Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 02 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Looking to up your baccarat game? This guide's got you covered with top-notch strategies to give you a fighting chance against the casino's tricks. Whether you're playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, you'll be ready to take on the dealer and potentially walk away with a tidy sum.
We'll break down everything from the basics to advanced techniques, helping you make smarter decisions on player and banker bets. You'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and maybe even try your hand at card counting (just keep it on the down-low).
Stay tuned for video content covering all aspects of baccarat, from rules to advanced systems. We'll show you how to handle different scenarios and boost your odds of coming out on top. Remember, it's all about playing smart and knowing when to walk away.
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Baccarat's a ripper casino game that's fast-paced and exciting, but you've got to play smart. Most punters don't know much about it beyond seeing James Bond give it a go in the movies. Online casinos tend to push pokies, blackjack, and roulette more, so baccarat often flies under the radar.
Stick around and I'll run you through the rules of this ace card game. Follow our Punto Banco guide, and you'll be playing like a pro in no time, with a fair shot against the dealer. We'll show you how to cut down on the banker's wins across different versions of this classic.
Ever heard of an advantage player? It's someone who uses their smarts and game knowledge to beat the casino fair and square. Think card counting, edge sorting, and other clever tricks. It's all above board, but the croupiers aren't exactly fans.
These winning strategies work a treat at live baccarat tables online too, especially when you factor in bonuses. Some casinos offer top-notch promos that can give you a leg up, at least in the short term.
Here at BETO.com, we're always on the hunt for the best casino bonuses and promos to give our players an edge when they're having a punt online. Now, let's dive into the game itself and see about winning some serious casino chips.
First things first, though. To be good at baccarat, you've got to know the rules like the back of your hand, whether you're playing at a real table or online. Once the rules are second nature, you'll make better calls when you're up against the banker and that pesky house edge.
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This part of the guide covers baccarat rules and ways to boost your winning odds. We'll also dive into what it takes to gain an edge in this card game if you're keen on playing at a high level.
Beyond just the basics, you'll get a unique look into one of the most exciting casino card games out there. You'll pick up some maths know-how to play your hands optimally at the casino tables.
Baccarat, also known as Punto Banco, is one of the simplest card games you can bet on in online and live casinos. No need to stress about complex strategies until you're ready to take on the tables at your local casino.
Once you've got the free info from this site under your belt, you'll be set to play for real money and potentially work your way up to pro card player status.
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The name of this classic card game comes from the Italian word 'baccara', meaning zero - which happens to be the value of all picture cards and 10s in the deck. Understanding these basic rules is crucial when learning how to play Baccarat.
Typically, Baccarat is played with 6 or 8 decks of cards, all placed in a shoe.
A Baccarat hand consists of two cards, with more potentially dealt according to specific rules. The dealer, also known as the banker, starts by dealing at least two hands:
It's worth noting that you're not limited to betting on the player's hand, and you don't always win when the player's hand wins.
Once the cards are dealt, it's time to determine the points and value of each hand based on the casino rules for online and live Baccarat. These card value rules apply to all punters at the table.
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In baccarat, 10s and face cards are worth zilch. All other cards keep their face value. Just to be clear, aces count as one.
If your hand totals 10 or more, you knock off 10 from the sum. Here's a quick example to wrap your head around it:
Example: If you're dealt an 8 of spades and a 7 of diamonds, your total isn't 15 (8 + 7). Instead, it's 5 (15 - 10).
This is a basic rundown, but don't worry - the full game isn't much trickier.
Keen to give online baccarat a go? Check out our live baccarat link. There's even a video that shows you the ropes - it's a top way to get your head around this classic card game.
Click on the live dealer to land on our page about playing live baccarat online.
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Baccarat rules like third card draws are identical online or in person.
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In Kiwi casinos, the baccarat term 'Natural Winners' is a crucial rule to remember when you're placing bets on the player or banker. It's a key part of the game that can make or break your strategy.
Here's the deal: if the first two cards dealt add up to 8 or 9, that's a 'Natural Winner'. This applies to both the player and banker hands. When this happens, no more cards are dealt, and the initial bets are sorted right away. It's a quick way to wrap up a round, so keep an eye out for these natural winners when you're having a punt.
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In baccarat, if neither side scores a "natural winner" with their first two cards (this goes for both live and online games), you might need to draw a third card. Here's the lowdown on the standard third card rules used across all baccarat variants.
Without a natural win, players MUST stand on hands totalling 6 or 7. However, if your hand adds up to anything from zero to five (0-5), you've got to draw that third card.
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Baccarat gets a bit tricky here, so pay attention if you're keen to play properly. If you don't need a third card, the Bank must stick with two cards if they've got a total of 6 or 7. If the dealer's hand is worth 0 to 5, they must take a third card.
Otherwise, these rules apply:
Once all the Punto Banco cards are dealt, just tally up the points to find the winner. Whoever's closest to nine (9) takes it. If you're playing online Baccarat, it's a bit easier as everything's sorted automatically.
There are three types of bets you can make at any Baccarat table, whether you're at the casino or having a punt online.
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At BETO, we've put together a straightforward baccarat chart to help you get your head around the rules, even though the online game runs itself. It's a handy reference for both newbies and seasoned punters alike.
If you're keen on exploring baccarat systems and strategies, our cheat sheet is a top resource. It'll help you nail down the game's ins and outs, which is crucial for developing your approach.
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Sometimes in Baccarat, there's no clear winner. This is called a tie or draw in online pokies.
If the player and dealer end up with the same total, it's a tie. Only those who've backed the tie bet will collect winnings.
Don't worry though - if you've put money on the banker or player and it's a tie, you'll get your stake back.
These three bets are your standard options in all Baccarat games. Some casinos might offer side bets too, like wagering on the next hand being a pair of twos.
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Now that you've got the hang of the game, let's chat about which bets give you the best shot at winning.
Whether you're a high roller or just having a punt, the basic baccarat strategy stays the same. Many punters shy away from betting on the Bank, and that's a big mistake! Even with the 5% commission most places charge, it's still your best bet in Baccarat when you're looking at your odds of winning.
The chances of hitting a draw in Baccarat are so slim, you'd have to be off your rocker to go for it.
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Here at BETO.com, we're working on securing some unique baccarat bonuses from top-notch online casinos. We're not satisfied with run-of-the-mill offers for our punters. Our aim is to bring you exclusive baccarat promotions that you can make the most of, rather than dishing out bonuses for pokies or the online roulette table.
Now that you've got the basics of this brilliant card game sorted, why not dive into some advanced baccarat strategies and concepts like card counting? We'll be regularly updating the site with articles and tips for baccarat enthusiasts.
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You might come across different versions of baccarat when you're having a punt online. Usually, there are four main types on offer. Mini-Baccarat is exactly what it sounds like - a scaled-down version of the standard game.
Chemin de Fer, despite its French name, actually originated in Italy. If you're lucky, you might spot Punto Banco and Baccarat Banque as options too. Occasionally, you'll see a promo for EZ Baccarat, which is a hit with high rollers due to its extra betting options.
Larger online casinos sometimes offer 'No commission' or NC baccarat. In this version, you don't pay the usual 5% commission to the house on Banker bet wins.
Keen to see what these variations look like? Click on the Mini-Baccarat image to give the game a go for free, no strings attached.
This free version follows the same rules as you'd find in an online casino, so it's a great way to test your skills without risking any cash.
Free game
Mini baccarat: A popular variant at Kiwi casinos.
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If you're keen on playing baccarat more seriously than just a casual punt now and then, it's worth putting in a bit of effort to learn some strategies. Whether you're playing online or at a local casino, the tips you'll find here at BETO can give you a leg up.
We're always adding new Punto Banco strategies and systems to help you up your game, so keep an eye out for those.
Here's hoping Lady Luck's on your side next time you play!
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Got questions about baccarat? Here's a quick rundown of the most common queries punters have about this popular casino game.
While not every online casino features baccarat, most major sites offer multiple versions of the game. This includes top-notch live baccarat tables that give punters a genuine casino experience from the comfort of their own home.
Good news for punters who keep tabs on our punto banco section - we're constantly working on fresh baccarat articles for you. Make sure to save BETO Pokie to your favourites and check back often to catch all the latest updates.
Good news for punters - playing baccarat, including the popular Punto Banco version, is completely above board in most parts of the world. No worries about breaking any laws when you fancy a game.
Nah, they're not the same. While punters often mix up these two pokies, the odds and gameplay are quite different. Baccarat and blackjack each have their own unique rules and chances of winning, so it's worth knowing the ins and outs of both before you have a go.
When it comes to casino games, baccarat stands out for its top-notch odds favouring punters. It's a solid choice for newcomers to the gambling scene, as playing baccarat well is less complex compared to many other pokies and table games you'll find at the betting shop or online.
One of the great things about baccarat is that the core rules apply across all variants. So once you've got the hang of it, you're sorted to take on different versions of Punto Banco at the casino or online.
When it comes to online baccarat, some of the top casino bonuses you'll find are those offering live casino perks. These are usually dead easy to use in this quick and captivating card game, making them a favourite among Kiwi punters.
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