How to Play Online Baccarat Like a Pro
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Want to take your online Baccarat sessions to the next level? Find out how to play one of the most popular casino games of all time with expert tips and strategies. Alexandra Camelia Dedu shows you everything you need to know, from the basics of the game to advanced strategies and the best real-money casinos where you can play!
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What Are the Basics of Baccarat?
To win in online Baccarat, you must bet on the winning hand. On the Baccarat table, two hands are dealt: banker and player. Two cards are dealt to both hands from an 8-deck show. Online Baccarat is a relatively easy-to-learn game compared to other casino table games, for example, learning to play blackjack is slightly harder. Card values are like this:
- Cards 2x to 9x are worth face value, i.e. 2 to 9.
- Cards 10x, Jx, Qx, and Kx are worth 0
- Cards Ax are worth 1
x means heart, spade, club, or diamond
The value of the Baccarat hand played is the sum of both card values added together. You want to be as close to 9 as possible; the closer the hand is to 9, the stronger the hand value. The total hand value is based on the rightmost digit. This means a pair card of 1 and 6, which totals 7, is stronger than a pair card of 10 and 2, which totals 2.
Here is an example of game flow in a few steps just to show how the game is played:
- At the start of the game, you bet on the banker, player or a tie (same value for banker and player). Once you choose your bet, the cards will be dealt. This is the standard rule for all types of online Baccarat games.
- The game dealer flips over a total of four cards. Two cards each for both hands.
- The game dealer declares the total value to determine the winner. The winner is the hands closest to 9 without going over or the tie bet if it results in a tie.
- If you bet on the player or banker’s hand and the result is a tie, your stake amount will be returned to you in most cases. Tie bet is usually paid at odds 8/1, but this can differ across online casinos and online Baccarat variations.
Baccarat Terminology You Must Know
- Banco: This is Spanish for “Bank” or “Banker.” The banker is the individual who deals the cards.
- Coup: This refers to a single round of Baccarat play, from the card dealing to declaring the winner.
- Banker Bet: This is a bet on the banker’s hand.
- Carte: This is a French word for “Card.” Players use this term to request an extra card from the dealer.
- La Grande: This is the French word for “Big,” it means a winning hand of 9.
- La Petite: This is the French word for “Small,” it means a winning hand of 8.
- Punto Banco: A popular online Baccarat variant, especially in North America. It means “Player” and “Banker”
- Commission: A small percentage fee the house takes from players when they win a banker bet.
- Natural winner: A winning hand of 8 or 9 on the first two cards dealt; this automatically counts as a win, except there is a tie.
- Shoe: A plastic container that holds and releases cards while playing online Baccarat.
Our Recommendations for New Baccarat Players
When you play online Baccarat or any other online casino game, you first want to ensure you understand the Baccarat rules. How the game works and how you win/lose are two important things you must know before getting started. Use these pro tips:
Set a Baccarat Budget and Don’t Go Over It
Before you start playing online Baccarat, set aside the money you wish to bet with. This money set aside is your budget. Ensure that you do not go beyond this budget.
When you play on a top NZ live dealer casino, you will have various betting limits at your disposal. You can usually bet as little as $0.10 on most games so you can find budget-friendly options. One operator with a 5/5 live dealer rating is Playzee Casino, check our extensive review and decide if it suits your gaming preferences.
Start with Demo Games for Practice
Online Baccarat may look simple when you read the rules but can quickly become complex when you’re playing. Take advantage of demo modes, if you have one, at your online casino to get a feel of how the game is played and what the rules mean. By doing this, you will not be using your funds to experiment, hence boosting your winning chance. You can also play with the best NZ casino promotional offers for a larger bankroll.
Become Familiar with the Game and Its Rules First
Take some time to learn the rules and the type of bets. You can go online and watch videos where they play it or read full guides describing every outcome in the game. This will make you better prepared.
Understanding Baccarat Bets Made Simple
Bets in online Baccarat offer you different options. Each comes with its own payout odds and house edge percentage.
| Baccarat Bet | Payout Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker Bet | 1:1 | Around 1% |
| Player Bet | 1:1 | Around 1.5% |
| Tie Bet | 8:1 | Around 15% |
Player Bet
This wager is placed on the player’s hand with a value closer to 9 than the banker’s. If the player hand wins, the payout is usually 1:1; this means you will be rewarded the same amount you bet.
The House Edge, the casino’s average profit per bet, is about 1.5%. For example, if a player stakes $10 on a player’s hand and is declared the winner, they get $20.
Banker Bet
Betting on the banker’s hand is the most popular and statistically good bet. This bet has a favourable house edge of 1.06%. When you place a bet on a banker’s hand to win, you get charged a commission (around 5% of your winning).
The total payout for the winning banker bet is 1:1 minus the commission. Example: you place a $20 bet on the banker’s hand, and it is declared the winning hand; you get $39 winnings.
Tie Bet
As the name implies, this is a bet the banker & player hand will result in a tie. This is the riskiest of bets in Baccarat, and there is also a low chance of this occurring. However, this bet type has a significantly higher payout of 8:1(8 times your wager amount).
But with higher reward comes a significantly higher house edge, around 14%. We strongly advise against this bet type.
Baccarat Side Bets
Side bets are like bonus bets, though they are not available at all online casinos. However, they add more excitement to online Baccarat. Players can side bet on whether the cards from either or both hands will be a pair or how many points the winner will win. These bets add extra complexity with higher house edges.
What Betting Systems and Strategies Can You Use on Baccarat?
Our casino authors tested several betting systems to find the most suitable ones for Baccarat. You have to keep in mind that none of them can guarantee a certain win. However, these are the bets and strategies you can apply to your game for slightly better odds.
| Baccarat Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Side With Banker | This strategy involves continually betting on the banker’s hand to win at all times. The idea behind this is that the banker hand has a slightly higher win possibility than the player hand. This is a strategy we believe is for safe players. |
| Pair Bets Only | Using this betting strategy, players focus only on pair bets, which is a side bet. It involves betting on whether the player or banker’s first two cards will form a pair. The chance of winning with this is low compared to other bets. However, players get a significantly huge payout when they win. |
| Baccarat Martingale | This is a progressive betting strategy where you double your bets after a loss. The hope is that you will eventually cover all losses plus added profit when that win comes. The danger of this strategy is that your losses can grow with a losing streak, and you could run out of funds before you get that win. It requires a large bankroll to pull off. |
| James Bond Strategy | This bet was popularized by Ian Flemming’s fictional novel character, James Bond. This strategy involves splitting your bet combinations like this: 70% on banker’s hand, 25% on player’s hand, and 5% on a tie. The idea is to have a spread and still try to rake in a win either way. This strategy still does not guarantee a win, but we think it is a safe bet strategy. |
Baccarat Variants to Explore
Classic Baccarat (Punto Banco) – Classic Baccarat, also known as Punto Banco, is believed to have a French root that dates back to the 15th century. It is the most popular type of online Baccarat, being the original. It is commonly found in New Zealand, American, Australian, and British casinos. We have learned all the rules and gameplay as the Baccarat general rules and gameplay.
Chemin de Fer – This version of the game is the oldest variant on record. This version removes the banker hand option, allowing players to bet against one another. It is the version you often see in movies like James Bond. Before each hand gets dealt, the dealer places a bet on the Baccarat table then each player can call “Banco” by going all-in against the dealer or placing their own different bet.
Baccarat Banque – The Baccarat Banque is a more complex and old variant of Chemin de Fer, where you take the role of the banker. Unlike other variants, Banque uses multiple decks and allows you to draw cards. This adds an extra layer of decision-making and strategic thinking. This variant is loved by experienced players looking for greater challenge.
Try Out The Strategies at These Online Baccarat Casinos
The rules of online Baccarat are simple; you can easily learn them from a demonstration and short guide. However, applying a strategy can be really helpful in managing your bankroll and meeting expectations.
Players looking to try out classic or variants like Dragon Tiger or Chemin de Fer can check out LeoVegas Casino and Katsubet Online Casino. We strongly recommend these reputable live casinos for players who wish to learn online Baccarat or seasoned pros looking for competitive games.
You can also learn how to extend your live gaming sessions with reload promotions so you have a larger bankroll to play with and discover the highest quality games. As a good option, you can use the Mond promo codes to receive up to $800 on your first 3 deposits and use the funds to play your favourite online Baccarat games.