Baccarat has been a firm favourite of many casino punters for years. Particularly among high rollers, Baccarat is extremely popular thanks to its super low house edge. A low house edge means your money really works for you, lasting longer than on many other casino games.
Whether you’re in for the long run or just hoping to win a few rounds quickly when you have a moment, Baccarat is the perfect casino game for you.
As with any casino game that requires skill to play, there are certain strategies and rules to follow. This could mean avoiding certain bets or simply knowing when the best possible moment comes along to make the most of that low house edge.
Baccarat: How to play
Before we start explaining the house edge and which bets to place, let’s talk about how to play Baccarat. If you’ve never attempted to play Baccarat before now, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a very simple game with loads to offer.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by trying to understand when and how cards are drawn. The dealer (or computer) will handle all drawing of cards so none of that responsibility falls to you. You will simply need to decide whether you’d like to bet on the Banker or on yourself, the Player. You can also choose to bet on a tie.
There are three phases that take place when playing Baccarat.
- Phase 1: The Banker and the Player are each dealt two cards. The aim of the game is to get as close as possible to 9 points (10s and picture cards count as zero points and any card over 10 loses the digit on the left). Depending on the cards dealt in Phase 1, the round could stop here.
- Phase 2: You as the player can choose whether to draw a third card based on the total of your current hand.
- Phase 3: The Banker can then choose to draw a third card or not.
The system is simple and easy to understand. Plus, there’s a huge chance of winning so this game appeals to both new players and regular players alike.
Baccarat: How to be a winner
First of all, you will need to learn more about which bets are available to play. In Baccarat there are three main bets. You can either bet on the Player square, the Banker square, or bet on the chance that the player and the banker will tie. If possible, the tie bet should be avoided at all costs. Not only is the probability of this bet coming into a play a very low 1 in 11, but the payout is also extremely low.
Take a closer look the odds of each bet:
- Bet on the Banker – The odds of winning are an impressive 44.62% with a payout of 0.95 to 1.
- Bet on the Player – Very similar to the odds of the Banker, the Player’s odds are 45.84%. If the Player takes the win, the payout is 1 to 1.
- Bet on a Tie – The odds of winning are only 9.54% with a payout of only 8 to 1. This bet is best to be avoided!
As mentioned before, Baccarat has a very low house edge and the game play is simple enough that just about anyone could be a winner. Baccarat has a standard 5% Banker Tax and the house edge is a super low 1%.
The odds of winning when betting on either the Player or the Banker squares are so similar that there isn’t much of a strategy when making your choice. Go with your gut and there’s a huge chance that you’ll be a winner. The house edge is always present and while your bank roll may drop by 1% over time, you could land amazing winning streaks.
Professionals also suggest avoiding the side bet options that some casinos offer. They may seem appealing, but it’s best practice to stick to your original bets and hope for the best.
While many betting system users are completely devoted to their practices, the fact remains that when playing Baccarat, each bet has an expectation of -1%. Not even the best of betting systems can change this real mathematical fact!
Bonuses and comp points
Thanks to Baccarat’s low house edge, this casino game is the perfect choice for those looking to make the most of their casino bonuses or for players wanting to boost their casino VIP points or comps! If Baccarat is included as one of the qualifying games, then it’s definitely a must.
Always be sure to check the terms and conditions of your preferred online casino. Check the exact requirements of all bonuses and playthroughs before committing to playing Baccarat. Certain casino bonuses or loyalty comps can also affect the house edge of Baccarat, so always be sure that you’re getting the best possible deal at the casino you choose to play at.
The perfect casino game for all punters, whether or not you’ve ever played the game before, now is the time to visit your favourite land-based or online casino and give Baccarat a chance. Better yet, play Baccarat for free first and experience the thrill of this casino game before laying down some real cash.