Online Baccarat

Introducing the history of Baccarat and how it’s evolved over time

Baccarat is a centuries-old card game enjoyed by nobility and commoners. The game has undergone many changes since its inception, but the basics have remained the same. As a result, Baccarat is a timeless classic that continues entertaining players from all walks of life.

Baccarat is one of the oldest card games in the world. Its origins are murky, but many believe the game originated in Italy in 1400. First, the game was popular among the French aristocracy. Next, it went to England, where Ian Fleming learned how to play. Today, it remains one of the most popular casino games online.

Why Baccarat is a popular choice for online NZ casino gamblers

The baccarat game is easy to learn and offers players the chance to win big rewards. Baccarat is also a relatively low-risk, making it ideal for players seeking to minimise losses. The popularity of Baccarat among online casino players has grown significantly in recent years as more and more people discover the joys of this classic card game.

How to play live dealer Baccarat

To be a successful baccarat player, you must understand the game’s objectives and how the rounds play out. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing Baccarat, from understanding the basic rules to mastering more complex strategies. So whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your skills, read on for a comprehensive guide to playing Baccarat!

The objectives of playing Baccarat

The objective of Baccarat is to guess which of the two hands laid out, the Player’s or the Banker’s, will have a total value closest to 9. The game begins with two cards each to the Player and the Banker.

The value of these two cards adds together to create a total point value. If this value is 8 or 9, it is called a natural win, and the hand is over. If not, the game continues with the Player or Banker drawing an additional card. The goal is to get close to 9 without going above.

The different types of bets in Baccarat

There are three main types of bets in Baccarat, we will go deeper into side bets and what the bets mean further down on this page. Here is a quick run down if you are tight on time and want to get gambling:

The Player bet: This is a bet that the Player’s hand will have the total value closest to 9.

The Banker’s bet: This is a bet that the Banker’s hand will have the total value closest to 9.

The Tie bet: This is in the Player’s hand, and the Banker’s hand will have the same total value.

Calculating points and card values in Baccarat

One of the first steps to understanding baccarat is familiarising yourself with the points system. Each card has a specific value. You add the values to determine how many points your hand (or the bankers) is worth.

The point values of the cards in Baccarat are as follows:

• The Ace: 1 point
• The 2-9: Face value (2 points for the 2, 3 points for the 3, and so on)
• The 10, Jack, Queen, and King: 0 points

How to calculate points in Baccarat

In Baccarat, you add the values for each card in your hand to determine your total. Adding the points of all the cards in the Banker and Players hand separately, that’s how many points each hand has. If the cards add up to a double-digit total, the rules are to use the second digit to determine the score. For example:

– if the Player receives an Ace and a 2, the total point value would be 3 (1 + 2 = 3).

– If the Player receives an Ace and a King, the total point value would be 0 (1 + 0 = 1). The total value is zero because when the total values exceed nine, the second digit is the value that counts.

How to play Baccarat in four steps – the basics

Now that you understand the basics of Baccarat, it’s time to learn how to play. Here are four easy steps to get you started:

Step one: Game layout

Baccarat will play out on a table with 12-14 player seats. Each position has a few betting areas labelled “Player,” “Banker,” and “Tie.” You can also bet on the “Player pair” or “Banker pair” if your table offers these side bets.

Step two: Choosing and placing bets

Before the hand starts, you will need to choose and place your bet. You can bet on the Player (your hand), the Banker (the dealer’s hand), or a tie. If you feel lucky, you can also bet on the “Player pair” or “Banker pair.”

Step three: How the round plays out

The primary step in playing Baccarat is understanding how a round plays out. For example, in one game, the Player and the Banker each receive two cards and add them together for a total point value. Remember, only the second number will count as the total value if the total is two digits.

A natural win is if any hand totals 8 or 9, in this event, the game round is over, and stakes will pay out according to your bet. The same is true if the Banker’s hand totals 8 or 9. When there’s no natural win, the game round continues with the Player and/or Banker drawing an additional card, depending on the point totals. Again, the goal is to get as close to 9 without going over.

Step four: Cashing out your winnings

Once the round is over, it’s time to cash out your winnings! If you bet on the winning hand, your bet will pay out at even money (1-to-1). However, if you staked on a “Banker pair” or “Player pair,” your payout may be higher depending on the casino you are gambling.

Player Hand and Banker Hand Rules

When first learning how to play Baccarat, this can be one of the more complex ideas to understand. The point value of the first two cards in your hand determines whether you stand (meaning you do not receive a third card). You cannot choose whether you stand or draw a card. The rules of the game determine this part of the game.

The Player stands when:

• The Player always “plays” first. In other words, you will always stand or draw before the dealer takes his turn.
• You stand if your first two cards have a total value of 6 or 7.
• With a total of 8 or 9, you do not draw because this is a natural win.
• However, if you have a 6, 7, 8, or 9, the dealer moves on to his hand.

The dealer stands when:

• The dealer always stands on a 7, 8, or 9, and no further gameplay will occur.

When is a third card drawn?

During your first few games playing Baccarat, you’ll see that sometimes there is no immediate winner. The dealer will deal with the third card in these instances, and the game round continues. In these instances, particular scenarios dictate when a third card is needed and who must draw it. We have broken down the different systems as follows:

When the Player draws a third card

If the dealer doesn’t hit a natural win and your two-card hand has a value of 0-5, you will receive a third card.

A player hand totalling 6 or 7 means the dealer must then draw a third card, and that’s where things get a bit more elaborate.

When the dealer draws a third card

The Player always goes first, and this means that unless you draw a natural win, you’ll either stand or draw a third card before the dealer takes his turn:

• If the Player doesn’t draw a third card, the Banker stays on a 6 or 7.
• If the Player doesn’t draw a third card, the Banker draws on a total of 0-5.

When the third card is on the Baccarat table, the Banker acts according to below:

• If the Player’s Third Card is: 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, or Ace. Banker Action: Draws on a 0-3, stands on a 4-7
• If the Player’s Third Card is: 8. Banker Action: Draws on a 0-2, stands on a 3-7
• If the Player’s Third Card is: 6 or 7. Banker Action: Draws on a 0-6, stands on a 7
• If the Player’s Third Card is: 4 or 5. Banker Action: Draws on a 0-5, stands on a 6-7
• If the Player’s Third Card is: 2 or 3. Banker Action: Draws on a 0-4, stands on a 5-7

The dealer will take care of all the actions above, and there is no need to have this information memorised to play the game. It does, however, help to know to follow the gameplay and enjoy the game better the more of this information you know.

Once the third cards are on the table, the values of both hands are totalled. The winner of the game round is the hand with the closest value to nine. The game will result in a tie if there is no difference between the Player and Banker about being closest to nine. No further rounds in the specific game round go beyond the third card. One thing to note is that the Player will always receive the cards first. Plus, once both hands have dealt their cards, the Player’s hand gets valued before the Banker. Therefore, the Banker’s cards and moved will always depend on the Player’s cards.

Betting options for online Baccarat

You will have three standard betting options when you play live dealer Baccarat online: As we have mentioned earlier in our text above, you can place stakes on the Banker’s hand to win, the Player’s hand, or the game round to end in a Tie.

• You will see the betting areas clearly on the screen when you enter the live blackjack table you decide to place your wagers.
• You will put your chips in the betting areas before the game round starts and decide what bets you want to make.

Common bets in live dealer Baccarat games

The following bets explain the three most common betting options you will encounter playing live dealer baccarat online. In addition, Casino Yetis have added the payout and the house edge based on a shoe filled with six decks.

Player bet

A “player bet” pays 1/1. These odds mean that if you stake 1NZ$ and win this type of bet, your total payout will be 2NZ$, which is your bet plus 1NZ$ profit. In this scenario, the Player bets the Banker and gets closer to the full value of nine. The house edge with this bet in Baccarat is at 1.24%.

Banker bet

The “Banker” bet has the odds of 19/20. There is a 5% commission to the table on this bet type. If you stake 1NZ$ on a game with 19 to 20 odds and you win, your total payout will be 1.95NZ$, which is your bet plus 0.95NZ$ profit. In this outcome, the Banker beats the Player and gets closer to nine. The theoretical house edge is 1.06% in a six-deck card.

Tie bet

The Tie bet in live dealer Baccarat pays out at 8/1. So, if you stake 1NZ$ on a Tie and the game ends in a tie, your total payout will be 8NZ$, which is your bet plus 7NZ$ profit. The house edge with this bet in Baccarat is 14.44% when playing with a six-deck shoe. For a Tie bet to be a winner, both Banker and the Player need to land on the exact total value of their cards.

Other bets

Depending on your gambling table, you will frequently find a series of side bets in live dealer Baccarat. These bets have different odds and the house edge. Casino Yetis will list the payouts and house edge below for your convenience. The list aims to help NZ casino players make well-informed decisions when going online to gamble Baccarat. The house edge we present in our breakdown below was calculated on online Baccarat played with a six-deck allowing side bets.

Player Pair bet

This side bet is pretty simple. The first two cards dealt to the Player must form a pair to win. If this happens, you will receive 1/1 on your bet, meaning you will get back what you staked plus another 1NZ$. The house edge on this bet is 11.25%, meaning over time, the casino will make a profit of 11.25% on every Player’s bet placed.

Banker Pair bet

The Banker Pair bet is similar to the Player Pair bet in that you are wagering that the first two cards dealt will form a pair. The only difference is that you are betting on the Banker’s hand instead of the Player’s. The payout for this bet is 11/1, meaning you would get back 11 times your original stake if you win. However, the house edge on this bet is much higher at 11.25%. This house edge means the casino will profit 11.25% on players’ wagers.

Perfect Pair bet

The Perfect Pair bet is a side bet you will encounter in online Baccarat. The first two cards dealt to the Player, or Banker must form a pair of the same suit. The payout for this bet is 25/1, meaning you would get back 25 times your original stake if you win. However, the house edge on this bet is 17.07%. So, theoretically, the online casino will profit 17.07% on every Player’s stake.

Either Pair bet

For you to win an Either Pair wager, the first two cards dealt to either the Banker or Player must form a pair. For example, if you bet 1NZ$ on a game with 5 to 1 odds and you win, your total payout will be 6NZ$, which is your bet plus 5NZ$ profit. The house edge on this kind of side bet is 14.54%.

Small bet

This bet type has the odds of 1.5/1, and to win this side bet, the total number of cards dealt in the specific game round needs to be four. The house edge for this side bet type is 5.27%, calculated on a baccarat game with a six-deck in the shoe. The total value of the cards dealt needs to be four to achieve the desired outcome and collect winnings.

Big bet

In this bet, players are wagering that the total value of cards dealt in the game will be either 5 or 6. If this happens, the Player will receive 0.54NZ$ for every 1NZ$ staked. Therefore, the house edge on this bet is 4.35%. So, theoretically, the casino will profit 4.35% on staked funds with this bet type.

Important rules to remember gambling live dealer Baccarat

The basic rules are simple, and the gameplay is easy to understand. That said, there are a handful of important rules to remember when playing Baccarat. We will outline the five most important rules to keep in mind while gambling live dealer Baccarat. With these directions, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this exciting and engaging casino game! So without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Baccarat is unique because you don’t bet on your hand but on who will win. This difference is the main contrast between Baccarat and other casino games – in Baccarat, you’re always betting on the game’s outcome rather than on your hand.
2. In this game, the suits on cards don’t matter. The point values are all that count. In Blackjack, for example, suits do matter – a blackjack of spades is worth more than a blackjack of clubs, for example. In Baccarat, all that matters are the card values!
3. The total number of points you will want to achieve is 9! The hand closest to 9 will win the game round between the banker and the player. You automatically win the game round if your hand totals 9 or 8.
4. In Baccarat, the player goes first, and then the banker goes second. This rule of gameplay is a fundamental rule to remember when playing Baccarat. In most casino games, the player and dealer go head-to-head, each trying to beat the dealer. In Baccarat, the player goes first, and the banker goes second.
5. Finally, remember that third cards are drawn automatically in Baccarat – you don’t get to choose whether or not the game should continue as you would in Blackjack. The rule set of Baccarat dictates the gameplay, and specific rules decide if a third card is needed. The dealer will know this and keep track of the gameplay.

Baccarat terminology

Baccarat is a game that has some unique terms and phrases associated with it. To play the game effectively, it helps if you are familiar with these terms. Therefore, we will define some of the most frequently used baccarat terminologies below for your convenience:

Banco

Banco is another term for the house or bank. When you make a Banco bet, you’re betting on the hand that the dealer always bets on. This bet type has slightly better odds of winning than the Punto bet, the other primary bet in Baccarat. A Banco bet requires a commission which usually is at 5%. Even with this minor inconvenience of the commission, Banco remains the smartest overall bet you can make in the game.

Bankroll

The total amount of money a player sets aside specifically for gambling at any one time is called their bankroll. Managing this bankroll is a crucial part of having a winning baccarat strategy.

Burn

Refers to the act of discarding the first few cards of a new shoe is called. Dumping the first cards prevents cheaters from taking advantage of any ordering information they may have about the cards.

Callman

A callman is simply another word for the dealer. The dealer is the casino employee that runs the baccarat game and calls out the decisions made by the players.

Commission

When you make a Banco bet, the casino will charge a small commission on that bet as a fee for using their services. This commission usually amounts to 5% of the stake but can occasionally be as low as 4%. Therefore, when making a Banco bet, ensure you have enough chips of smaller denominations to cover this fee to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Down Card

A down card is simply a card facing downwards on the table. All cards are dealt face down in Baccarat except for the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s first card.

Face Card

A face card is any card that features a king, queen, or jack. These cards are also known as court cards. In Baccarat, face cards have a value of zero.

La Petite

This term is French for a natural hand worth eight. In English, it means “The small one,” as opposed to its larger counterpart, which is worth nine.

La Grande

La grande is a French term for a natural hand worth nine. In English, it means “the big one” instead of its smaller counterpart, which is worth eight.

Mini-Baccarat

Mini-Baccarat is a smaller version of the standard baccarat game played on a smaller table with fewer players. The rules are the same as regular Baccarat, but the game moves much faster due to the fewer players.

Punto Banco

Punto Banco is just another name for the game of Baccarat. It is the most popular form of Baccarat in North America.

Punto

Punto is the term for the player’s hand. Betting on the Punto hand is less advised than betting on the Banco hand due to its higher house edge.

Shoe

This box holds the decks of cards used when playing Baccarat or any other card game in a casino.

Standoff

A standoff occurs when the two hands are of equal value. It can also refer to the Standoff wager, where a player may bet that the hands will tie. This wager pays either eight to one or nine to one.

Up Card

It is a term that describes a card facing up on the table. For example, in Baccarat, up cards are only used when the player and dealer each have one card in their hand face down and need to reveal them to determine a winner.

Vigorish

It is another word for commission. It is the fee that the casino charges for allowing you to bet on the Banco hand.

Natural

A natural hand adds up to either eight or nine with the first two cards dealt. Suppose either the player or banker receives a natural hand. In that case, they will automatically win the hand unless the other player also has a natural, resulting in a standoff.

The James Bond guide to winning at Baccarat

Baccarat is the game for you if you want to win big at the casino. This classic card game offers players the chance to score some serious rewards. And, thanks to the popularity of James Bond, Baccarat has become even more popular in recent years.

Here are a few James Bond tips that will help you bring home the bacon at the baccarat table:

1. Know your limits. It’s paramount to set a budget before you start playing Baccarat. Knowing your limits will help you avoid overspending and keep your losses to a minimum.
2. Baccarat is a game of chance. There’s no surefire way to win, so don’t get too caught up in strategies.
3. That said, it’s still important to know the basics of the game. So make sure you understand the rules before you start playing.
4. Be patient. Baccarat is a moderate-paced game, so don’t expect to win big immediately. It takes time to master the game and build up your winnings.
5. Have fun! Baccarat is a game of chance, so there’s no need to take it too seriously. Instead, relax and enjoy yourself, and you’ll indeed have a good time.
6. Enjoy a martini while gambling, shaken, not stirred, for the complete James Bond experience.

Baccarat myths busted

Despite its popularity, some things still need to be clarified about Baccarat. So here we will debunk a few myths about the game:

Baccarat is a complicated game.

Baccarat being a complicated, couldn’t be further from the truth! Baccarat is one of the most accessible games to learn. The rules are simple, and it’s easy to pick up the basics.

You need to be wealthy to play Baccarat.

While Baccarat is often associated with high rollers, anyone can play the game. In addition, many different bet types are available, so you can tailor your bets to suit your budget.

Baccarat is only a game of chance.

While luck plays a significant role in each hand’s outcome, some skill is involved in Baccarat. Therefore, learning the basics of the game can give you the advantage of winning some cash in the online casino.

Baccarat is only for land-based casinos.

Baccarat is a relatively low-risk game, making it a safe choice for those seeking to minimise losses. The popularity of Baccarat among online casino players has grown significantly in recent years as more and more people discover the joys of this classic card game.