The Complete Online Baccarat Guide

Baccarat is a classic casino game that has become increasingly popular at online casinos in recent years. Despite being a relatively recent addition to the casino games list, baccarat has a rich history dating back 500 years. Initially considered a game for aristocrats, it eventually spread internationally, including to India, thanks to the creation of casinos and online casinos. Understanding the cultural heritage of baccarat can enhance one's appreciation of the game.

The origin of baccarat is subject to various theories, but historians believe Felix Falguierein created it in Italy in the 1400s. The game was initially called "baccara" because all face cards and tens were worth zero. Baccarat later became popular in France and was named "Chemin de Fer" before spreading to England and ultimately the United States, where it was called "Punto Banco."

Older versions of baccarat had multiple dealers and allowed players to bet against each other. Still, modern versions feature a single dealer, and players place their bets against the house, which also serves as the banker. As a result, Baccarat is now a game accessible to all and enjoyed by players worldwide, with a rich history and cultural significance.

Monkey

"Monkey" is popular baccarat jargon that refers to any ten or face card (jack, queen, or king). This card can be drawn on the third card, resulting in a zero that doesn't change the hand's current total. The term's origin is unclear, but it is believed to come from the pronunciation of "monarchy" among Asian baccarat players.

Croupier

The baccarat dealer is the "croupier," responsible for shuffling, cutting the eight-card deck, and managing all aspects of the game. They announce the current scenario and determine if one, both, or neither hand must draw a third and final card based on their respective totals.

Burn Card(s)

Before dealing hands, the croupier discards the first few cards to prevent cheating by stacking the deck in the player's favour. This process is called "burning" cards; each croupier has a preferred method.

Natural

When the player or banker hand is dealt a two-card combination totalling eight or nine, the croupier calls out "natural eight" or "natural nine." A natural nine beats a natural eight, while any natural against a 0-7 total is automatically a winner.

Dragon 7 and Panda 8 Bets

"Dragon 7" and "Panda 8" are standard side bets on most modern "EZ Baccarat" tables. A Dragon 7 bet requires the dealer to beat the player's hand with a three-card total of precisely seven. A Panda 8 bet requires the player to beat the dealer's hand with a three-card total of eight.

Le Grande and Le Petite

A natural nine is the best possible starting hand and is called "le grande," which means "the big one" in French. It signifies the top hand ranking in baccarat. "La petite" (or "the little one" in French) refers to the slightly less powerful natural eight.

Standoff

A standoff is a tie between the player's and the banker's hands, resulting in neither winning nor losing. The bets are returned to the players.

Banker

The banker is a popular bet in baccarat and has a slight edge over the player. However, the banker must pay a commission on winning bets, reducing their profitability.

Tie Bet

The tie bet is another popular bet in baccarat. It involves betting that the player and banker hand will have the same total value, resulting in a standoff. It has a higher payout but is also riskier.

Marker

A marker is a physical token used to keep track of the commission owed by the banker. The player who bets on the banker's hand is responsible for paying the commission, and a marker helps keep track of the amount owed.

Baccarat is a popular card game played at casinos around the world. It is a game of chance, where players bet on the outcome of two hands dealt by the dealer - the player's hand and the banker's hand.

The game aims to predict which hand will have a total closest to 9. Aces are worth 1 point, while cards 2-9 are worth their face value. 10s and face cards are worth 0 points.

At the beginning of the game, players place their bets on either the player or the banker hand. The dealer then deals two cards face up to each hand. If either hand has a total of 8 or 9, it is called a "natural", and no more cards are dealt. If both hands have the exact total, it is called a tie.

If neither hand has a natural, then a third card may be dealt depending on the total of the first two cards. The rules for drawing a third card are predetermined and based on the total of the player's hand. The banker must follow strict rules for drawing a third card based on the total of their hand and the third card drawn by the player.

Once all cards are dealt, the hand with the total closest to 9 wins. If the player hand wins, the players who bet on it receive a payout equal to their bet. If the banker's hand wins, the players who bet on it receive a payout minus a 5% commission. If there is a tie, players who bet on the tie receive a higher payout.

Baccarat may seem complex, but it is a simple game to learn. With its elegant atmosphere and high stakes, it has long been a favourite of casino-goers worldwide.

Baccarat is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee wins. However, some bets have a higher return to player (RTP) than others. The banker bet has the highest RTP, 98.94%, followed by the player bet, 98.76%. The tie bet has the lowest RTP, at only 85.64%.

When playing baccarat, managing your budget and bet size appropriately is essential. Start by setting a budget and sticking to it. Then, determine your betting strategy based on your budget and the RTP of each wager. Betting on the banker or player is generally a safer choice, while the tie bet should be avoided due to its low RTP.

To maximize your chances of winning, it's also essential to understand the game's rules and the specific baccarat variant you are playing. Finally, always remember that baccarat is a game of chance, and there is no guarantee of winning.