What is baccarat?
Baccarat is a card game that has been around for over 600 years. No one knows exactly when it was invented, but many predict it originated in Italy in the 1400s. The name has been adapted from the Italian word ‘zero’, and that is because four of the cards in the deck come with a value of zero in the game. Those cards are the tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings.
The game is played with 4-8 decks of conventional playing cards, and there are three types of bets you can place – the banker, player, or tie bet. It is a simple game to understand once you have the hang of it, and it is a lot of fun to play with people you know or strangers online.
How do you play baccarat?
To understand how to play baccarat, we are going to have to look at it in a number of simple steps:
There are two hands in baccarat – the bankers and the players. As a player, you can place a bet on either hand before the cards have been dealt.
Both the banker and the player are dealt two cards. The first card is placed face up in the player’s box, and the next is placed face up in the banker’s box. This is then repeated.
The point total of both sets of cards is then announced. Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings all have a value of zero. The rest of the cards in the deck will be worth their face value. If the total value goes above 10, then the second digit of the number will be the value of the hand. You will win if the hand you bet on is the one closer to 9.
If out of the first two hands, the point total is 8 or 9 for either the banker or player, this is called a natural win, and the game will be finished. All bets are cashed out.
If the player has a total between 0-5, then they will be able to draw a third card. However, this won’t happen if the banker has an 8 or 9, as that will be a natural win.
There are a number of rules when it comes to giving the banker a third card. If the player doesn’t draw a new card, and the banker has a hand total of 0-5, then they can draw a third card. However, there are other times they can draw depending on the player’s third card:
- If the player’s third card is 9, 10, face-card or ace, the banker draws when he has a 0-3, and stays with a 4-7.
- If the player’s third card is 8, the banker draws when he has a 0-2, and stays with a 3-7.
- If the player’s third card is 6 or 7, the banker draws when he has a 0-6, and stays with a 7.
- If the player’s third card is 4 or 5, the banker draws when he has a 0-5, and stays with a 6-7.
- If the player’s third card is 2 or 3, the banker draws when he has a 0-4, and stays with a 5-7.
Once all the cards have been dealt, including the third one, if the player or banker qualifies, then the winning hand will be the one closer to 9. If there is a tie, then no one will win or lose.
Baccarat terminology
There are many different terms you’ll come across when playing online baccarat, and these are some of the most common ones:
- Banco – Spanish word for banker
- Bankroll – The amount of money you want to bet
- Caller – The person responsible for the cards
- Face cards – Cards that have a portrait on them
- Ladderman – A dealer who will run the game
- La grande – When the baccarat totals nine
- La petite – When the baccarat totals eight
- Monkey – Another term for a face card or ten
- Natural – When two cards total either eight or nine
- Punto – the Spanish word for player
- Standoff – When the player and the banker are tied
Types of Baccarat
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is the most prevalent baccarat variant you’ll encounter while perusing the baccarat options at UK online casinos. It consists of the player’s and the banker’s two hands, although additional participants may participate in the event and gamble on the result. The player picks which side they wish to wager on and then waits to see whether they win.
Punto Banco is played using a 52-card deck, each having a different value allocated to it. Aces and other number cards have the same numerical value as stated on their card. However, tens and other face cards have 0 points.
The player and banker are both given two cards, and the sum of their totals determines their score. If they have fewer than five points, they may maintain this value or request another card.
Chemin de Fer
The Chemin de Fer is a unique variant available at online casinos. If you like early James Bond movies, you’ll recognise this rendition of baccarat. It once again features a banker and a player, but this time the player will take turns serving as the banker over the rounds. These two players may also be unable to seek another card.
A round of Chemin de Fer requires at least six players to be seated around the table. The player and banker are then dealt two cards each. The first banker is always the player on the dealer’s right, and they go counterclockwise around the table.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is last but not least. It is possibly the earliest variation of baccarat ever played, going back to the nineteenth century and known as Baccarat à Deux Tableaux. Unlike the other two varieties, this game employs three decks of 53 cards. It does, however, have certain characteristics with Chemin de Fer.
While the banker may request a fresh card, the player is required to stand throughout each round. People gather around this table, with the banker in the centre and players on both the left and right sides of the banker. The players on the right will be given one hand, while the ones on the left will be dealt the other. The banker is then given a third hand, and the two sides compete against this hand rather than each other.
Finding a reliable Baccarat online casino
When you’re ready to start playing baccarat, you’ll need to select the best online casinos. You want one that is trustworthy and fair, so take the following measures to guarantee you get the best experience:
See what other players say
The easiest approach to determine if an online casino is trustworthy is to read what other players have to say about it. You may learn all you need to know about the casino and the online slots available by browsing for casino site reviews. Other players will comment on how fast the payouts are and if the games available are fair.
Is it licensed?
A trustworthy online casino will be licensed and registered with a governing body. If the casino has no evidence of a license, you should avoid it at all costs. The license should be listed somewhere on the website, but it might be tough to locate, so your best bet is to utilise Google or read the reviews.
Look for high-quality games
You could be lured to an online casino that claims to have every variation of baccarat available for you to play. But don’t let this tempt you. It is often too good to be true, and they may not offer high payouts or RTP rates. It is preferable to choose a reputable online casino with fewer and high-quality baccarat games rather than one with everything.
Review banking options
Some banking choices are more trustworthy than others, and you should only play at an online casino that accepts the deposit and withdrawal methods you choose. If they accept standard debit and credit cards, they are probably trustworthy. However, you may double-check them by reading the reviews.
Top 8 UK baccarat casino games
High-Stakes Baccarat by NetEnt
NetEnt is known for having a wide range of baccarat game options, and they have three different variations of high-stakes baccarat for you to choose from. The Series High Limit Baccarat is played with eight 52-card decks, allows you to wager between £10 and £1,000 and has an RTP of 98.96%. There are no side bets, simply conventional gaming in which you may wager on the Player, Banker, or Tie. Player and Banker bets pay even money (minus a 5% charge), while Tie bets pay 9 for 1.
The second NetEnt high-stakes variation is Punto Banco Pro High Limit which features similar choices, except it is played with six cards and has an RTP of 98.92%.
The last variation is to cater to big rollers. The VIP Professional Series raises the minimum and maximum bets to £100 and £10,000, respectively. It likewise follows conventional regulations, has no side bets, and has the same RTP as the High Limit game.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: LeoVegas
Live Baccarat No Commission by Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming Live Baccarat No Commission is a card game in which eight decks of cards are used. The goal of the game is to guess whether the Banker or the Player will have a hand that is closest to 9. The round might potentially end in a draw, which is the game’s third primary wager.
Because Baccarat is linked with Asia, both the surroundings and the dealer’s attire have a distinctly Chinese flair. The camera stream fills the whole screen, while the digital betting space below appears and shrinks as needed to provide a good view of the bean-shaped table covered in vibrant purple felt.
The interface allows you to set the video quality, as well as game audio and scorecard display.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: Casimba
High-Stakes Baccarat by Microgaming
Microgaming also has two variations of high-stakes baccarat. Microgaming High Limit Baccarat is played with eight normal 52-card decks with a betting range of £1 to £500. It pays out 1:1 on Player and Banker bets (less 5% charge) and 8:1 on Tie bets.
Microgaming Baccarat Gold has a £5 bet limit and can only bet as much as the previous type (£500). However, it does include extra bets, notably Player and Banker Pair, which are decided by the first two cards dealt to the Player and Banker, respectively. The payoff on these two side bets is 11:1. The game has stunning visuals and some fascinating card-handling animations that add to the realism.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: Betway Casino
Live Speed Baccarat by Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming Live Speed Baccarat is a live dealer card game designed for people who want to play rather than wait or think about their next move.
A typical Baccarat round lasts more than 40 seconds, whereas Live Speed Baccarat only takes 27 seconds. It employs eight card decks, the betting window is only open for 12 seconds, and the cards are dealt face-up.
Players may switch between conventional and 3D perspectives and customise the sound effects. The game also provides roadmaps to keep track of the streaks and patterns of the hands played. The table has an original Macau-style bean form with golden felt, and there are magnificent beaded curtains behind the dealer, who is dressed in a red lace gown.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: 21 UK Casino
High-Stakes Baccarat by Playtech
Playtech has two variations of high-stakes baccarat. Playtech Baccarat is played with six decks and has a bet range of £10 to £1,000. If the first two cards dealt to the respective hand make any pair, the player and banker pair win. They must form a pair of the same suit to win on a Perfect Pair side bet. If the total number of cards dealt between the player and the banker is 5 or 6, the Big bet wins, and the Small bet wins if the total is 4.
Playtech Progressive Baccarat includes a gamble that allows you the opportunity to win a progressive jackpot. When both the dealer and the player land an Ace and an 8, with all four cards of the same suit, the jackpot is triggered.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: Casino.com
Salon Prive Baccarat by Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming Salon Prive Baccarat is a specialised private table introduced by the firm in 2018 that is hosted by a VIP expert dealer that provides a premium one-to-one service at just a few casinos.
You may select the choice of dealer, shuffle dynamics, and game pace by joining the very exquisite Salon Prive Baccarat game and utilising the ‘Spin Now’ and ‘Deal Now’ buttons. One player may use the table at a time, and while it is occupied, the game displays “In use,” prohibiting other gamblers from seeing or playing. The croupier, who is generally a beautiful woman dressed in gold, will be completely dedicated to your demands, and you can carry the game with you wherever you go since it is mobile-optimized.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: QueenPlay
Grand Baccarat No Commission by Playtech
Playtech Grand Baccarat No Commission is a live dealer game played in a gold-painted studio. The dealer’s dress complements the surroundings, and the whole scene is a huge dazzling celebration.
The UI is feature-rich, with granular data from the standard 5 Baccarat roadmaps. Aside from betting on the Banker, Player, or Tie, players may put a variety of side bets such as Banker Pair and Dealer Pair, Either Pair, Perfect Pair, Big and Small, and Egalite Extra.
Playtech Grand Baccarat provides intriguing features such as auto-confirmation of bets and the ability to conceal one’s stakes from other players.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: Fun Casino
Prestige Mini Baccarat by Playtech
Playtech Prestige Mini Baccarat is comparable to Grand Baccarat in many ways, but it also has genuine elements and a new interface, as well as an HD multi-camera format.
Visually, the studio is designed to appeal to players who want a classic Asian atmosphere when playing Baccarat. The dominating colour is red, both across the table and surrounding it, and the dealers often wear pink gowns.
The game has roadmaps, Bead Road, Big Road, Big Eye Road, Small Road, and Cockroach Road, which enable you to see the past two shoes’ worth of outcomes. There are side bets, the most fascinating of which is the Egalite bet. You may put this bet regardless of whether or not you have made the primary bet, and you will be betting on the particular value of a Tie.
Best Baccarat UK Casino Site to Play this Game: Griffon Casino
- History of Roulette - September 14, 2023
- How to Dress in a Casino – 8 Outfit Ideas - September 12, 2023
- Gambling Horoscope – Is Today My Lucky Day? - July 14, 2023