Baccarat Online

The Basics of Baccarat Online

Baccarat online can be played with up to eight standard decks of cards that are all shuffled together and dealt from a shoe. It’s a comparative card game where you make bets on the probability of the player’s hand winning, the banker’s hand winning or a tie. Bets are placed on the appropriate area of a layout prior to the deal. Once you’ve anted up, two cards are dealt face up to the player or ‘punto’ and banker or ‘banco’. A third card can be dealt to one or both of the hands but is entirely dependent on the prescribed baccarat rules outlined below. According to the total value of the cards in hand the player wins, the banker wins or the coup or round is called a tie.

Calculating Hand Values in Baccarat Online

Baccarat online doesn’t apply the usual rules when determining the hand value. Although all cards have points values it is only the cards from 2 to 9 that generate points at face value. All the picture cards and tens are worth zero, while Aces have a one point value. Calculating the points total is interesting to say the least. Instead of simply adding up the values of the two cards, it is only the numerical value on the far right that counts. If for example the player has 4 and 5 in hand, the value is 9 but if the banker has 7 and 8, the value is 5. Although the actual total of 7 and 8 is 15; it is only the value on the far right that is relevant. The highest possible hand value is consequently 9.

Baccarat Rules

The rules of baccarat online are cast in stone and determine exactly when a third card may be dealt. There are two defined baccarat rules structures that apply solely to the player or the banker. There is one rule however that applies to both. If either hand has points total of 8 or 9 it is referred to as a natural, no further cards may be dealt and the coup or round is deemed over.

Player’s Baccarat Rules

If the player has an initial cards total of between 0 and 5, a third card is automatically dealt If the player’s total hand value is 6 or 7, the hand stands

Banker’s Baccarat Rules

• If the banker’s cards total is between 0 and 2, a third card is drawn
• If the banker’s total is 3, a third card is dealt unless the player’s third card is an 8
• If the banker’s total is 4, a third card is dealt unless the player’s third card is 0, 1, 8 or 9
• If the banker’s total is 5, a third card is dealt unless the player’s third card is 4, 5, 6 or 7
• If the banker’s total is 6, a third card is dealt unless the player’s third card is 6 or 7
• If the banker’s total is 7, the banker’s hand stands

Popular Variants of Baccarat Online

Apart from the three major baccarat categories – Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque – casino software providers have developed a wide variety of popular online baccarat variants that offer superior graphics, silky smooth deals and new and exciting gaming features. You’ll discover Microgaming’s Baccarat Gold Series that is played with 8 decks of cards, has flexible betting limits and a litany of enticing side bets that include banker and player pair bets that pay out at 11:1. Playtech casinos offer a Multiplayer Baccarat option together with Mini Baccarat and Progressive Baccarat. The latter is played with 6 decks of cards and an additional side bet puts you in the running for a constantly accumulating jackpot prize. Net Entertainment offers both Baccarat and Punto Banco in a variety of genres, from Low Roller Pro Series, Regular Pro Series, High Roller Pro Series to VIP Pro Series!

Baccarat Strategy & Playing Tips

Baccarat online requires no skill or strategy to win. There are however a couple of playing tips that should keep your bank roll intact. Always bet on the banker as it has the lowest house edge. Avoid tie bets as although they offer mouth watering payouts, they come with a hefty house advantage of around 15 percent. Never bet on streaks and don’t get suckered into buying a baccarat strategy as card counting and other systems are completely irrelevant in a game of chance! You can optimise your entire gaming experience online by signing-up at a reliable, secure and regulated gambling destination listed at GamblersCenter.com that offers all the great casino games including baccarat online in all its best loved variants!