How to Play Baccarat Online
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Baccarat is that exciting card game you see in movies where high-rollers play in opulent casinos. Its mystique evokes images of men in tuxedos and women in posh evening gowns laying down their chips as the dealer hands out cards. But don’t let its reputation scare you away, this is an easy to learn game with simple rules and strategies.
Unlike many table games, baccarat requires no specialized knowledge or equipment to play. All you need is a computer with an internet connection, a reliable online casino, and a bankroll to wager with. Players place bets on either the Player, Banker, or Tie. The aim of the game is to get as close to nine points as possible in order to win. The highest value card is the nine, followed by the ten and picture or face cards. The rest of the cards are worth their pip value, with aces counting as one point.
Before the game begins, participants must place their bets based on which hand they favor to win. The game is usually dealt from a six or eight deck shoe. Two cards are dealt to the Player and Banker hands, and a third card may be drawn if necessary. Whichever hand is closest to 9 wins. The game also allows a tie bet, which pays 1:1, but has a higher house edge than the player or banker bet. The 5% commission that is levied on winning banker bets helps to offset this house edge.
The Banker bet is the most popular option, and is also the best way to maximize your chances of winning. The house edge on a Banker bet is 1.09%, and the payout is 1:1. The Player bet, on the other hand, has a lower house edge at 1.24%, but it pays out only 1:10. The Tie bet has irresistible odds, but carries a high 14.4% house edge.
In addition to the player, banker, and tie bets, baccarat offers a number of side bets. Depending on the establishment or platform, these side bets can pay up to 11:1 odds. The Player Pair bet, for example, wagers that the player and banker will receive identical cards on the deal.
As with all table games, baccarat can be addictive, so it’s important to set a limit before you begin. Setting a loss or win limit will ensure you don’t go broke and that you have an exit strategy when you start to lose or win too much. It’s also a good idea to practice the game with virtual money before wagering real cash, so you can familiarize yourself with the rules and strategy before playing for real. All of our expert casino commendations offer a free version of baccarat, so you can try it out before making any bets.