Want to Learn How to Play Baccarat?
As one of the most popular and widespread land-based casino table games around, it should come as no surprise that baccarat enjoys similar success in the online world. While the origins of this card comparing game are disputed, with some saying it dates back to the 15th century when it was introduced from Italy to France by soldiers coming home from the Franco-Italian War, and others saying it originated in the 19th century, there’s no doubt that much of its allure lies in the fact that it was played by French nobility and the rich and famous. In the 20th century it was further popularised by its prominence in James Bond books and films.
Today, online casinos have further broadened the game’s reach with players from all over the world, and all walks of life, enjoying baccarat online on PCs, tablets, laptops and smartphones.
In this guide, we’re going to focus our attention on the online version of this game: we’ll take a look at how to play online baccarat, what the baccarat rules and baccarat betting options are, why you should pay attention to a baccarat betting strategy, and more. Ready to play?
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How to Play Online
Online baccarat is a simple and rewarding game that is generally played with 8 decks of cards. The scoring system or value of each card works in the following way:
- An Ace is worth 1 point
- Cards 2 – 9 are worth their face value in points
- Kings, Queens and Jacks have no point value, so they’re worth zero
As this is a card comparing game, the aim of the game is for you to achieve a higher score than the virtual dealer: the winner of the hand is whoever’s closest to a total value of 9. As a player at the table, you simply place a bet on the player winning, the banker (dealer) winning, or the hands ending in a tie. Once the bets are made, the player and the dealer will receive 2 cards each. In some instances, a hand can advance to a 3rd card, but never beyond.
To determine the total value of your hand, simply add the 2 cards together. The value is based on what the digit to the farthest right is.
In other words, if your cards are a 2 and a 3, the total value is simple – it’s 5. But if your cards are a 7 and a 6, and the total is 13, you’ll take the digit that is farthest right, namely 3, to make up the value. Take note that scores will always range from 0 – 9, which means the highest possible right hand value is 9. Hands worth an 8 or a 9 are considered natural hands: if the player or banker has a natural hand, and the opposing hand is less in point value, then of course, the natural hand wins.
Baccarat rules also state that there are certain instances when a 3rd card can be dealt. This occurs for the player if their total hand value is 5 or less. For the banker, however, it occurs if they have a value of 2, as well as under the following conditions:
- If the value is 3, the banker can draw a 3rd card only if the player’s 3rd card is not 8
- If it’s 4, the banker can draw a 3rd card only if the player’s 3rd card is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
- If it’s 5, the banker can draw a 3rd card if the player’s 3rd card is 4, 5, 6 or 7
- If it’s 6, the banker can draw a 3rd card if the player’s 3rd card is 6 or 7.
If the banker’s card is 7, however, they must stand.
How to Bet on Baccarat
While the online baccarat table resembles a real one, it only seats one player, as opposed to the up to 16 players that can fit around a land-based table. 2 cards are dealt out per hand, with a 3rd card being given out in certain circumstances. The hands are then compared and the one with the highest total wins. Losing bets are then taken by the online casino (the house), and all winning bets are paid out. All online baccarat games have a minimum bet – it’s up to you if you want to bet higher.
When you’re betting real money in online baccarat, you will find that there are generally 3 different betting positions for you to take:
- The Player Bet: By betting on the player you can receive an even money (1/1) payout.
- The Banker Bet: By betting on the banker, you can also receive an even money payout, but as the banker has a statistical house advantage or edge over the player, a 5% commission will go towards the online casino where you’re playing.
- The Tie Bet: If you choose to bet on a tie, the payout will be 8/1. Take note, however, that a tie is the least likely outcome, so it’s not recommended.
Baccarat Side Bets
As with most casino games, online baccarat has several variations, some of which include the following:
- Punto Banco: This is really just another name for normal online baccarat. As this is the most common variation of the game played, we’ve based most of this guide and the aforementioned information on this type of blackjack.
- EZ Baccarat: This variation has been around for 10 years and it has a few extra rules, plus the fact that betting on the banker does not invite a commission fee.
- Super Six Baccarat: This variation includes a side bet called the Super Six. It’s when you bet on the banker’s hand winning with a 6, which in turn pays 12/1.
- Chemin de Fer: Not as common in online casinos, this variation allows each player to take a turn at being the banker. In other words, you don’t bet on the player or the banker, you are one or the other. You can also decline the role of banker in the game.
Different Types of Online Baccarat
As with most casino games, online baccarat has several variations, some of which include the following:
- Punto Banko: This is really just another name for normal online baccarat. As this is the most common variation of the game played, we’ve based most of this guide and the aforementioned information on this type of blackjack.
- EZ Baccarat: This variation has been around for 10 years and it has a few extra rules, plus the fact that betting on the banker does not invite a commission fee.
- Super Six Baccarat: This variation includes a side bet called the Super Six. It’s when you bet on the banker’s hand winning with a 6, which in turn pays 12/1.
- Chemin de Fer: Not as common in online casinos, this variations allows each player to take a turn at being the banker. In other words, you don’t bet on the player or the banker, you are one or the other. You can also decline the role of banker in the game.
Live Dealer Baccarat
Thanks to remarkable advancements in online casino technology, live online baccarat has become a reality, along with live roulette, poker, and blackjack. Here, you get to play against a real dealer in real time, by utilising the Live Dealer function at your online casino. Best of all, you can play on your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone, which means you can enjoy the game anywhere, anytime. Basically, you stream your chosen live baccarat game onto your screen and proceed as per usual. The only difference is that, unlike your normal online baccarat game, you can see and interact with an actual dealer on your screen. Plus, you can choose to play a single player game or a multi-player game. Live baccarat is video streamed straight to your desktop or mobile and includes an integrated live chat feature that lets you talk to the dealer and the other players at the table. The overall experience is just like playing in a real land-based casino, only you get to enjoy all the convenience of gambling online.
How to Use a Baccarat Betting Strategy
When it comes to how to play baccarat and win, it’s worth using a basic baccarat betting strategy. Take note that, in this instance, it’s always recommended that you never make a tie bet, as this never wins. Rather, especially on your first bet, put it on the banker to win, as the banker’s win rate is just over 50% of the time. However, also remember that in most online baccarat games, there is a 5% commission fee, which goes to the casino, if you bet on the banker and win.
When you play baccarat online, you’re essentially betting on a coin flip, which makes it a tight game. That said, there can be winning streaks. In other words, if you bet on the banker and win, bet the same for the next round, as it’s quite likely it will happen again. Another useful option is to play free online baccarat and practice as much as possible. Most online casinos offer free fun play, which means you don’t win real money, but you do get to know and understand the game a bit better.
Casino vs Online Baccarat?
When you play baccarat at a land-based casino, you get to play at a table that can seat up to 16 players, while enjoying the energy and social atmosphere of the space that you’re in. That said, you have to travel to get to a land-based casino. With online baccarat, you can play from the comfort of your own home from your PC, or while you’re on the move with your tablet or smartphone: in other words, you can play no matter where you are. Plus, most online casinos now offer live baccarat games, which you can stream in high definition, and combine the best of online and land-based casino play. This means you can play against real dealers and real players in real time. With the normal online baccarat game, it’s just you at the virtual table playing against the virtual dealer, and all results are governed by random number generators.
Is it Legal to Play Online Baccarat in Canada?
Yes, it’s legal! Just make sure you’re playing at a licensed and regulated online casino that accepts players from Canada, and has a reputation for fair gameplay, liable casino conduct, and swift payouts. Also make sure it offers payment options that are applicable to you, so that you can make quick, easy and secure deposits and withdrawals, and that it has a multilingual, 24/7 customer support service in case you need assistance. The top online casinos will also offer regular bonuses, promotions, loyalty rewards and tourneys, as well as a range of top-quality games, including online baccarat, mobile baccarat and live baccarat online. All you have to do join in the fun is register an account, log in and claim your welcome bonus, and start playing.
