Baccarat is a popular card game both online and on in-land-based casinos. Given the relatively low house edge, it has been the center of attraction. Not just that, Baccarat has been repeatedly part of the limelight. In action movies like James Bond, we often see Mr. Bond enjoying few hands of this game before shifting into the action figure.
Moreover, the game is easier to play if we just put our heads into it—no extra complicated calculation, just the basic strategy. Let’s get started without further ado into the tips and tricks to increasing the payroll and winning odds.
Before we start, let’s take a trip down the historical lane of Baccarat.
Quick history
Felix Falguierein, an Italian gambler, invented the game in the 1400s. Hence the word itself is derived from Italian roots, “Baccara,” meaning zero. This reflects one of the most important rules of the game, all face cards and tens’ value is equal to zero.
Initially, the Baccarat was played through “medieval-era tarot cards.” Once the popularity was in play, the tarot was replaced by a standard card. It didn’t Baccarat to reach the streets of France. There it is played under a new name, “Chemin de Fer,” a version of Baccarat En Banque. The game flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries throughout Europe.
A writer cum gambler, Tommy Renzoni, introduced the game to the high-end players of Las Vegas and Cuba. Now we enjoy the games in a myriad of ways, from the comfort of our house to the glitz and glamour of land-based casinos.
Basics on Baccarat
How to play the Baccarat?
Given the hype of the game, it can be intimidating at first. Nonetheless, behind the exteriors, Baccarat is a decent game involving three to six standard 52-cards deck. The dealing machine used to place the card after shuffling is called “Shoe.”
The betting options you have are:
Player, Banker, and Tie.
The croupier deals out the cards, two cards on each side; Player and Banker. All face-up, now you have to bet on the possible guess of getting closest to nine on either side.
Rules to keep in mind:
- All cards from 2 to 9 have face values.
- Tens and Face values as mentioned above is equal to Zero.
- Finally, all aces are equal to numerical value of one.
Baccarat Playing Strategies
Betting on banker
Even if you are new to the game, chances are you have heard about the famous line, “Always bet on the banker.” Although this is not the only one that is cited regularly.
Betting on the Banker is one of the safest ways to start the game as a beginner or if you want to stay on the safe lines. It all comes down to simple math. The house edge on the Banker is 1.06 %. Thus, the return to player (RTP) of Banker’s handstands at 98.94 percent. This is better odd in contrast to player hand that has the RTP of 98.76 percent. Lastly, the tie hand whose RTP is relatively lower at 85.64 percent.
Even though the percent is based on a theoretical viewpoint. It gives you a good insight on which side has greater chances of winning in comparison.
Betting on player
Although, the banker side provides you with fantastic winning odds. Many recommend betting on the player side as a smart move. The commission on the banker side likely states you will win much less in overall games in contrast to the player’s hand.
Let’s use the Martingale Strategy to understand it better.
The technique is here to double up the initial bet until the final result is a win. Suppose you bet five hands. Beginning from $10 to move on to second as $20, third as $40, and fourth at $80. Now to proceed on the final hand player has to place is $160.
Hypothetically let’s say the player wins the fifth bet. The total win is $320 minus the $5 commissions of the Banker’s hand leaves you with $304. Even though you successfully applied the strategy and won the game, you still end up short on the payout.
Now, the question remains which side to pick. The reason I have placed both the options to help make a decision that works for you. What is your final vision? Is it just winning or winning with slightly higher payouts? Utilize the information on placing your wager.
Bonus Strategies:
- Play short hands and quit when your lucky streak is on your side.
- Always remember to keep in mind your overall payroll before jumping on the bets that you can’t justify later on.
- In the case of online gambling, always pay attention to the terms and conditions.
- Take control of your emotions.
