Baccarat Game Online: Rules, Tips and Strategies

Try your skills in Baccarat at the Best Real Money Online Casinos

How Baccarat Works

With this game, there are two hands in play and the players at the table never touch the cards. The dealer will deal cards to the dealer hand and the player hand and those betting will have to select which hand will have the value that is closest to nine. Players can also bet on a tie, which can offer great payouts, but this bet is one that should be avoided since it comes with such a high house edge.

Getting Started

When players take their seat at the Baccarat table, they will start by selecting their bet amount. Each table will have different options, some of which are geared towards high rollers. Once a bet is selected, players will choose where to bet on the Banker, Player or Tie. The cards will then be dealt and the values will be announced. The hand that has the highest value closest to nine will be declared the winner and payouts will be distributed.

Game Payouts

When playing Baccarat for the first time, many players will see the payouts for the tie bet and will immediately place their wagers there. This is a huge mistake. The tie bet is one of the worst bets in any casino setting and it has a huge house edge of over 14%. While the payouts are attractive, usually 8:1 or more, the chances of winning are very slim.

The banker bet has a house advantage a bit higher than 1% and the return to player is even money. The one thing to consider with the dealer bet is that a 5% commission will be paid when wins are collected.

Player bets also have a house advantage a little more than 1% and this is also an even money bet. Here, players will collect all of the money and there is no commission involved.

Baccarat Tips and Strategy

Baccarat is a game of chance, so there is nothing players can do to alter the outcome of the game. However, there are things that can be done to minimise losses while at the table. Players should not waste their time learning the third card rule since the casino or software will automatically place the third card when needed.

Some players are put off by the 5% commission on the Banker bet. Do not be dissuaded from placing this bet as it is the bet that wins the majority of the time.

As mentioned, always avoid betting on a tie. There is such a small chance of winning, so even with the higher payout, players will deplete their bankroll waiting for that tie hand.

If possible, try to find a casino site that uses less than 8 decks when playing Baccarat. The fewer decks involved in the game, the more chances to have winning bets. With games that feature 6 decks, the payouts are more frequent and players will benefit more when playing these games for real money.