Online Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the most popular card games you can find in any casino. You may find it referred to as Chemin De Fer or Punto Banco – these are only a few popular variations of this card game, with each variant having its distinctive set of rules. Despite the slight differences between specific Baccarat variations, the main objective of the game remains the same - building the strongest hand. Baccarat is often referred to as James Bond's game - Ian Fleming, in fact, portrays him as a figure who enjoys spending his free time at a Baccarat table, and this is not surprising at all. Online Baccarat is a simple, yet dynamic game which you can learn within a few minutes. So what is online Baccarat all about?
History of Baccarat
The game was first played in Medieval times, with Tarot cards being used at the beginning. Most historians believe that this game could have originated in Italy, although the rules of the game as we know them today were probably developed in France. Initially, the game was especially popular among soldiers, but later on, Baccarat became a game for the aristocracy.
Different variants of the game evolved throughout the years, such as the French variation Chemin De Fer and the American variation Punto Banco, each with their slight rule differences.
In the second half of the 19th century, Baccarat was introduced into European online casino and emerged in the United States as well, and since then, the rules of this popular gambling game haven't changed. In the 1990s, the first online casinos came into being, with online Baccarat being one of the most popular games in their portfolios. Today, we can enjoy its multiple adaptations in most casinos, some of which may also include side bets.
Baccarat
Before diving into the basic rules of the game, we must define the game objective and which actions the player can make in Baccarat. You can place bets on three possible outcomes - the player obtaining the higher score, the banker having a higher score or a tie. Two cards each are dealt to the player and the banker, and to win a round, you need to have the stronger hand, with the highest possible hand value being 9. In Baccarat, two-digit values don't apply. If the total value of your cards adds up to a two-digit figure, only the last digit is taken into account. Thus, if for instance, you have a seven and a five which sum up to 12, your hand's value is 2. You may only draw one extra card in an attempt to boost your hand value in Baccarat.
The bet you place will determine the strategy you adopt while playing. If you bet on the player, your task is to build a strong hand as close to 9 points as possible. On the other hand, if you place a bet on the banker, your aim is to keep your hand's value as low as possible. Simple, right? No wonder Baccarat is so popular around the world. However, before you start playing for real money, make sure you get familiar with the drawing rules of different Baccarat variants to increase your chances of winning. Apart from being a card game based on luck, Baccarat is a game where skill and strategy matter.
Baccarat Bets
Baccarat requires players to place a bet on either of three outcomes, and the strategy you adopt and the actions you take must help you get closer to the chosen result. These are the three outcomes you can bet on in online Baccarat:
Apart from these three bets, specific online Baccarat tables may offer several side bets to make the game even more intriguing for Baccarat players. Which side bets are offered and their respective payouts can be found in each table's set of rules. Here are some side bets offered in online Baccarat:
Thanks to side bets, online Baccarat offers higher possible wins, even though professional players steer away from side bets and focus on placing their bets on the player or the banker for higher odds of winning.
How are points counted in Baccarat?
To start enjoying the game of Baccarat, you first need to understand how the hand's value is calculated. Each card has an attributed point value:
The highest possible hand value in Baccarat is nine. If the hand value exceeds nine, the last digit is what counts. Therefore, if your hand's value is initially worth 19, its value is taken to be nine. If you have a twenty-value hand, your hand's value stands at zero. Bear in mind that the drawing rules in online Baccarat may vary from one table to another. In most cases, it's standard for the player and banker to draw just one extra card.
Popular Baccarat Games
As already mentioned, the popularity of Baccarat has led to the development of several variations, each with their specific rules. The three most common variations are the following:
Before you start playing any variation, you should always check out the rules of the table in question. By doing this, you'll avoid any nasty surprises and ensure the game ensues according to your expectations. Although Baccarat is a card game where luck plays an important role, your skills and basic knowledge are vital elements which can increase your chances of winning in the long-run.
Live Baccarat
LV BET online casino offers players two ways to play Baccarat. You can either visit the table games section and play against a virtual banker or else opt for live casino. With online Baccarat, you can switch to demo mode any time you want and play with virtual chips. Free play may help you understand more how this card game works and learn all the rules of the game. Good online casinos such as LV BET, also offer attractive bonuses thanks to which you can play your first Baccarat rounds using bonus money. As soon as you gain enough confidence, you can then opt for Live Baccarat. Here you'll find real-life croupiers and players playing at tables with varying rules and betting limits. Thus, you can choose to play on any table which meets your expectations.
How do I prepare myself for real-money Baccarat?
Skill and strategy may help you increase your chances of a possible win. Before you select an online casino and start playing Baccarat, you should analyse how the game is played and understand the rules at the specific table you join. Casinos recommend players to play for free in demo mode to check out all there is to know about the game before putting their money at risk.
You must first learn the basics - including the card values and how values are calculated. If you're interested in a particular Baccarat variation, make sure you check out the drawing rules and popular strategies which can help you take the right actions in any situation you find yourself in. Baccarat isn't a challenging game, and all you need is a few minutes to learn the basics. Nevertheless, it's only through experience that you can learn to master the game of Baccarat, and eventually face the experienced croupiers who manage the live Baccarat tables.
Baccarat Strategy
Experienced croupiers in online casinos play with an advanced playing strategy and know which action is most suitable for each situation that may arise. Baccarat is quite a straightforward game as only a few dozen scenarios can come into play, so all you need to do is follow a Baccarat strategy table illustrating the best moves. Although luck is a significant element contributing to how a game of Baccarat unfolds, a player's skills should by no means be underestimated.
Moreover, the house edge is not so high in Baccarat. If you play strategically and bet on the player's hand, the house edge is 1.36%. If you make a bet on the banker, the house edge is even lower and stands at 1.17%. Betting on a tie may not be so profitable though because the house edge, in this case, can be as high as 14.4%, so the chances of winning when you bet on a tie are meagre.
Online Baccarat requires players to think. If you bet on your hand, you must try to make your hand value as close to nine points as possible. On the other hand, if you bet on the banker, you will want your hand value to be the lowest it can be. Therefore, analytical thinking is crucial when playing Baccarat, and being skilful may get you closer to a possible win.
Online Baccarat Tips
If you're interested in online Baccarat and looking for practical tips which may help you win more often, check out the following recommendations:
Thanks to its simple nature and dynamic play, Baccarat has gained popularity all around the world, and you can enjoy exciting Baccarat variations at different tables offered by online casinos.
Casino bonuses and promotions
Online casinos strive to attract new players and keep their current customers engaged by offering exciting promotions. At LV BET, players can receive a variety of bonus rewards, which can often be used on Live Casino games like baccarat. These rewards will vary from one jurisdiction to another, so keep your eyes on the ‘Promotions’ page to see which bonuses are currently active.
✅ Is a win possible in Baccarat?
Yes, you can win if you play with a strategy in mind, as the house edge is not too high in Baccarat if you bet on the player or the banker. How much you possibly win is subject to the type of bet you place and the size of your bet.
✅ Where can I play Live Baccarat?
Many online casinos offer live Baccarat, including LV BET - where you can enjoy a live casino experience from the comfort of your home.
✅ How do I make a bet in Baccarat?
Baccarat is played on a unique table. You make your bet by placing chips on the Player field, the Banker field or the Tie field, depending on the bet you decide to make.
✅ How do you play Baccarat skillfully?
Baccarat is a simple game, but a game which requires experience. You can increase your chances of winning by adopting the right strategy, learning all the necessary rules and by choosing a top-rated casino which offers attractive bonuses.
✅ What does a Baccarat round look like?
The first step when playing Baccarat is to determine how much you want to bet and place your bet. You can choose to bet on the player, the banker or the possible outcome of a tie. Side bets may also be offered at some tables. A typical Baccarat round takes the following course and generally lasts less than a minute:
After players place their bets, the banker deals two cards each for the player and the banker.
The player starts his turn by either standing or drawing another card, depending on his hand's value.
If the player's or banker's total is eight or nine, the round automatically finishes with the win of the higher hand. If there's a tie, the player loses, unless he placed a bet on the tie.
When the player stands, the banker can draw one extra card. Whether he stands or draws depends on the set of rules he follows.
✅ When the round is complete, bets are settled?
As already mentioned, different Baccarat variations may have different rules dictating when an extra card can be drawn. You can generally expect Baccarat tables in online casinos to offer flexible regulations for a more enjoyable experience.
✅ Are Baccarat tournaments held at online casinos?
Yes, they are. Online casinos are very much aware of how popular online Baccarat is, and organise live casino tournament from time to time. More often than not, interested players are required to pay a registration fee and are informed about the exact game rules which will be adopted during the tournament.
✅ How do I play Baccarat for real money?
If you want to start your casino journey with Baccarat, LV BET casino is the right place to start. New players can count on an attractive welcome bonus – a first deposit bonus and a free spins package! However, if you have no experience in this game, best to try out Baccarat in demo mode first to familiarise yourself with the game!