How To Play Online Baccarat And Win - A Detailed Guide For Beginners

Online baccarat is an exciting casino game full of anticipation but simple to learn and play. With very easy rules and some of the best odds you will find in a casino, baccarat is a table game for new and experienced players alike.

So, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to play baccarat, this guide is a must-read. It covers everything from the basic rules of baccarat and where to play it, to the existing variants of the game. Our experts have addressed every aspect to help you become a pro at this casino game.

How Online Baccarat Works

Online baccarat is a table game with very simple rules that you can learn in less than three minutes.

You and the dealer each receive a hand with two cards, and the goal in baccarat is to have the hand closest to nine and predicting which will be the winning side: whether it will be the banker, the player, or if it will end in a tie.

While the previous description offered a straightforward overview of how online baccarat works, our experts will now delve into a more detailed explanation of how to play the game and potentially increase your chances of winning.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Play Baccarat

Online baccarat involves a simple process—placing a wager and clicking the “deal” button. There are no playing decisions to be made at any time because an embedded action grid determines all those decisions.

As we mentioned earlier, the core of baccarat centers around strategic betting. Every turn of the card is dictated by a set of rules on a table for all to see.

Now that you grasp how baccarat works and its objective, let’s zoom in on the sequential steps you’ll navigate during gameplay.

1. Place your bet

The game begins when you place a wager. There are three betting options: on the “player” (player/you wins), “banker”(banker wins), or on the “tie.”(banker and player have the same value of cards). You need to place your bets before cards are dealt.

2. The cards are dealt

The two cards are dealt for your side and two for the banker’s side. The following cards will be dealt based on the outcome of the first four cards. The game’s goal is to get the hand closest to a total of 9. Using only the first two cards, an 8 or 9 dealt to either side is a “natural” winner. If both sides get an eight or nine, it results in a tie.

3. Remember card values

Cards with a value of 10 and face cards are worth zero points. Other cards are worth the number on the card, except for the ace, which is worth one point. If your card total goes over 10, the second digit is the value. For example, if you have a 9 and a 6, totaling 15, it makes a five-point hand (five is the second digit of the value). And to win, you need to bet on the hand that gets closer to nine.

4. Player’s Rule

If there’s no natural win, the Player’s turn comes first. You get another card (third card) if you have a total of 0-5. If your total is 6 or 7, don’t take another card and stand.

5. Banker’s Rule

What the Banker does depends on your hand and if you drew a third card. If you didn’t draw a third card, the Banker draws if they have 0-5 and stands if they have 6-7. If you did draw a third card, the Banker has a set of rules to decide whether to draw or stand based on their hand and the value of your third card.

6. Draw a third card when it is necessary

If neither hand totals eight or nine, you and the banker can draw a third card if certain conditions are in place. You cannot draw another card if your initial hand totals six or seven. But, when you must stand, the dealer can take a third card. And just like you, the dealer can only draw a third card if their hand total is less than six. If you take a third card, the dealer must follow different rules depending on the value of the card drawn. Here are the rules:

  • If you drew a two or three, the dealer draws with 0–4 and stands with 5–7.
  • If you drew a four or five, the dealer draws with 0–5 and stands with 6–7.
  • If you drew a six or seven, the dealer draws with 0–6 and stands with 7.
  • If you drew an eight, the dealer draws with 0–2 and stands with 3–7.
  • If you drew an ace, 9, 10, or face card, the dealer draws with 0–3 and stands with 4–7.
7. Deciding who is a winner

After you and Banker have either stood or drawn cards according to the game’s rules, the hand closest to 9 wins; if both hands have the exact total, it’s a tie. One more thing that is crucial for you to remember is that baccarat is considered the most player-friendly game. The house has a 1.24% advantage on the player’s side and only a 1.06% advantage on the banker’s side. Betting on a tie heavily favors the house with a 14.4% advantage. Winning on the player’s side results in a 1-1 payout, while the banker’s side also pays 1-1, but a 5% commission is deducted. Tie bets can have payouts ranging from 9-1 to 11-1, depending on the game.

How Important Is The Baccarat Third Card

The third card in baccarat online is crucial in determining the final point totals for both the player and the banker, and it plays a significant role in shaping the outcome of the game based on the specific rules in place. Understanding the rules related to the third card, which we explained above, is essential for you to make informed bets and strategic decisions in this game.

Since sometimes players find it difficult to learn the rules by heart, our experts prepared a table with a third card rule chart, which can ease your gameplay and help you better understand the rules.

If you drawBanker needs toBanker needs to
Draw on:Stand on:
2 or 30-45-7
4 or 50-56-7
6 or 70-67
80-23-7

Is The Baccarat Table The Same In Every Online Casino?

Just like all online casino table games, baccarat games also differ by table layout and rules, although the fundamental aspects of the game remain consistent. Here, we singled out some factors that might differ in online casinos:

Table Design

The visual appearance of the baccarat table can vary. Some online casinos may have a traditional green felt table, while others might use different colors or designs.

User Interface

The way you interact with the virtual table can differ. Some platforms may have unique graphics, animations, or additional features to improve the gaming experience.

Betting Limits

Each online casino sets its own betting limits for baccarat. These limits can vary widely, catering to both low-stakes and high-stakes players.

Side Bets

Some online casinos offer additional side bets (such as Player Pair and Banker Pair) or game variations with extra features.

House Rules

There may be slight variations in the game’s specific rules, particularly regarding the drawing of the third card, tie rules, or the payout structure for certain bets. However, despite these potential differences, baccarat’s core rules and goals generally remain the same across online casinos. It’s always a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the baccarat variant offered by the online casino you choose to play on.

Most Known And Played Online Baccarat Variants

Online casinos worldwide offer various baccarat styles to cater to player preferences. Despite the perception that each variant is distinct, our experts clarify that they share the same basic rules.

The differences lie in how the dealer and player interact, the role of the Banker, and the game’s scale. Choose the one that aligns with your preferences and comfort level.

Here, we prepared an overview of the most popular online baccarat variants among casino players you might play:

Punto Banco (North American Baccarat)

This is the most popular variant, where the casino always banks the game, and both hands follow fixed drawing rules. Since it’s a game of chance, choosing the Banker bet, often with the lowest house edge, is a solid strategy.

Chemin de Fer

Popular in France, players act as the bank, deciding on drawing or standing. Strategy plays here as you decide whether to draw a third card, so understanding the third-card rules is essential.

Baccarat Banque

One player serves as the Banker for the entire round, competing against all other players. Like Chemin de Fer, understanding third-card rules is crucial, and note that the Banker has a slightly higher chance of winning.

Mini Baccarat

A smaller-scale version of Punto Banco, played on a table similar to blackjack. It’s fast-paced, so managing your bankroll and setting limits is vital for controlled gameplay.

Live Dealer Baccarat

Available at online casinos, this version provides an authentic casino experience with a human dealer managing the game in real-time. Here, you can take advantage of the extended decision time compared to digital versions and use the chat function to interact with the dealer. Each variation follows the same basic rules but differs in how the dealer and player interact the Banker’s role, and the game’s scale. Choose the one that aligns with your preferences and comfort level.

Useful Tips From Our Baccarat Experts

Before you start playing baccarat online, our experts want to give you some advice and tips to enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.

Master the Rules

Having a good understanding of the rules in online baccarat provides a sense of control. While the game’s decisions are already automated on online platforms, understanding the rules and payouts empowers you to make informed wagering choices.

Establish Betting and Time Limits

Baccarat’s fast speed can lead to impulsive wagers and prolonged play. Set a bankroll and a time limit before starting. When your bankroll is spent, it’s time to stop, at least for the day. Similarly, take breaks when your assigned time is up. Setting a winning stop is a smart practice; once reached, it’s time to step back.

Choose the Banker's Side

With a 1.24% advantage on the Player’s side and a 1.09% advantage on the Banker’s side (even with the 5% commission), playing the Banker’s side offers a statistically better chance of winning. While it may be tempting to play both sides, the numbers favor sticking with the Banker.

Avoid Betting on Ties

Despite clearly attractive payouts ranging from 8-1 to 9-1 for winning “tie” bets, analysis reveals these are unfavorable bets. The house’s advantage at 8-1 is 14.4%, and at 9-1, it’s 4%, making these bets challenging to overcome.

Dismiss Betting Systems

Claims of foolproof baccarat systems for a fee are often baseless. Game decisions are pre-programmed, and no system can increase your chances of winning. Avoid wasting time and money on such systems.

Acknowledge Winning Streaks

While it may defy the odds, streaks in baccarat can persist. If playing the Banker’s side and the Player’s side hits three times consecutively, consider taking a break until the streak concludes. There’s no need to challenge fate.

Practice For Free

Take advantage of our online casinos that offer free baccarat games. Practicing for free provides a hands-on education on the game and its dynamics, allowing you to refine your understanding and betting strategies.

The Best Online Baccarat Sites For Arab Players

If you’re looking for the best online baccarat experiences, we suggest exploring two types of casinos to cater to different preferences. Our recommended online casinos provide a variety of baccarat games, ensuring an immersive and enjoyable gaming environment.

Online Baccarat Casinos

Online baccarat casinos provide a convenient and accessible platform for you to enjoy the timeless card game. These casinos offer various baccarat variations, user-friendly interfaces, and enticing bonuses. For a curated selection of platforms that excel in delivering a unique online baccarat experience, we suggest you check out our comprehensive list of recommended online casinos to play baccarat.

Online Baccarat
Live Casinos with Baccarat Games

If you seek a more interactive and immersive gaming experience, live casinos with baccarat games are the perfect choice. These platforms feature real-time video streaming of professional dealers managing the game, creating an authentic casino atmosphere from the comfort of your own space. To explore the best live casinos offering captivating baccarat games, refer to our guide on our best baccarat live casino websites.

Live Baccarat Sites

FAQ

Is online baccarat a skill game?

Baccarat is mostly luck, but smart bets can influence results a bit. Since the dealer controls most of the game and you can’t pick your cards, there’s not much room for skill.

Is online baccarat easy to learn?

Yes, baccarat is very easy to learn. With just a few betting options and straightforward rules, even if you are a beginner can quickly grasp the basics.

What's the goal of baccarat?

The goal is simple: bet on the hand that gets closest to nine—either your hand (“Player”), the banker’s hand (“Banker”), or go for a tie. The winner is the hand with the highest total value.

How to play baccarat online?

Find a trustworthy online casino offering Baccarat, and we recommend our online casinos for safety and good offers. Create an account, deposit money, and head to the Baccarat section to start playing.

How can I win at baccarat?

To win, just guess if the banker’s or player’s hand is closer to nine. Each starts with two cards; if the player’s total is less than six, you can draw another card.

What's the best bet in baccarat?

The banker bet wins the most (45.87% chance), but remember, there’s a 5% commission on all winning banker bets. Keep this in mind when betting.

Azyadi Niyas

Hello our dear players, my name is Azyadi Niyas. I am coming from Doha, and at the beginning of 2012, I joined the casino industry. Enjoying casino games is very hard for Arab people, so I am here to help you. Is some Arab casino safe, how do you deposit money, and how do the bonuses work were all questions to which we were eager to know the answers. We all need a little help sometimes, or just a different point of view, so feel free to ask me anything that you want to know.