Baccarat is one of the oldest card games. Several countries are still disputing their right to be called its creator. The most likely contenders for this “title” are Italy and Spain.
Baccarat: The History, Rules, and Other Features
According to the most popular version, the game was created long ago by an Italian named Felix Falguiere. Initially, Tarot cards were used in the game. In this version, baccarat “migrated” to France at the end of the 15th century.
Initially, Baccarat was reserved for aristocrats, as the general populace couldn’t afford cards or the time to learn the game. Also, they did not have much free time for this. Baccarat got its current form around the 17th-18th century.
What makes Baccarat so popular? Its simplicity. You’ll soon see why when we explore the rules and features. Of course, if you want to become a professional player, you may want to learn strategies. But if you want to play at an amateur level, you can do it almost immediately after getting acquainted with baccarat.
What is Baccarat?
The baccarat card game has a unique feature. The players don’t actually play cards against each other. Instead, they compete in the predictions. This distinguishes baccarat from poker, blackjack, and other classic card games.
Let’s explain the essence of the game in simple terms. Each participant must predict the outcome of a round, that is, who will win. There are three possible outcomes: the player, the banker, or a tie. Understand now why we mentioned the game’s simplicity? You don’t play – you guess. This is why baccarat is considered one of the best “stress-relief” card games. You can relax and not worry about complex strategies.
Baccarat Rules
Now, let’s look at the baccarat rules.
As mentioned earlier, a game round can have three outcomes: the player, the banker, or a tie. Before the round begins, participants try to guess who will win. The winner is the one who collects 9 points or the closest number to 9. We’ll explain how these points are calculated below.
For now, let’s look at the gameplay. The player and the banker receive two cards each. At this stage, the baccarat card game can already have a winner. The victory conditions are having 8 or 9 points. Such a victory is called a”natural victory”. If the player and the banker have this many points, the round ends in a tie, but this is quite rare.
If no one has 8 or 9 points, the player and the banker take a third card. If the player has 5 points or fewer, they draw a card first. If not, the banker draws first. After this, one side wins or loses.
Statistics show that the banker wins more often. The player frequently gets too many cards after drawing the third one, because they draw first more often. Some casinos take this into account. When the banker wins, participants who bet on the banker pay a commission. This is done to prevent participants from always betting on the banker, who has better chances of winning.
Card value rules:
- 2-9 – counted by face value;
- from 10 to king – worth nothing;
- ace – one point.
Who gets 9 points or the closest number to 9 is a winner.
Types of Bets in Baccarat
Now let’s take a closer look at each type of bet.
The player
You bet that the player will have the best hand. The profitability of this bet is around 100%. For example, if you bet 100 AUD, you’ll win 200 AUD. As mentioned, the player has lower chances of winning. Statistics show that the banker wins 1.24% more often. Think that’s a small difference? What if you play 100, 1000 rounds? Despite the lower chances, this bet remains popular, particularly among those who use small bets. The higher winnings makes it a good option for those looking for a decent profit without taking on much risk.
The banker
The most popular option. A winning will increase your bet by around 90%. But don’t forget the commission. Casinos often take 5-10% of winnings. Remember, this commission does not apply to other bets.
The tie
This is a rare option. It’s similar to the “zero” bet in roulette. But, if your bet wins, you’ll multiply your money by 8 or 9 times.
There are two categories of casino players. The first likes to place various bets: for example, first on the player, then twice on the banker, and thrice on the player. The second group place the same bets.
Baccarat Online vs Land-Based Casinos
Let’s start with Baccarat online.
- Accessibility. Play anywhere: at home, outdoors, in the bus, at a friend’s place, or even at work (if the boss isn’t watching ).
- No direct contact with other players. A big advantage for introverts.
- No need for “props”. You don’t need cards or a table – just a device and an internet connection.
- Simplicity of play. The software automatically deals cards and calculates points. Your job is just to place bets on the outcome.
- The ability to play with people from around the world. A plus for fans of globalization.
- Lots of bonuses. Online casinos typically offer many more special promotions than land-based ones.
- Reliance on internet quality. No internet – no game.
- You may have to wait for your winnings. In online casinos, payouts aren’t immediate. You might have to wait several hours, days, or even weeks.
- High risk of encountering fraud. The online gambling world is filled with illegal and fraudulent companies.
- Lack of real casino atmosphere. Unfortunately, even live casino games on websites don’t fully replicate it.
Now, let’s look at the features of physical casinos.
- Transparency. When you play Baccarat in a casino, you control every detail. You see the players’ actions, the cards, etc. Online casinos don’t offer this level of transparency.
- Interactivity. If you’re an extrovert and love social interaction, this option will suit you perfectly.
- Fast payouts. There’s no need for verification like in online casinos. You don’t have to request a withdrawal and wait. You receive your money immediately after the casino confirms your win.
- Time and effort. You have to spend time, energy, and money to get to a physical casino.
- Inability to quickly change a casino or a table. In online casinos, this takes just a few minutes.
- Pressure. At home, many players feel more relaxed and, therefore, play better.
Both options are popular for good reason. Each has its advantages. Choose the right option based on your personality (do you like live interaction or not?), how much free time you have, and the proximity of a real casino.
Baccarat Strategies
Want to increase your chances of winning? Don’t play randomly. Use a Baccarat strategy. Let’s explore a few popular ones.
Martingale Strategy
Choose a base bet amoun. Let’s say 10 AUD. If you win, continue betting the same amount. If you lose, double it and bet 20 AUD. If you win the second time, you’ll not only make a profit but also cover your previous loss. If you lose again, bet 40 AUD, then 80, 160, 320 AUD, and so on. You’ll only be in the red if you face a long losing streak.
Fibonacci Strategy
Similar to the Martingale strategy. The next bet is the sum of the previous two bets’ numbers. For example, if you bet 15 AUD and lose, your next bet is 30 AUD (15 + 15). If you lose again, bet 45 AUD (30 + 15), and so on. The downside of both strategies is that if you lose several times in a row, your next bet amount will be very high.
Paroli Strategy
After a win, double your bet. This means you’ll be playing not only with your money but also with the casino’s money. Let’s say you bet 10 AUD and win. Your next bet will be 20 AUD. So, you’re still risking your initial 10 AUD. The rest is casino’s money. Decide for yourself how many times to double your bet. If you lose, return to your initial bet amount (10 AUD).
These are the simplest strategies for the game. Even a player who has never played gambling before can master them. The main guarantee of success when using any strategy is calmness. You know what to do in any case, whether it is a win or a loss. Never give in to emotions and do not change the sequence of actions.
How to Play Baccarat Online
The best way to play Baccarat online is to visit an online casino. There are thousands of gambling platforms on the internet. The key is to choose a reputable place. First, make sure the casino includes this game in its list.
After that, check if the gambling establishment has a license. Never play in unlicensed casinos. There is no guarantee you’ll receive your winnings in such cases.
Find out if the casino supports the payment method you plan to use. If you can’t find financial information on the website, contact customer support.
Pay attention to bonuses. Many casinos provide attractive special offers to players who play Baccarat game and other card games.
Tips for Beginners
Here are a few recommendations that will help you avoid losing all your money at the start.
Learn the rules perfectly
Of course! You should be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Avoid betting on the tie
We know it’s tempting sometimes, but the chances of winning in this case are very little.
Bet on the banker more often
Yes, in this case, you’ll likely have to pay the casino’s commission, but this bet is the safest for a beginner.
Set your budget in advance
Choose an amount you can afford to lose. Never use more money than you’ve decided on before the game.
Use bank management
Always know your base bet size. Decide in advance what strategy you’ll follow, how much you’ll bet in case of a loss or a win. Never give in to emotions, and don’t go all-in.
Take breaks
Playing for too long can cloud your judgment. Your sense of caution may dull. If you ever find yourself playing out of routine rather than enjoyment, it might be time to take a break and refocus. This state often leads to rash decisions.
Remember: baccarat is a game, not a source of income. Don’t expect to make a living from it consistently. Let any winnings be a pleasant bonus. This way, you’ll play calmly and truly enjoy the game.
The Future of Baccarat
Firstly, we can expect the popularization of mobile casinos and mobile gaming experience. The popularity of land-based casinos is likely to decline. Mobile gaming is already has massive popularity, and this trend is expected to grow over the coming years.
Secondly, we can predict the popularization of virtual and augmented reality technologies in online casinos, including when playing baccarat. Special helmets will allow you to feel like you are in a real casino. This, by the way, could be another serious blow to physical casinos.
Thirdly, perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will lead to the emergence of serious rivals for real players. Computers will be able to take into account the results of previous rounds, to use probability theory and more reliably predict the outcomes of game rounds.
Conclusion
Baccarat offers a perfect balance of simplicity and excitement, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you’re at home or in a casino, it’s time to take your seat at the table and try your luck. Remember: enjoy the game, manage your bets wisely, and most importantly, have fun!
