7 Secrets to Playing Online Baccarat Like a Pro

Baccarat is a beautiful game originally from Italy that became popular in English casinos around the 19th century.

The reason why it became so popular was because it didn’t follow the standard roulette-style rules at the time, which made games easier to cheat and more difficult for players to win. You either draw a card by clicking a button or let the dealer draw a card for you. If your two cards add up to a total of “9” then you have a “natural” and automatically win!

So, what can you do if you want to master playing baccarat online like a pro? Well, the answer is simple: follow these seven secrets of success.

Know the Rules

As with any casino game, the first step is mastering the rules of baccarat. The quick and dirty version goes thusly: there are 2 hands dealt out during each round of play, a player’s hand and a banker’s hand. Each hand has 2 or 3 cards. The goal of the player is to get as close as possible to 9. The goal of the banker is to get as close as possible to 0.

Face cards are worth 10 points, aces 1 or 11 depending on what will produce a better outcome for the player/banker. Everything in between is calculated by adding together the numbers on the cards and then dividing by 10 (the exception is a hand with only one card, which is counted as 1).

Know your Odds

When you play baccarat online for real money, it’s important to know your odds of winning. Your chances of winning are significantly higher when you play with a house edge of just 1%.

For example, if the banker’s chance of winning is set to 1.24%, then it means that the player only has a 0.76% chance of prevailing. That said, online casinos have different house edges for both options so always check before you sit down to play.

Know your Banker and Player Choices

This is where knowing the rules of baccarat gets complicated, especially online. If you are playing at a casino that offers its players the choice between banker and player, then there are several factors to consider before making your selection.

While it might be tempting to choose the banker because it has slightly better odds, there are also two hands to win with as opposed to one. Plus, the banker only shows up about 28% of the time. If you want a 50/50 chance each round, go with the player.

Know your Cards

The important thing here is knowing when it is safe to draw another card. After the initial two cards are dealt out to either the player or banker, each hand has a point total between 0 and 9 (or 10 if that score would yield a better outcome for that particular hand).

If you get stuck at 7 or 8, then it is time to ask for another card. The same applies when you get stuck at 6 or 7. If either hand has a point total in the 0-2 range, then it is also time to ask for another card.

Know when to Hold ‘Em and When to Hit ‘Em

When you play baccarat online , it might be tempting to stick with your initial instinct when you get dealt an 8 or 9. But, resist the urge!

Every situation is different and it is important to know when to hold on to your cards (i.e. when they will likely result in a better outcome). If you get dealt an 8 or 9 with either hand, then hold if that score would get you closer to 9 than 6; otherwise, hit.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

The same thing applies when your initial hard is a 4, 5 or 6. Unless you can get to 9 by drawing one more card, then hold on to those cards and do not hit again.

Sometimes it seems like the dealer is dealing “hot” and your hand just keeps getting better. But, don’t be tempted to get greedy. It is always a good idea to stay calm and play it safe when you are playing baccarat online by sticking with one card if you can help it.

Know When You Have Won and Lost!

The goal of the game is for either the player or banker to reach a score of 9 or 0 (after splitting and rounding, if need be). This is the short version. If you play baccarat online , then it pays to look up all the rules before sitting down to play.

When someone has managed to get their hands on a natural score, then that person wins. If both hands are stuck at 8 or 9 and no more cards can be drawn, then the hand is a standoff and neither player nor casino wins.

Takeaway