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While Baccarat might seem too intimidating, especially due to its Bond-style setting, it actually is a very simple game.
If you’ve wanted to learn this game for some time and try your hands at some online casinos in Canada, this post includes everything you need to know. From online Baccarat Canada rules, betting strategies to even top online casino recommendations, you’ll find all of it and much more in this post. So, without wasting any time, let us have a quick overview of what Baccarat is and what are its basic rules.
What is Baccarat?
While Baccarat itself is super fun and exciting, the James Bond franchise probably made it more popular across the world. In fact, there are a few different Bond movies where you can see your favorite secret agent enjoying the game in a casino.
So, what is Baccarat? It is a betting card game with a relatively low house edge. The game is very popular in offline casinos across Canada. Fortunately, you can now even find it at hundreds of online casinos. Rest assured that you don’t really need to be as smart as James Bond to play or even win in this game. Unlike several other popular casino games, there are no complicated strategies or rules in Baccarat. Just get the basics right, and you are good to go.
Basic Baccarat Rules
A standard game of Baccarat can have between 7 to 14 players. However, only two hands are dealt- Player’s and Banker’s. Note that the “Banker” here is not the house. The players can bet on either of the two hands before the cards are dealt. The Player and the Banker are dealt 2 open cards each after the bets are placed.
Here is how the point system works in Baccarat:
- All the number cards from 2 to 9 are worth their face value
- Face cards and tens are worth 0 points
- Aces are worth 1 point
In case if the total of both the cards is above 10, the hand value is then considered the second-digit of the number. For instance, if the total is 16 points, the hand value is 6. To win, players should bet on a hand total closest to 9.
What is a Natural Win in Baccarat?
If you want to learn online Baccarat in Canada, you should know what a natural win means. A hand is considered a “natural win” if the total of the two cards is 8 or 9. If any one of the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9, the game is over, and all the bets are then cashed out. If not, the 3rd card is dealt as per the total hand value.
How is the 3rd Card Dealt in Baccarat?
If the Player hand has a total of 8 or 9, it will not receive a 3rd card. If the total is 6 or 7, the Player’s hand will stand in the game. But if the total is between 0 and 5, a 3rd card will be dealt to the Player. But if the Banker hand has 8 or 9, it will be a natural win, and the Player will not receive any more cards as the game will be over.
In case if the Player does not draw the 3rd card or stands with a hand value of 6 or 7, the Banker will be dealt the 3rd card if the hand total is between 0 and 5. If the total is 6-7, the Banker hand stands in the game. But a lot changes when the Player is dealt the 3rd card.
Here are the rules that will be applicable for the 3rd card dealt to the Player:
- If the Player’s 3rd card is 2-3, the Banker will stay if the hand total is 5-7 and draw the 3rd card if the hand value is 0-4
- If the 3rd card of the Player is 4-5, the Banker will stay with 6-7 and draw the 3rd card with 0-5
- If the Player’s 3rd card is 6-7, the Banker will stay with 7 and draw the 3rd card with 0-6
- If the Player’s 3rd card is 8, the Banker will stay with 3-7 and draw the 3rd card with 0-2
- If the 3rd card of the Player is an Ace, face-card, 10, or 9, the Banker stays with 4-7 and draws with 0-3
How is the Winning Hand Calculated?
Once the cards are dealt, the winning hand is calculated. As mentioned in the beginning, the hand total closest to 9 wins the game. But it is also possible for a game of Baccarat to end in a tie. As neither the Player nor the Banker has won the game, all players are returned their bets. While ties are not very common, players do have the option to bet on a tie as well.
How Much Can You Win in a Game of Baccarat Online?
The minimum bets in online Baccarat Canada can be $20-$25, depending on the casino you select. As a player, you have three different bet choices- Player, Banker, or Tie. If you bet on the Player’s hand, the payout is 1 to 1. Even if you bet on the Banker hand, the payout will be 1 to 1, but a commission, generally 5%, will be deducted from your winnings. If you want to bet on a Tie, the payout will be 8 to 1.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning in Online Baccarat?
Now that we are done with the rules, we also have a tip to help you increase your chances of winning. While this tip is not really a secret, it is sure to help all beginners. If you want to increase the odds of winning in Baccarat, it’d be wise to always bet on the Banker hand. Even though there is generally a commission involved when you bet on the Banker, it is still the best choice.
This is all because of the house edge and how the game works. By betting on the Banker, the house edge is close to 1.06%. The same on the Player’s bet is 1.24%. Ties are so rare that it doesn’t really make sense to bet on them.
So, if you want to win big in Baccarat online, simply bet on the Banker and cash out at the right time.
Top Online Casinos for Playing Baccarat in Canada
We promised the basic rules and a strategy to boost your chances of winning. The only thing left is casino recommendations for playing online Baccarat in Canada. Here is a list of top 3:
- Dream Palace Casino Casino
- MobileWins Casino
- EuroCasino
Dream Palace Casino Casino
Established in 2014, Dream Palace Casino is one of the most popular online casinos in Canada. It offers one of the highest initial bonuses divided across the first four deposits to help you make the most of your winnings. Payment options include MasterCard, Visa, Neteller, Skrill, and more with paytime of only up to 24 hours.
Apart from the classic game of Baccarat, JackpotCity also offers a host of popular casino games, including Online Slots, Blackjack, Video Poker, Online Roulette, and many more.
Mobile Wins Casino
With more than 850 casino games, Mobile Wins Casino is another great choice for online Baccarat in Canada. Established in 2014, the online casino is currently offering a matching deposit bonus of up to 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead divided across the first three deposits. You get all the popular payment options with a paytime of only 24 hours. Apart from online Baccarat, Mobile Wins Casino is also favored by players for Online Slots, Blackjack, and Live Dealer Games.
EuroCasino
If you are searching for the best online casino for playing Baccarat online in Canada, EuroCasino is another great option. Established in 2008, this casino accepts all the popular online payment options with one of the fastest paytime of less than 18 hours.
Apart from the classic online Baccarat, you can also play live Baccarat with a dealer and other players. Other popular games include Live Roulette, Live Dealer Blackjack, Texas Holdem, and Live Dream Catcher.
Playing Baccarat Online in Canada
If you are looking for a fun casino game that doesn’t involve a lot of complex strategies, online Baccarat in Canada is definitely a fantastic option. Now that you know the basic rules, winning strategies and even have top online casino recommendations for Canada, you are all set to begin.
Ensure that you thoroughly understand the basic rules, especially those applicable to drawing the 3rd card, and it shouldn’t be very challenging for you to get going. Visit the top online casinos listed above to register a new account and receive massive bonuses on your initial deposits.
It is always better to play a few practice games and start small when you are still trying to understand the game. Once you have some experience, you can then play the way you like and bet big. Play responsibly and only trust reputable online casinos like the ones listed above.
