There are many kinds of table games on casino sites, be it online or offline gambling platforms, but one of the all-time favorites is Baccarat. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned casino player, you need to read this article up to the very end, as it contains vital information you can use when playing baccarat.
A table game like Baccarat brings a different level of fun and entertainment, but only when you know what you are doing. To begin with, you have to be aware of available baccarat variations. The most common ones are the following:
- 3 Card Baccarat – This baccarat variation is popular in land-based casinos, specifically in Macau. It features a total of 52 decks of cards, and the dealer distributes three cards to self and players – so as the name 3 card baccarat. The scoring rule is the same as the usual baccarat, using the same card value. The only difference is that you have a high card value when you get a hand consisting of three face cards. In the usual baccarat, the hand with a total value of 9 wins. If in case the player and the banker are of the same hand, the one with more face cards wins.
- Chemin de Fer is a baccarat variation widely popular in European countries, especially France. You act as the banker in this baccarat variation and play against other players. The setting is on a large table that can accommodate up to 14 players. Chemin de Fer is only offered in VIP areas of casinos in Europe.
- Baccarat Banque – Another baccarat variation widely popular in Europe is Banque. It uses three decks and gives you the chance to be a banker. The only distinction is that the player that acts as the banker does not play against other players. Instead, they wager on the side of the banker. On the other hand, other players gamble on the side of the player. What makes Baccarat Banque unique is the player can challenge the banker by betting against them with a corresponding wager. The winning player can act as the banker in the next round.
- Punto Banco – In this baccarat variation, the dealer handles all the work, and all the player needs to do is make bets. What sets Punto Banco different from other baccarat variations is that it has three dealers. Sounds complicated, isn’t it? Well, you don’t really need to worry about this thing when playing Punto Banco online because the software will handle everything.
- Mini Baccarat is called a mini-baccarat because it features a small table seating up to seven gamblers. The dealer handles everything to speed up the game process. The game is fast-paced, and in some cases, the total number of hands per hour reaches 200. Of all versions of baccarat, the mini-baccarat is the most popular because of its simplicity and fast-paced nature.
Finding out which baccarat version is the best
Of all variations of baccarat, which one is the best? Well, if you look at it from a popularity standpoint, mini-baccarat is mostly preferred by gamblers in Macau and Las Vegas. Even in online gambling platforms, mini-baccarat is highly preferred because it allows players to gamble in small amounts, thereby minimizing the risk involved. There is a significant rise in baccarat players in online gambling sites that accept Indian players as three states outlawed online gaming. It made online gambling all the more accessible for Indian players.
However, before the popularity of the mini-baccarat version across the globe, baccarat was mainly for high rollers. The game is played in VIP areas where only high rollers are allowed. To be considered a VIP, your minimum bet must be $100. It’s a huge amount, to begin with. The popularity of online casinos has enabled small rollers to play baccarat through the mini-baccarat version as it features low stakes – $5 per hand.
Conclusion
Baccarat is one of the table games offered in both land-based and online casinos. There are different baccarat variations to choose from, and each one comes with distinct charm and allure, and deciding which one is the best is more subjective. Every player has a specific gaming requirement. What seems to be the best variation to some might not be the best to others. The ideal options are for high rollers, Punto Banco, Baccarat Banque, 3 Card Baccarat, and Chemin de Fer. For small rollers, the best option would be mini-baccarat. However, you have to be wary as not all online gambling platforms offer all baccarat variations. Some have the classic and mini, while others have a long list of options. Should you wish to try on all baccarat variations, you must search for an online casino specializing in baccarat.