Baccarat has become a very popular form of gambling, and its online interest continues to grow. A table game which consists of a deck of cards and a dealer, it is now possible to utilize online casinos for virtual play, allowing you to avoid the traditional virtual dealers of the past and actually feed into a live video stream. This, and its possibilities for multiple other table games, has allowed the game of baccarat to thrive. If you’re looking at moving your online gambling career towards baccarat, then there are several things you should know. These ten top tips should help get you started on your way to minimizing losses and maximizing your wins when playing this popular game.
- Understand the Basics
Like all games, it’s vital to know the game rules inside out before you start playing. Both in the online and real world environments, not knowing how a game works can result in your making errors and silly mistakes. This could result in large losses on your part, which could have been avoided if you’d taken the time to read the rules. The online environment means that you can always have a copy of the rules with you, so there is no excuse for making mistakes which could have been avoided.
- Choosing Your Online Casino
Though you may not think it, having the correct online casino can pay dividends. Research possible casinos thoroughly, and don’t start high rolling until you’ve been playing at a venue for a while and understand how it works. Using baccarat sign up bonuses can help your starting bankroll significantly, and by trusting your casino and knowing the website well, you’ll be able to concentrate on your game.
- Baccarat Card Values
It’s important to realize that when you’re playing baccarat, some card values are different from many other table games. Unlike poker or black jack, where the picture cards such as Jack, Queen, King are worth 10, in baccarat they are worthless. Cards two to nine are worth their face value, whilst the Ace is worth one at all times. Varying suits makes no difference either, limiting your focus to just the cards between two and nine.
- Baccarat Hand Values
With baccarat card values being very different from other games, it’s important to ensure that you know how the hand values are calculated. Baccarat is a game where you bet on whose hands of two cards will be closest to the value of nine, so the only sum needed is the addition of two cards per hand. From two to nine this is simple, and whereupon a value goes over nine, 10 is subtracted. This means that a sum of 12 would become two, and a sum of 15 would become five. A value of nine is known as a ‘natural’, and is the game’s winning hand.
- Understanding Bets – The Bankers Bet
There are three bets within the baccarat game, and you’ll need to understand all of them to ensure success. Normally associated with the lowest house edge, the banker bet is a popular way for people to play to maximize their chances. Odds are pulled in the bankers favor due to the card drawing requirements, and so you’ll often find that you can win by following this course of betting. However, due to the increased odds, a five per cent commission is required, and so you always need to ensure you factor this into your bankroll.
- The Player Bet
There is not much difference between the bankers bet and the players bet, only that you will be wagering against the dealer if you take this option. The odds can still be good for the players bet, but do not exceed the bankers bet. However, there is no commission on winning wagers, and so you can win with pays of 1 to 1.
- The Tie Bet
The final bet in baccarat is the tie bet; a wager which notes the most risk, but pays out the most lucratively. The tie bet is used to wager that both the bankers and players hands will have the same value, and therefore neither be closer or further away from nine than one another. With the house edge being more than 15per cent for the tie bet, the probability of actually getting it is low. However, with a pay of 8 to 1, you could make some lucrative wins by using this third wager on occasion.
- Understand the Probabilities
Much of baccarat is about understanding the probabilities of the card values being seen. With only three bets, learning the outcomes are very easy, and it shouldn’t be long before you know exactly what to expect. On the player hand, the house edge is normally 1.35per cent, whilst the bankers hand is 1.17per cent. The house edge rockets to 14per cent for tie bets, simply because the probability of two hands matching is small.
- Utilize the House Edge to Your Advantage
It’s vital when you play at casinos, that you utilize the house edge to any advantage that you can. The term ‘House Edge’ relates to how likely it is that a casino will win, and it is therefore crucial in terms of where to play, what to play, and how much to bet. Most online casinos will clearly outline their house edge for baccarat bets, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision before you start playing.
- Use Baccarat Wagers Effectively
If you want to succeed in baccarat then there is little point in only using tie bets. Whilst you could stand to win the most, the probabilities of gaining consistent wins are very low, and you’ll find your bankroll diminishing quickly. With the bankers bet noting the most favor, it is recommended that you use the bet the majority of the time. But, by using a mix of all three bets, you can ensure that you’re not missing out on possible opportunities to make more money.