With the rise of online casino and digital casino games, players have a wide range of fantastic and popular casino games available to play, with classics such as poker and blackjack taking the most recognition for being the best live casino games on the market. However, a game which has roots in the 15th century has made its way into the online market and has shifted the dynamics of the industry! This game is none other than Baccarat. It was supposedly created by sailors returning from Asia and appeared in Europe at the end of the 18th century. As Baccarat is not as popular as its counterparts in Poker and Blackjack, we will have a look at what Baccarat is, how it is played and how live Baccarat operates!
What is Live Baccarat?
While the gameplay mechanics of Baccarat may seem unfamiliar at first, they are surprisingly simple to grasp. Baccarat is an exhilarating game, full of suspense and intrigue. After a few rounds, the three possible outcomes of the player hand winning, the banker hand winning, or the game ending in a tie become second nature.
Baccarat is now played at most casinos throughout the world and is particularly popular in Macau, where “Punto Banco” baccarat accounts for around 90% of income from casinos. “Punto Banco” is the most popular form of Baccarat, with some other variations being played at casinos such as Chemin de Fer. With most live Baccarat games using the “Punto Banco” variation, this will be the variation we will look at through this piece, ensuring players know how to play live Baccarat and how to make the most of the gameplay.
How To Play Live Baccarat
First of all, players can place a bet on either of two hands. One is the banker’s hand, and the other is the player’s hand, and a bet must be placed on either the player, banker or tie option before the cards are dealt. Two cards are dealt to both the player and the banker, yet the values of the cards are different to other types of casino games. Tens and face cards are all worth zero points; all other cards are worth their face value, with the ace worth one point. If the total of the two cards is worth more than 10, the second digit is the value of the hand. For example, a 9 and a 6 would total 15, but it would make for a value of 5 in Baccarat. In order for a player to be deemed successful, they must have placed a stake on the hand of whose value won in play.
If, in the first two cards dealt, the point total is 8 or 9 for either the player or the banker, the game is a natural win, and the game is over. The player’s hand is completed first, and if the hand has a value of 0-5, the player draws a third card unless the banker has an 8 or 9, which is a natural win for the banker.
If the player’s hand does not draw any new cards, the bankers can draw if they have a hand total of 0-5 and hold with a hand total of 6 or 7. All other hands are dependent on the third card the player draws:
- The player’s third card is 9-10, face card or Ace – The banker draws when they have 0-3 and stays with 4-7.
- The Player’s third card is 8 – Banker draws when they have 0-2 and stays with 3-7
- The Player’s third card is 6-7 – Banker draws when they have 0-6 and stays with 7
- The Player’s third card is 4 or 5 – Banker draws when they have 0-5 and stays with a 6-7
- The Player’s third card is 2 or 3 – Banker draws when they have 0-4 and stays with 5-7
Once all these different aspects have been dealt with, the cards will be compared to each other to calculate the successful hand. The winning hand is that which totals closer to 9, and the game can end in a tie, meaning neither hand wins or loses.
Live Baccarat Games
One aspect that we have not mentioned yet is the live aspect of these games, which changes the dynamics of the gameplay in huge ways. For example, players are not able to take part in the gameplay at their own pace, as they will be playing with other gamers online. This multiplayer aspect means that players will have to join a lobby and wait for bets to be placed, unlike traditional casino games, which allow users to play at their own pace.
As the Baccarat game is live, players can expect a live dealer to welcome them into the casino game and conduct the gameplay just like they would in a brick-and-mortar casino. Live casino games are typically known to be played across real-life tables, creating a similar atmosphere to those in real-life casinos.
Summary and Responsible Gambling
Despite not being the most popular casino game on the market, Live Baccarat is becoming more and more popular throughout online casino games, with the exhilarating and interesting card mechanics being fan favourites. With some strategy and unique mechanics being used, Live Baccarat creates some unforgettable and brilliant gameplay moments!
It’s essential for all players to approach live casino games, including Live Baccarat, with caution and responsibility. Whether you’re playing a live casino game or participating in a standard online game, always remember to stay in control of your gambling.
This content was provided by iGaming Agency; please contact them directly with any questions.
