Baccarat 101: Game Rules, Variants, and Winning Tips
Baccarat is a card game, one that is arguably one of the most well-known and recognizable in casinos, whether physical or online. This game has deep roots, inspired by the games European aristocrats used to play, and till today its popularity endures. Known for its simplicity and low house edge, baccarat attracts players of all levels, from high-rollers to beginners looking for a straightforward yet exciting casino experience.
Take a look at baccarat’s fundamentals, how the game came to be, and, most importantly, the kinds of baccarat versions and variants that online casinos have in stock.
What is Baccarat?
One of these hands is labeled the “banker”, and the other is labeled the “player”. The banker and player receive two or three cards each. In baccarat, the players have to bet on the hand they think has a number closest to the total of nine, which is tallied up depending on individual card value.
- Number cards (2-9) carry their face value.
- Face cards, which are the kings, queens, jacks, and 10s, have a value of 0.
- Aces give players 1 point each.
Players get the full value of a hand by taking the value of each card and adding each. If the total is higher than 10, only the last digit is counted.For example, players have a 8 and a 9 in player hand, that adds up to 17, which becomes 7 points.
Baccarat doesn’t require players to make lots of choices, so it’s relatively simple to pick up. Once a bet is placed, players just need to wait for the results. The dealer follows predetermined rules to decide if a third card should be drawn, removing any need for strategy on the player’s part.
Historical Background of Baccarat
The origins of baccarat are somewhat murky, with several countries claiming its invention. However, most historians agree that the game likely originated in Italy in the 15th century. In Italian, ‘zero’ is the translation of the word ‘baccarat’, as face cards and tens have a value of zero.
It was soon brought over to France, where nobles picked it up and enjoyed it, renaming it ‘Chemin de Fer’. As time went by, Baccarat traveled the world again, eventually landing in America. There, it became a favorite in casinos around the country, and spread once more to other nations.
Baccarat’s simple gameplay, combined with relatively favorable odds, has made it a top choice for players worldwide.
Common Baccarat Variants
While traditional baccarat remains popular, online casinos offer various exciting variants that introduce unique rules and betting options.
1. Punto Banco
The most common version of baccarat that players will find in casinos, whether physical or online, is Punto Banco. No dedicated dealer is necessary in this variant of the game, but instead, every decision and all cards dealt are handled by the “bank”, which is what the casino is called. All players need to do is bet on which side (Punto/Player, or Banco/Bank) players think will win, or if it’ll draw.
Punto Banco is very straightforward and easy to play, making it an attractive game for newer players.
2. Chemin de Fer
If players are looking for a variant of baccarat that is more interactive than others, a good choice might be Chemin de Fer. This variant can be found most often in casinos across Europe. It differs from Punto Banco in the sense that the banker role changes hands throughout the game, with each player taking turns at it. This gimmick makes Chemin de Fer more complex, since whichever player holds the banker role has to decide whether or not they want to draw a third card.
This version of baccarat is slower-paced than others, and promotes much more interaction between players compared to other variants. This feature also means it’s harder to find at online casinos, unfortunately, since it can’t be played with too few players.
3. Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque has a lot of similarities with Chemin de Fer, in the way players can play a banker role. But bankers in Banque don’t rotate. At the start of a game, one player takes this role, and keeps it until that game ends. Another level of complexity in this variant is that it commonly uses three card decks.
Another common feature this version has with Chemin de Fer is their common nature at casinos across Europe.
But again, unlike Chemin, players can also find Baccarat Banque at more prestigious online platforms for skilled players.
4. Mini-Baccarat
If players are looking for a variant of baccarat that plays faster and is even simpler, mini-baccarat might suit them. The rules are similar to Punto Banco, but a smaller table is commonly used, along with reduced maximum bets. The dealer is also responsible for running the whole game. At online casinos, this is a very well-loved baccarat variant. If casual players or newbies are looking for a more relaxed variant of baccarat to try out, this is usually their go-to.
5. Live Dealer Baccarat
Live dealer casino games have grown more and more popular in the past decade or two, now that online casinos are becoming more popular as well. Baccarat is the same way. By playing live dealer baccarat, customers get to feel what it’s like to visit real-life casinos, without needing to leave home. Typically, live dealer versions of baccarat are live streamed to players, with a dealer at the location using physical cards and speaking as though the players are there with them.
Other Baccarat's Variants
In addition to the mainstream versions mentioned above, online casinos often introduce unique baccarat variants to keep things fresh. Some of these include:
- Speed Baccarat: This version of baccarat has rounds that only last a maximum of 27 seconds!
- No Commission Baccarat: Casinos (also known as ‘the house’) will take a 5% commission fee for won banker bets in normal baccarat. If a player wants to avoid having to pay that, they can pick this option, albeit with reduced payouts on certain bets to compensate for it.
- Progressive Baccarat: Progressive baccarat imitates the progressive jackpot structure of certain slot games, and players who choose this variant can potentially win even bigger in addition to the already existing prizes.
Baccarat’s simplicity, combined with favorable odds, has ensured its continued popularity both in traditional and online casinos, captivating a wide audience. Players can find a huge range of different types of baccarat at online casinos.
Whether a seasoned player or a newcomer looking to try their luck, baccarat’s various forms ensure there’s a version to suit every preference and skill level.