Even in ancient times, baccarat was played only by royalty. Today it is played online by players around the world. Simple rules and good odds of winning make the table game fantastic for both beginners and experienced players.
Baccarat is the most popular card game both online and in land-based gambling establishments, and it’s easy to see why the table game has become a favorite among millions of gamblers. Using the right strategy, you can increase your bankroll, increase your chances of winning and take your own gaming process to the next level. The main thing is to study the rules, strategies and betting guidelines. These are the steps that will help you to play efficiently and profitably.
Basic Rules of Baccarat
The baccarat table is identical in size to the craps table, which usually has three casino employees: two dealers, who take bets from 14 players, and one dealer, who runs the game and announces the hands. Each side of the table has seven numbered positions, 1-7 and 8-15 (excluding number 13), with three betting options associated with each number: banker, player and draw. The goal of the game is to bet on the hand with the highest amount, keeping in mind that the best hand equals 9.
To win real money, participants must bet on one of three possible outcomes: a player win, a dealer win, or a draw. The croupier does most of the work in the game, allowing players to focus on their strategy.
Once betting choices have been made, the dealing of cards and the determination of whether a player wins or loses are governed by a series of strict rules:
- Bets are placed only on the table. Each participant makes bets at his discretion. After placing chips on the table, they cannot be moved.
- Cards are dealt after the bets are placed. All participants receive two cards each. This is called a hand.
- A player makes a bet. After the initial deal, the player bets on whether his hand or the dealer’s hand is closer to nine or whether they will have a draw.
- The players open their hands. If any hand totals eight or nine, it is called “natural” and the winner is declared.
- A third card is possibly dealt. If neither hand has eight or nine, the player and banker are entitled to a third card if certain conditions are met.
- A player takes a third card if his initial hand is less than six. If a player’s initial hand is six or seven, he is not eligible for a third card.
- When a player must stand, the dealer can potentially claim a third card. The same rule applies to the dealer.
- If the player takes the 3rd card, the dealer must then follow other rules depending on the value of the drawn card.
- Announcement of the winner and the distribution of the money. Bets on a banker or player win are paid at a ratio of 1:1 but bets on the banker include a 5% commission. A draw is paid at a ratio of 8:1.
The rules of the third card can be tricky for beginners. The table below will help guide you as to when a banker should stand or take a card.
| The player draws | The banker should | |
| Draw on: | Stand on: | |
| 2 or 3 | 0-4 | 5-7 |
| 4 or 5 | 0-5 | 6,7 |
| 6 or 7 | 0-6 | 7 |
| 8 | 0-2 | 3,7 |
| Ace, 9, 10, face card | 0-3 | 4,7 |
In baccarat, the maximum amount a hand can accumulate is nine. If the sum of cards exceeds this value, players must either subtract ten from their sum or discard the first digit from the total. The dealer must also follow this rule.
Baccarat is quite a popular and popular game among online casino gamblers, so it is always present in the offered range of games of any casino, including 7 bit casino, where you can find several versions of the game, including in live mode.
Baccarat Gaming Strategies
There are several successful strategies in the game, which, when properly applied, help to run a successful game.
Martingale Strategy
This is a system where the bets are gradually adjusted. It is quite popular and it is used in most gambling games, including baccarat. Its basic idea is that each losing bet is doubled until the player wins. It works great over the long term, but there is one important nuance – the player must have enough money for such a game.
Betting with the Banker
It is a very simple and safe strategy for playing baccarat. It is based on pure mathematics. The house advantage for banker bets in theory is 1.06 percent. The RTP rate on banker bets reaches 98.94 percent. In fact, this bet is placed at a theoretical odds of 45.84% but some versions of the game suggest that the actual winning percentage is closer to 50.00%, so casinos charge a 5% commission on this bet. Hence the odds are closer to 45%.
Betting on a player
This is a great choice and the default option when using a betting system.
Betting on a draw
It is not a particularly good strategy, as the probability of the bet falling out is less than 10%. It is better not to use it, as it is extremely risky and is more likely to lead to losses than to profits.
But it is important for every player to remember that no single strategy, even the most reliable one, can bring one hundred percent luck. They help to increase the chances of winning and make the experience enjoyable.
To play baccarat successfully, you not only need to know the rules, and apply strategies effectively but also develop solid money management skills. It is best to develop your own program that keeps the bets you place under control and helps minimize financial losses and maximize each winning. One way to do this is to set limits on losses and set clear attainable goals for winning.
Read more: Popular casino games
