Baccarat: Your A-Z Player Guide
What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a classic casino card game that’s been around since the 1400s, with roots in Italy and France. It was once favoured by aristocrats and secret agents (yes, James Bond loves it), but these days, anyone can enjoy the thrill of fast-paced baccarat online at Gaming Club.
With online baccarat games, the objective is simple: bet on whether the Player or the Banker will get a hand closest to 9 – or if the game will result in a Tie.
And you can be rest assured that as a New Zealand player, you can play baccarat online legally and securely at Gaming Club, right from home or on the go, on your phone.
How To Play Baccarat
Playing baccarat online is easy – no advanced math degree required. When you’re ready to play, simply follow this step-by-step guide:
- Place Your Bet: Choose to bet on either the Player, the Banker, or a Tie.
- Cards Are Dealt: The dealer will give two cards each to the Player and the Banker.
- Total is Calculated: Hands are added up (see card values below). If either hand totals 8 or 9, it’s considered a natural win.
- Third Card Rule: If no natural, a third card may be drawn (explained below).
- Winning Bet Paid: The hand closest to 9 wins – and so does anyone who bet on it!
Take note – you’re not playing as the Player hand, you’re simply betting on which hand you think will win.
Baccarat Rules
Understanding the baccarat game rules helps you play smarter. And the following knowledge is key when playing online baccarat, so ensure that you familiarise yourself with it:
Baccarat Card Values:
- 2–9 = Face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0
- A = 1
- If your hand total is over 9, only the second digit counts (e.g., 7 + 8 = 15 → counts as 5)
Third Card Rule:
- If the Player has 0–5 → they draw a third card
- If the Player stands, the Banker follows their own draw rules (slightly more complex)
Winning Conditions:
- The highest total hand (closest to 9) wins
- A tie pays if both hands have the same value
Types Of Baccarat Games
At Gaming Club, you’ll find more than one way to play baccarat online. Here are the main variations:
- Punto Banco – The most common version. It’s pure chance: the casino handles all draws.
- Chemin de Fer – Players take turns being the Banker. More strategy, more involvement.
- Baccarat Banque – Similar to Chemin de Fer, but the Banker role stays with one player.
- Mini Baccarat – Same rules as Punto Banco, just faster and played on a smaller baccarat table.
Baccarat Betting Options
Whether you’re a cautious observer or a high-risk punter, baccarat online betting options cater to all:
Main Bets:
- Player – Pays 1:1
- Banker – Pays 1:1 (minus 5% commission)
- Tie – Pays 8:1 or 9:1 (higher payout, lower odds)
Popular Side Bets:
- Banker Pair / Player Pair – Win if first two cards are a pair
- Perfect Pair – Identical cards (e.g., 2 Kings of Hearts)
- Dragon Bonus – Pays based on win margin (more points = bigger bonus)
Baccarat Strategy And Tips
While playing a baccarat game online is seen as mostly about luck, there are ways to play smarter.
Top Strategies:
- Bet on Banker – Statistically this is the safest bet as it has the lowest house edge
- Avoid the Tie – The payout might be tempting, but the odds of hitting it are low
- Use a Flat Betting System – You can wager the same amount each time to manage risk
- Track Results (Optional) – Some players use scorecards to spot streaks
Money Management Tips:
- Set an exact bankroll before you start playing
- Stick to your budget – don’t chase losses
- Celebrate wins, and take frequent breaks
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Always betting on a Tie outcome
- Believing in “hot” or “cold” streaks
- Not understanding the third card rule
From Banker to Player – Baccarat FAQs
- What are the basic rules of baccarat?
Bet on Player, Banker, or Tie. Each hand gets two cards. The one closest to 9 wins. It’s as simple as that!
- Is baccarat easy to learn?
Yes, online baccarat is one of the simplest table games. Most of the action is automatic, and you just need to decide where to bet.
- How does hitting in baccarat work?
You don’t “hit” like in blackjack. The baccarat casino dealer draws a third card based on fixed rules. Best of all, it’s all handled for you.
- Why is baccarat so popular?
Baccarat online has a low house edge, fast gameplay, and very simple rules. It’s also the game of choice for high rollers.
- When do you draw the 3rd card in baccarat?
The Player draws if their hand value is 0–5. The Banker’s draw will be determined by the Player’s third card as well as their own total.
