Learn how to play Baccarat — one of the most popular online casino games. In this article, you will read about the rules and tips for playing this game. We will introduce you to the existing strategies and variations of Baccarat, as well as answer frequently asked questions. Use our instructions and play for fun or cash — the choice is yours.
What is the Baccarat card game?
Baccarat is a classic casino card game played all over the world. Its origins can be traced back to Italy and France, where only nobles played it and therefore associated it with a game in which people who want to place very high bets can take part. Today, you will find Baccarat in almost any online casino if you want to play it.
How to start playing online Baccarat?
To enjoy Baccarat online, you will need to do a little preparatory work in two stages. Of course, you can go straight to the second stage by skipping the first, but sooner or later you will still have to go through the instructions of the first stage. So we recommend going step by step:
The first stage:
- Learn the rules of the game at casino Baccarat. It won’t take long;
- Decide how much money you are willing to spend so as not to cause much damage to your wallet;
- Set limits on the size of the maximum bet and on the time you are ready to spend. Do not exceed these limits.
The second stage:
- Choose an online casino. We strongly recommend choosing only reliable gambling sites, which will help protect your data and funds. Pay attention to the reputation and license of the portal, and see the availability of payment methods and support services. Sometimes it is useful to read the reviews of casino customers;
- Register an account (you will need to come up with a password and login, enter data and email). This step is necessary to play on the cash. If you are interested in a free game, skip this;
- Choose a payment method and make a deposit (first look at the limits and time of the transaction). This is necessary for playing for cash. Skip this step if you want to try Baccarat in demo mode;
- Choose a Baccarat casino game from the variations available on the site and enjoy.
As you can see, you may well start with the second stage to play online Baccarat. You will still have to face the need to complete the steps from the first list. Also, remember that you will need to verify your account if you plan to withdraw winnings.
Baccarat rules
Baccarat has very simple rules. The dealer deals two cards to each player at the beginning of the round. The winner is the gambler who has the sum of cards in his hand equal to 9 or very close to this number. Depending on the amount of cards on hand, the flow of the game can develop as follows:
- If the player has a sum of 5 in his hand, then he can ask for a third card;
- The 3rd card is not dealt if the sum of the cards in the hand is 6-7;
- If the amount of cards in the hand exceeds 9, then 10 is subtracted from this number. For example, a user has 5 and 8 in his hand, which gives a total of 13. Thus, its sum is 3 (13-10).
Here is the cost of the cards so that you have an idea of how to sum them up:
- The ace is equal to 1;
- King, Queen, Jack, and 10 are equal to 0;
- Cards from 2 to 9 are equal to their nominal.
Tips on how to Play Baccarat
There are some tips for online Baccarat that will help you become a good gambler:
- In Baccarat you can bet on the Banker, the Player, and the Draw. We do not recommend to bet on a draw — it has the lowest winning percentage (only 9.45%);
- Select the game with fewer decks. Everything is simple here: the smaller the decks, the lower the chance of random cards falling out;
- Use money management. Before you sit down at the virtual table, you must determine the spending limits and the size of the maximum bet;
- Remember about the time. The longer you stay in the game, the higher your chances of losing. The fatigue factor has a high value on the results;
- Hold your emotions. There are much more losses than wins in online casinos. Learn to accept losses and do not seek to recoup immediately by betting even more money. This will lead you to disaster;
- Game strategies are not perfect. No system or technique that you have read about on the Internet or heard from a good friend guarantees you success. Yes, this or that strategy can increase your chances of winning at a distance, but it will not give 100%. Apply techniques wisely;
- Counting cards does not guarantee success. You can count cards to increase your chances of winning, but shuffling the deck after each hand increases the randomness of the flow of the game. We recommend using the counting technique only if you already have sufficient experience with the game;
- Choose reliable casinos and mobile casino apps. It is better to check the reputation of a gambling platform several times than to waste time, nerves, and money to get your funds back.
Baccarat game varieties
Such a popular game as Baccarat has many variations. Some specific rules may differ in them, but in general, each option guarantees unforgettable emotions, and exciting gameplay.
American or Punto Banco
This is the most popular version of the game. Its Spanish name is associated with Cuba, where the game initially became very popular. It is played with six or eight decks of 52 cards each without jokers, and organised on a table with special markings;
European version
This is the popular type of game that you will usually find playing at casinos in the UK and the rest of Europe. Unlike the American online casinos, if a user has a combination of 5 on his hand, he can stop or request an additional card. The dealer also has the option to draw a third card from the deck if he wishes. The rest of the game is very similar to the American version of the game;
Dragon Tiger
This is a variation popular in Asia, a simplified version of the classic game. Evolution Gaming provider has released an excellent version of this game, which can be found on the top list of online casinos. In this version, the two positions known as Player and Banker are called Dragons and Tigers. Users have several betting options, including the suits of cards and whether the value of the combination is greater than 7 or less.
There are other varieties
For example, online casinos offer the customers Mini Baccarat. This is a simplified version of the classic game.
Your best Baccarat strategy
Experienced gamblers use different Baccarat strategies with varying degrees of success. These are unique techniques for which it is necessary to place bets based on the gameplay. No strategy guarantees 100% results. However, the competent application of knowledge, coupled with the ability to analyze what is happening at the gaming table, can significantly increase the chances of a player.
Martingale strategy
This is the most famous system that is actively used by players, despite the high risks. It involves doubling the bet after each loss. This must be done until victory. Winning will not only allow you to win back the money you have already lost but also to get the initial bet. The Martingale strategy also has disadvantages. So, the customer may not have enough money to raise the bet. In addition, there may be a limit on the size of the maximum bet in an online casino, and if a customer gets into a losing streak and reaches this milestone, he will no longer be able to double the bet.
Strategy 1-3-2-4
This is a more reliable and safe strategy for players. It has been in existence for 16 years and is well suited for gamblers who pay attention to money management. The player must place bets in four steps as part of the strategy. So, if his first bet wins, then he takes the next step. If he loses, he starts over. You need to start over after four successful bets in a row. Interestingly, if the gambler’s first and second bets were successful, then he has already guaranteed himself an overall success, also if he loses the third and fourth bets.
The Paroli Strategy
The ideal system for beginners or users who do not have a lot of funds in the account. They need to increase the bet only after winning, and by a predetermined amount. Gamblers using this system bet on money from previous wins, which allows them to control their bankroll well.
How to count cards in Baccarat?
The card counting system is actively used in Baccarat. At the same time, in comparison with Blackjack, the effectiveness of this technique is not so high here. This is due to the higher difficulty of determining which cards are more beneficial to the customer. To use the basic technique, you need to count the cards as they appear in the game. The account starts from 0:
- If an Ace appears, 2 or 3 must be added to the score 1;
- Add 2 to the score if 4 falls out;
- If 5, 7, or 8 are dropped, subtract 1 from the score;
- Subtract 2 from the account if 6 was dealt;
- The King, Queen, Jack, 9, and 10 do not participate in the calculations, because their value in this system is 0.
Using the counting system, remember that Ace, 2, 3, and 4 increase the chances of winning, and cards from 5 to 8 reduce them.
A special experience of Live Baccarat
Gamblers can have a great time playing Live Baccarat in many online casinos. The key difference of this variation is that here a full-fledged participant of the game is a competent dealer.
There are two ways to conduct such a game:
- Equipment of special studios in which a gaming table is installed, a dealer is placed, and full technical support is provided: from customization options to camera zoom/zoom functions;
- Broadcast from existing land-based offline casinos. A game is being recorded in which an online gambler can take part along with other customers.
Live games are delivered to online casinos by top global developers. The leader in this section is the Evolution provider. Its products occupy an important place in the portfolio of almost all gambling portals where you can enjoy Live Baccarat. You will experience special emotions playing in the atmosphere of a real casino, and communicating with a competent dealer.
Most popular questions
1. Is Baccarat a dice game?
No, casino Baccarat is a famous card game that used to be enjoyed only by aristocrats. Now it is available to people all over the world.
2. Can I enjoy Baccarat with a live dealer?
Of course! Many online casinos offer a game of Baccarat with a professional live dealer. These are special emotions that you want to experience again and again.
3. Is it difficult to learn how to play Baccarat?
There is nothing complicated in the rules of Baccarat. They can be learned very quickly. If you also practice before playing for cash, you will significantly increase your chances of success.
4. Can I play Baccarat casino online without money?
Yes, many online casinos have the opportunity to play it for free. You do not need to create an account or make a deposit. Just run the demo mode and enjoy.
5. Online Baccarat how to play?
Playing online Baccarat is very simple. Find a reliable gambling website and play for free or on cash. In the second case, you will need to create an account and make a deposit.