With so many engaging online casino games calling for your attention, sometimes sticking with tradition is the winning ticket. What better way to stick with tradition than with online baccarat? Staying true to the classic Italian and French game that dates back centuries, Punto Banco, the principal online baccarat variant that is widely available, has stayed the same in the digital generation.
Why Basic Baccarat Strategy Is Important
While playing baccarat, whether in person or online, isn’t overly difficult, it does do you well to have some kind of strategy before the dealer passes cards from the shoe. Understanding the baccarat basics, like knowing the card count to hit and when the dealer is allowed to draw a third card, is also important.
Understanding the Baccarat Bets
While baccarat isn’t loaded with side bets or different winning combinations like poker, before going against the live dealer, it is a good idea to understand the different baccarat bets and their house edge. For most baccarat variants, including Punto Banco as seen in James Bond films and the Ian Fleming novels Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque, you can bet on the baccarat player, the banker, or the tie bet. The player carries a 1.24% house edge, while the banker’s bet is a slightly more favorable 1.04% RTP. The tie bet is the most riskiest with a 14% RTP.
Edge Sorting and Card Counting in Baccarat
While card counting is more prevalent in blackjack and poker, some skilled baccarat players try to use card counting when playing, especially if there are other players around. But, with baccarat, the goal is to get to nine, or at least eight, so it’s possible that multiple players can win baccarat without the need for card counting.
With edge sorting, some players mark the cards for future reference. This technique is not allowed and will disqualify you from playing on the table. Also, skilled dealers will burn such cards, meaning they will toss those cards from play anyway.
Bankroll Management Is Part of the Strategy
No matter what your strategy is playing baccarat, the first move is to have a fair budget that you can afford to spend away. Because baccarat is a game of chance and determined at random, you might find yourself leaving the table faster than planned. Fortunately, VIP casinos have a loyalty program that takes into account winning and losing wagers as comp points. Even when you lose playing baccarat, you can earn comp points that can lead to free baccarat wagers down the road.
Understand the Baccarat Variations
The three main baccarat variations are Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banquet. However, some online casinos might have the variant Super 6 available for the live dealer. Super 6 accepts more side bets, like the dragon bonus. However, the stakes and the house edge are that much higher. So, before committing to the variants, please understand the different game rules and the house edge with those payments.
Finding Time to Practice
While baccarat is one of the simplest of all the table games, it doesn’t hurt to have some gaming experience.
Unfortunately, playing with the live dealer doesn’t give you the luxury of practice play. Still, if you play a standalone online baccarat game, you might also have some practice play opportunities.
Always Know When to Walk Away
Even if you’re on a roll playing baccarat, it’s always better to leave while the getting is good. All it takes is one wrong losing bet to bring down the house of cards, so consider walking away even when you’re winning.
