Rules

How to play online baccarat

As with any game, to play baccarat you must know the rules. Although many beginners may find them too complicated, it’s strongly recommended that newcomers learn the rules before playing. Moreover, new players only have to memorise the few basic rules, because participant’s actions in many cases are predetermined so the player just has to place a bet and wait for the result.

Baccarat, including online versions of this game, is played for money. There are different baccarat rules in different countries, but for international events the official rules of the game are used. Anyone who’s serious about learning to play baccarat, should pay close attention to the official baccarat rules.

In baccarat the ‘Player’ is opposing the dealer or the ‘Banker’. Apart from these 2, up to 14 other participants can join the game and bet on the Player or the Banker. The objective of the game is to get a hand with a value of 9 or as close to it as possible. It’s impossible to score more than 9 points, because if the Player gets any double digit count, the left digit is dropped. So, for example, 12 would mean that the Player only has 2 points.

Cards in online baccarat are valued as follows: number cards count as their natural value, Ace is worth 1 point, face cards and 10 are worth 0. If player gets 5+K, he’s got 5 points.

The game starts with two face-down cards being dealt to both the Player and the Banker. If either or both participants achieve a total of 8 or 9 points on the initial deal, this situation is called ‘natural’; no additional cards are drawn and the outcome of the game is decided by comparing the two hands. In the case that both the Player and the Banker have an equal score after the deal, the hand is considered a draw. However, if participants have less than 8 points, they have to follow additional rules, i.e. if the Player has a total of 6 or 7 points, he stands, whereas if his hand is worth less, he draws a third card.

Afterwards it’s the Banker’s turn to act. If his hand is worth 7, he stands, but if it’s worth 6 or less, he draws a third card. Of course, rules are more complex than that, but to be able to play baccarat online, it’s enough if you know the basics described above. After gaining some experience, you’ll start to notice what actions the Banker has to take depending on your move. This additional knowledge will help you to win even more without excessive risk to your bankroll.