt to the ‘Player’ and ‘Banker’ face up. If the sum of either set of cards equals 8 or 9 this is called a ‘natural’ and automatically wins with number 9 being the highest value card. No card value can be greater than 9, so if the total sum of the hand is more than 9 the first digit must be subtracted and the second digit is the value of the hand.
EXAMPLE 1: 6 +7 = 13 (The first digit 1 is removed and the value of the hand = 3)
If a natural is not dealt after the first two cards then a third card may be dealt to the ‘Player’ first and then the ‘Banker’. The hand values are added up and one closest to 9 wins. If the two hands are of equal value, then the game is a tie.
EXAMPLE 2:
Player: A + 3 + 4 = 8 (Player wins)
Banker: K + 2 + 4 = 6
Neither the players nor dealer decide whether a third card is to be drawn. The dealer will deal the third card(s) in accordance with the rules which govern the game. There is no necessity for a player to learn these rules.
| Third Card Rule Summary | MUST DRAW CARD | OPTIONAL | MUST STAND |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAYER | 0-5 | – | 6-9 |
| BANKER | 0-2 | 3-6 | 7-9 |
- *If an 8 or 9 hit by either player on two cards (natural) both hands must stand
Play the Odds and Hope to Get Lucky
In an online baccarat casino, the house will always have an edge over the player and the only way to win is to take the smart bet and hope for the best. There is no strategy that will reduce the house advantage. Some players keep track of the winning sequences in order to anticipate a good run of cards while others might try a betting system such as ‘the Martingale’. Either way, you run the risk of losing money quickly using these methods.
Winners Return and Casino Advantage Chart (Punto Banco)
| WINNER | WIN RETURN | HOUSE ADVANTAGE | WIN RATE PERCENTAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | 1 to 1 | 1.24% | 8 to 1 or 9 to 1 |
| Banker | 1 to 1 | 1.06% | 14.36% |
| Tie | 8 to 1 or 9 to 1 | 14.36% | 9.5% |
- * Casino keeps 5% commission on all winning banker bets
Here are a few tips that may help you maximise winnings:
- Never bet on the ‘Tie’. This high 14% casino advantage should be avoided.
- Always wager the ‘Banker’ bet. A better option even after 5% commission is taken.
- Play Punto Banco and avoid game variations with progressive jackpots and side bets (the house edge can be much higher in these type of games).
- Have a budget and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Don’t buy into betting systems. The house advantage rules.
- Take advantage of casino bonuses and incentives offered.
Experience the Excitement of Live Dealer Baccarat
There are several different versions of baccarat, namely Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Banque. These games are basically the same, the only real differences are in the size of bet a player can make and who gets to deal. Punto Banco is the most common version and the one played in online casinos. It is available in many multiple variations combining side bets and progressive jackpot options. These types of games are generally more popular with players who want the opportunity to win a bigger prize, although be aware that the house advantage tends to be higher in these games.
Live Dealer Baccarat
One interesting variant of the game is live dealer baccarat. Live casino baccarat games can be streamed online giving players the opportunity interact with one another and with a real casino dealer. The live action game is ideally suited to high rollers and players who enjoy the social aspect and drama of baccarat. Common variations of live casino baccarat available include:
- Dragon Bonus: offers side bets.
- Pairs: offers side bets on pairs.
- Progressive jackpot: P.J. side bet available.
- Super6 (Punto2000): Banker wins on 6’s.
Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere – A Game for all Players
Baccarat is a greatly misunderstood game. Many people believe it is difficult to master with complex rules but nothing could be further from the truth. Any player can become an expert at online baccarat casino with very little effort. This game is a great option for players who are not particularly looking for a big win but want to enjoy a steady game where no big decisions need to be made. Real money can be won with a bit of luck and generous odds. For anyone wanting to up the ante, live baccarat and high-stakes games are also available.