The name baccarat is used as a collective name for games that are very similar. There are several classic baccarat games, but also new, modern online variants available at the best non GamStop gambling platforms. Below we discuss the most famous ones.
This is probably the best known variant. The game that we often call baccarat today is actually punto banco. It is played with 6 or 8 decks of cards and is also called “Straight Punto Banco”.
The punto banco rules are very simple. The dealer deals the cards, keeps track of the points and lets you know if the third card rule applies. It is a pleasant, simple gaming experience for players. You only have to worry about your own bets and can enjoy the game.
Chemin de Fer is one of the oldest variants of baccarat. It is mainly played in France. In this variant, the role of the bank is alternated between the participating players. The biggest difference with baccarat as we usually play it today, is that here you play the role of the 'player' instead of betting on the bank or the player. In Baccarat Banque you also always play the role of the player.
The game begins with an opening bid by the players to play for the bank. All other players are the “punters”. Players can choose to play directly against the bank for the entire bet. This is done by saying “banco”. Then the 4 cards are dealt between the two players from a so-called shoe. You can read about this type and others at SkyHills Casino reviews by players.
In Baccarat Banque, the role of the bank remains with the player with the highest bet. Only when the player cannot continue to match the bet, does it switch to the next player. Another important difference with, for example, Chemin de Fer is that in Baccarat Banque, the bank plays against two instead of one hand. This variant is therefore extra dynamic.
One of the most exciting modern versions of the classic baccarat game is Lightning Baccarat. This lightning-fast live casino game gives a whole new twist to the game.
The rules are the same as in online punto banco, but so-called Lightning Cards come into play. These work as multipliers and can increase your winnings considerably: between 2x and 8x your bet.
Please note that with this version you will pay additional commission costs. This is often around 20%. These are not yet included in the payments.
In this baccarat variant, you do not pay any commission if the bank wins. On the other hand, the payout percentage of the game is lower. The game play is the same as in straight punto banco. The payouts are where the big difference lies. These are 1 on 1 in both banco and punto. Only if the bank wins with 6 points, you only get 1/2 of your bet. In the event of a draw, you get paid 8x your winnings.
Providers of online casino games have not forgotten the importance of the real casino atmosphere. There are also many live games at non GamStop casinos where you can play baccarat live 24 hours a day, from the comfort of your own home but with a real croupier and a baccarat table.
Live dealer baccarat is the way to bring the atmosphere of an authentic casino into your home. Most live baccarat games from well-known gaming providers are suitable for pc, tablet or smartphone. These are easily accessible via the website of an online casino. So you don't have to download an app.
Many of the live baccarat games also allow you to view additional information, such as game statistics and data on other players' bets. The high-quality images and the changing angles from which the table is viewed also give you the feeling of actually sitting at a gaming table.
In some casino games you can apply strategies. Baccarat is a game where this is tried. Certainly in Macau there are all kinds of rituals such as “card squeezing” that are often used for that little bit of extra luck on the outcome. There are also players who keep track of all previous outcomes on a piece of paper and hope to discover patterns in this way.
In other words, there is a lot of superstition involved in baccarat. However, baccarat is a pure game of chance. This means that it will depend entirely on luck whether you have bet correctly or not. The outcome of the cards drawn is completely random each round.
This does have the advantage that you, as a novice player, have just as much chance of winning as an experienced player. This makes baccarat exciting for everyone every round.
Betting on the bank is generally the most strategic choice. The bank bet has the lowest house edge and therefore gives you a chance of winning more. You always lose a part of this profit to the commission. Do you still want some variety? Then you can also bet on the player. You then have no commission if you win, but the payout itself is somewhat lower.
Our recommended strategy is: never bet on a tie. The 8 to 1 payout sounds attractive, but the chance of actually winning with this bet is simply small. Even with the chance of a higher payout, it is not worth it.
