What is Baccarat?
Many fans of online casino games avoid new types of games because of learning their rules. In this case, this problem does not occur. The free baccarat rules are so simple that everyone can learn them in just a few minutes. The baccarat game is reminiscent of blackjack but based solely on randomness. The player can only bet on the result and if he predicted it correctly, he will win.
The origin of baccarat is still unknown today. It is only known that baccarat was played in the Middle Ages. The French and Italians assign themselves to invent the game. However, the story of the origin in Italy is more convincing. A certain Felix Falguiere used the rules of the old ritual and transferred them to baccarat, creating a simple and pleasant random game.
The game is extremely popular due to its simplicity. Like online slots, the player has minimal influence on the gameplay here. It can only predict completely random outcomes. The awareness that you cannot lose anything here due to the lack of experience makes free online baccarat very popular among Internet users worldwide.
Baccarat is said to be James Bond’s favorite game. It turns out that Agent 007 plays this simple card game very often. You can see this fun in several movies and in one book about the adventures of Bond:
- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,
- GoldenEye,
- For your Eyes Only,
- Dr. NO,
- Operation Lightning,
- Casino Royale.
Baccarat is a favorite among casino games, which high rollers prefer. These players like to bet very large amounts, and baccarat is the essence of random gambling and is ideal for this type of game. In this case, it is impossible to spoil anything. Either you are lucky or you are not.
How to play online baccarat for free?
Playing baccarat online for free is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the rules and flow of the game without the risk of losing real money. Free baccarat games replicate the experience of playing for real money, providing the same gameplay mechanics and excitement. Here is how the online baccarat game process works:
Players bet on one of three options: win player, win pot, draw (draw).
Players begin by placing bets on one of three possible outcomes: the player's hand wins, the banker's hand wins, or the game results in a tie (draw). In baccarat, "player" and "banker" are simply designations for the two hands dealt in each game, and participants can bet on either hand.
The dealer deals two cards to the player and the pot.
The dealer deals two cards each to the player and the banker. These cards are dealt face-up, and the initial total of each hand is announced. The values of the cards are added together to form the hand totals. Cards 2-9 are worth their face value, aces are worth 1 point, and tens, jacks, queens, and kings are worth zero.
The points obtained by the players are calculated by adding the value of the cards.
The scores of the player and banker hands are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total exceeds 10, the second digit is the score of the hand (for example, a total of 15 becomes a 5). The highest possible hand value in baccarat is 9.
If a winner is determined, the players and the bank split the winnings and move on to the next bet and card game.
If either the player or the banker has a total of 8 or 9 (a 'natural'), no more cards are dealt, and the higher total wins. If both have the same total, it’s a tie if no bets were placed on a tie.
If there is no winner, the "third card rule" is applied, depending on the number of points in the hands of the dealers.
If neither hand totals 8 or 9, the drawing of the third card is guided by baccarat’s fixed rules. The player's hand receives a third card if its total is less than 5. Then, depending on the player's third card and the banker’s total, the banker may also receive a third card.
A new count of points is made to designate the winner.
After any third cards have been dealt, the final scores are calculated. The hand closest to a total of 9 is the winner. If the player bet on the winning hand, the payout is typically 1:1. Bets on the banker winning also pay out at 1:1, minus a commission (usually 5%), due to the banker’s slightly higher odds of winning. A winning bet on a tie typically pays 8:1.
Free baccarat card game rules
Anyone who thinks that this game with the elite status is also extremely complex, confusing and only understandable for grandiose gamers is wrong here. The baccarat card game in the standard variant Punto Banco (translated as “player bank”) is quickly understood and relatively easy to explain.
The value of cards in baccarat
The value of cards in the baccarat game is:
- King, Queen, Jack, Ten – 0 points.
- Ace – 1 point.
Cards from 2 to 9 give the corresponding number of points.
Note that if you add the cards to get a total greater than 10, the tens disappear and the ones remain. For example, you get a nine and a six: 9 + 6 = 15. This means you have 5 points in your hand.
3 possible outcomes
There are basically three possible outcomes for each game round:
- The player wins
- The bank (or “The Banker”) wins
- The draw
2 betting options
In each round, it is necessary to predict which hand will win. So you have 2 options to choose from. This bet must be placed before the cards are dealt with for the first time. So you can place your bet on one of the following 2 card hands:
- Bank
- Player
Sequence
The first step, setting the base bet, has already been touched upon.
- Then, the playing cards are dealt (from a deck of 6 or 8 decks), alternating for player and dealer. The playing cards are placed face-up in the designated spaces on the table. Both poles get 2 cards each, so 4 cards are face-up on the table.
- The announcement of the rank of the two playing hands comes next. All face cards and 10’s take the value 0. All other cards count the points depicted on them. The ace is scored as 1. If a value of more than 10 is reached, only the last decimal number is considered the hand’s value.
- If a score of 8 or even 9 appears after receiving the first 2 cards from the bank or player, there is talk of a so-called “natural” and the game round ends.
- If no “natural” exists, further cards are drawn, according to a given scheme (see next point).
- Once all the cards are dealt with, it is known whether the bank or player has won and the associated payouts are made.
The card draw rules
This is where the baccarat game usually gets a little complicated, so it may be worth taking an unbiased look at the card drawing process when playing free baccarat. With a “natural” (see above) the game is over. If this is not the case, the game continues according to strict rules:
The player’s hand is completed first if there aren’t already 8 or 9 points:
- Total 6 or 7 – no card is dealt
- Total between 0 and 5 – another card is dealt
The banker’s hand is then completed if there are not already 8 or 9 points. There are two different cases:
- The player’s hand has 2 cards: In this case, the bank acts in the same way as the player. If a 6 or 7 is drawn, no subsequent card is drawn, while if a 0-5 is drawn, the hand receives an additional card.
- The player’s hand has 3 cards: If the player has a third card, there are explicit rules for the banker, depending on which card was dealt to the player as the third card:
| Player card 2 or 3 | Bank draws at 0-4 points and stands at 5-7 points |
| Player card 4 or 5 | Bank draws at 0-5 points and stands at 6-7 points |
| Player card 6 or 7 | Bank draws at 0-6 points and stands at 7 points |
| Player card 8 | Bank draws at 0-2 points and stands at 3-7 points |
| Player card 9, 10 or face card | Bank draws at 0-3 points and stands at 4-7 points |
Opportunities for action for the player’s cards
| The value of two cards | Action |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 | Draw a third card |
| 6, 7 | No action |
| 8, 9 | No action |
Opportunities for action for the banker’s cards
| The value of two cards | Draws when the player’s third card draws a score | He does not draw if the third card is the result |
| 3 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | 8 |
| 4 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | 1, 8, 9, 10 |
| 5 | 4, 5, 6, 7 | 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 |
| 6 | 6, 7 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 |
| 7 | No action | – |
| 8, 9 | No action | – |
| 0, 1, 2 | Always chooses | – |
The tables may seem complicated, but they have to be known only by the host (banker). When playing with friends, one player takes the role of the banker and only then should know how to draw cards.
Bets and payouts in free baccarat
To win in this game, you only have to do one thing, and that is to bet on the correct outcome of the game. The payout probabilities of the various bets are just as easy to understand as the game’s rules.
This card game has a very low house edge for the casino:
- Player hand: 1.24% house edge, i.e. 98.76% RTP (Return To Player, average return rate).
- Banker’s hand: 1.06% house edge, so 98.94% RTP.
But besides these odds, which are extremely high for a game of chance, there is another possible bet in baccarat: a draw. Such a bet comes up with lucrative payouts of 8:1, or even 9:1 in some cases, and thus exerts a certain attraction on many players, especially newcomers. But beware, the house edge is incredibly high for the casino with these bets:
- When paying 8:1, the house edge is 14.4%.
- When paying 9:1, the house edge is 4.85%.
Both values are above average, so experienced gamblers rarely place a draw bet.
This card game’s payout rates and winning probabilities are extremely simple and much easier than in most other casino table games. The fear of baccarat is, therefore, really unfounded. It is usually based only on the high and intimidating minimum bets.
Free baccarat varieties
As with many other casino games, the baccarat game has changed. We currently know the varieties of baccarat:
- Punto Banco. You can play the basic type of Baccarat in most casinos worldwide. This game is played according to the rules we mentioned above. The name refers to the hands of the game, where “Punto” means “Player” and “Banco” means “Bank”.
- Chemin de Fer. The players compete with each other and one takes the role of a banker. The rules aren’t rigid, and a player can stand or take one more card when the hand value is 5.
- Baccarat en Banque. The rules are very similar to Chemin de Fer and may differ from casino to casino, but the most important thing is that the game is played with three hands instead of two.
- Super Lord 9. Very popular in Canada and often played in the USA. It is played with a limited deck of 36 cards (from 6 to Ace) and players get 3 if they want 4 cards.
- Three-card baccarat. Three-card baccarat is popular in Asia. The game is played with one deck. Three cards are dealt into both hands, and the most valuable hand is three face cards (a playing card that is a king, queen, or jack of a suit).
EZ Baccarat. The rules of EZ Baccarat are the same as the regular Punto Banco, the only difference is how the winnings are paid out to the “banker”. - Mini Baccarat. The most popular online baccarat card game that follows the usual rules of the game. However, often with lower table limits, the casino is the banker, which makes mini baccarat perfect for playing online.
- Dragon Tiger. It is the simplest quick-play game where you place bets on the Dragon or the Tiger. Each is dealt a face-down card, and players simply bet which card is higher.
- Speed Baccarat. The fastest game is played with the same rules as the regular one. As the name suggests, the only difference is the game’s speed, where players only have 10 seconds to place bets instead of 15.
- Baccarat Squeeze. It’s the most exciting online baccarat game. This variant is only offered at live online casinos and involves a gradual card disclosure. Moreover, this variety often involves side bets. Some of them include Perfect Pairs and Banker Bonus.
- Rake-free Baccarat. It eliminates banker bet commission fees and saves you more cash to play.
Free baccarat strategies
The baccarat game has several strategies that players can use. It should be noted that baccarat is a game of chance, where a lot depends on luck. To increase players’ chances of winning, we offer our readers an overview of the most interesting techniques for this game. We recommend exploring these strategies if you plan to play baccarat for real money.
The Martingale strategy
The Martingale strategy is very popular with French players and is found in many casino games. The following equation should be used in baccarat games: you should keep your bet amount when you win and double it when you lose. For example, it would look like this:
- If you bet 1 euro and lost, you bet 2 euros the next time;
- If you bet 2 euros and lost, the next time you will bet 4 euros, and so on until you win;
- If you bet (1, 2, 4, 8 EUR…) and you win, you will have a lead of 1 EUR, regardless of the number of defeats you have suffered before.
Paroli’s strategy
The Paroli strategy has a long history and was created around 400 years ago. It is designed to increase your bankroll faster while playing the baccarat game. But for this, the player has to win several draws in a row. In this strategy, the player must make the same bet if he loses, and double his bet if he wins. Double the bet if he wins.
Our experts recommend splitting your baccarat bankroll and betting 1-2% of the amount you have. Thus, a succession of failures will gradually reduce the bankroll, and a succession of victories can yield winnings several times greater than the initial bet.
Strategy 1-3-2-6
A 1-3-2-6 baccarat strategy would suit the cautious player, who does not seek to win quickly but to limit his losses as much as possible. Let’s take an example A 1-3-2-6 baccarat strategy with a bet of 1 euro:
- If you win, you receive $2. You add $1 to this amount and bet $3;
- If you win again, you receive 6 euros. Put 4 euros back in your bankroll and in the next round, bet only 2 euros;
- A new win will bring you $4. Add another 2 and bet 6 euros on the next spin;
- A fourth consecutive win can bring you $14, or 7 times the capital you used to implement the strategy.
Free online baccarat benefits
Baccarat is an undeniable classic card game in online casinos. The modern game of baccarat has many advantages that attract French players:
- The ability to play baccarat for free. You must be well prepared before you start playing baccarat for real money. Practice playing baccarat for free, without downloading or depositing, in demo mode.
- The ability to play baccarat with real money. Make a deposit and try your luck against the dealer with real money;
- Many types of games. Play different versions and variations of baccarat games. Choose the one that suits your tastes;
- Baccarat side bets. Online casinos offer different types of baccarat side bets. They are available in an additional field, work independently of the main bet and are paid according to different rules. It’s another way to diversify the classic card game.
- You can play anytime. Online baccarat is available at online casino sites 24 hours a day.
- Baccarat on mobile. Play wherever you are, thanks to the practical adaptation of the game’s screen size on any mobile device.
- Live Baccarat. Allows you to experience the world of land-based casinos by playing with a live dealer.
Modern online baccarat gives you plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement and try to win money in the casino. Use different strategies and techniques and have fun wherever you are.
Free baccarat software providers
The overall gaming experience depends on many factors, the most important of which is the casino in which we find it. That’s why we list the best online baccarat providers for you. The game’s graphics, sounds, and features and any online baccarat training software allow you to experience the action for free and discover the best in the game.
Free baccarat by NetEnt
It is a popular Scandinavian game developer. Every Netent affiliate casino has an impressive selection of online slots. However, the provider also has a nice range of tabletop games, including online baccarat. Their most popular option is Baccarat Pro, which has fascinating graphics and perfect table limits.
Free baccarat by Evolution Gaming
Another great software provider is Evolution Gaming. A definite Live Dealer Online Games leader offers several Live Baccarat options, including Live Baccarat, Multi-Camera Baccarat, and Live Baccarat Squeeze. Evolution Gaming’s online games offer a mobile game experience and give you a choice of games to suit every budget.
Free baccarat by Microgaming
Players wishing to play online and live baccarat with a dealer should try Microgaming’s world-class casino games. Their Baccarat Gold Series is among the most demanding players’ popular options. Interesting gameplay can also be found in High Limit Baccarat and Baccarat. Tons of Microgaming’s dealer games feature tables hosted by Playboy Bunnies.
Free baccarat by Playtech
Casinos with the Playtech offer never disappoint. The provider boasts a wide variety of the best online baccarat game types and Prestige Baccarat is the latest addition. Playtech also offers a stylish version of online baccarat with a live dealer.
Tips and tricks for plating free baccarat
Anyone familiar with the general rules of baccarat and has already played umpteen games of this type will probably soon want “more”. It’s simply more fun, but also simply more chances of winning. So, are there ways to influence the game’s outcome with a good strategy? And what about the card-counting situation? Does it make sense in this game?
First, here’s a disappointing answer: Baccarat is a pure game of chance and does not depend on the player’s skill. Of course, this does not mean every player at a table or in a casino will be equally successful at this game! The gambler himself decides on the stake, the amount, and the placement. Apart from that, however, the course of the game follows explicit rules, as already explained above.
Whether another subsequent card is drawn and how different cards are scored are all explicitly set with no leeway. Of course, this is also reflected in the fact that all cards are played face up, i.e., at the table.
A few tips can still be given to get out of the next baccarat game particularly successfully:
- Don’t think of the banker’s hand as the casino side and the player’s hand as the player’s side. The designation invites you to do so, but there are simply two different card hands on which you can bet, very similar to the colors red or black in roulette. In none of these cases is one or the other bet is given preferential treatment by the casino.
- If you want to play particularly rationally, you should stick to the RTPs. The higher these are, the lower the house advantage of the provider. With a bet and an entire game variant, the more advantageous it is for the gambler. According to this criterion, the banker’s hand always has the highest probability of winning.
- A generally appealing gaming environment, sufficient relaxation, and security are essential for a successful gaming experience. For this reason, it can be advisable to gamble online without making a deposit and to find a suitable gaming site.
Anyone who is not yet a regular baccarat player should try this game. Considering the aspects listed here, the next game can be a complete success. Try it out now, easily, and for free!
Final thoughts on free baccarat
Baccarat has long proven its importance and popularity and is one of the best online casino games. Baccarat has been around for several centuries; during this time, it has received many additional variations and rules.
Today, the availability of online casinos and the evolution of the gambling industry allow you to play baccarat anytime and anywhere in the world. All you need is internet access.
You can play free baccarat without registration using the game’s demo version on our website. You can try your luck and play baccarat for real money by testing different strategies and game techniques. Register on the online casino site and make a deposit to play with real money. Many sites offer players various bonuses for playing baccarat online, which increases the chances of winning.
Additionally, players can play baccarat in a live casino with a real dealer, which makes the game’s immersion even more realistic. The game will be streamable on any device, thanks to high-quality video streaming.
