If you have experience visiting a land-based casino, you are most likely familiar with the baccarat setup. It is situated in a special room where players can concentrate and apply strategies that can significantly increase their chances of winning. Those who are fond of playing baccarat do not need to visit a land-based casino because baccarat is now available at the leading online gambling platforms.
When it comes to playing baccarat online, you have to familiarize yourself with certain rules by heart to increase your chances of winning. However, before we jump into that rules, we need to tackle first how baccarat works.
How to play baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the classic casino table games played between 12 to 14 players. It is also known as Punto Banco. It is governed by two principal bets: player or banker. There are certain rules you have to know when placing a bet, and it will be explained further below:
Baccarat is played on a table with a layout distinct to baccarat. If you have seen a craps table, the baccarat table is almost exactly the same, but the difference is that the total number of players who can sit around the baccarat table is 14. A total of three dealers manage the tables, where two dealers handle players at each side of the table, and the other one manages the game.
Placing a bet
Players play with the same hand, but players have the option to deal with a second hand. However, most baccarat games only use one hand, narrowing the player’s betting options. Players get to choose between placing a bet on the player or the banker’s hand. When winning a banker bet, you get a 5% commission and a winning ratio of 8:1 for the tie bet. If all players have already placed their bet, the dealer starts to deal with two cards for himself and one card for the players who placed their bet on the player’s hand. The dealer gives a command such as a card for the banker (same card for the banker) and a card for the player (player draws a card). In certain cases, a third card is dealt. The one with the highest total point wins, which is 8 or 9, but if the banker happens to have the same total points, the banker has the advantage.
Rules to keep in mind when playing baccarat
- Know the value of every card – One of the basic rules, but some players forget when playing baccarat, is knowing the value of every card. Two available options when playing baccarat – to use the six-deck or eight-deck shoe. Always keep in mind that all face cards and 10 cards have no value. On the other hand, cards less than 10 are counted at their face value. The value of an ace is one. If the total count reaches double-digit, the right digit is the total hand value.
- The player’s hand – The player must not draw a card if the first two cards have a total of six or more. If it happens to be five or less, the best option is to draw another card.
- The banker’s hand – If the banker’s first two cards total is seven and up, there’s no need for the banker to draw another card. However, if the total card value is two and below, the banker must draw another card. On the other hand, if the total had value ranges between 3 and 6, the banker can decide to draw, and the same rules apply in the player’s hand.
- The three-card rule – The three-card rule is all about drawing a third card by the player or baker; more of a compulsory decision. No further card is drawn when the player or banker’s first two cards’ total is eight or nine. However, if the total card value is five and below, there is a need for the player to draw the third card. If the player decides not to draw the third card, the banker’s hand takes six or more; then the third card stands on the table (total card value of five and below).
- It is a must to be familiar with some issues faced by players – Baccarat is a form of gambling regardless of whether you are playing online or in land-based casinos. Therefore, you have to familiarize yourself with the different issues baccarat players and gamblers face in general. For baccarat, common issues include finding out baccarat odds and money management strategy. It would be helpful if players had a certain strategy so as to increase the chances of winning. It is also important to know the different terminologies used in the game. These are basic things, but the majority of players don’t pay much attention to it, leading to a shallow understanding of the game per se.
Baccarat is without a doubt one of the well-loved casino games that has successfully made its way in the online gambling platform. However, before you play baccarat online, it is a must to know the basic rules mentioned above to avoid costly mistakes and increase your chances of winning.
