Understanding Bets in Baccarat

Baccarat bets are the part of the game that take the most getting used to simply because they're not like any other game.

There are several elements of baccarat bets that must be understood in order to progress with playing the game, but bear in mind that in most forms of baccarat a caller or the software will direct the play, so only a rudimentary understanding is necessary.

Baccarat Bets – Positions

With the exception of Baccarat Banque which has 2 player positions, baccarat is played with only 2 hands being dealt and therefore 2 actual betting positions, although American baccarat and mini-baccarat will also often offer the option of betting on a tie bet. The two baccarat bets positions available, except for the tie bet are the Player position and the Banker position. Each player will have an area in front of him in which he can place his bet either in the section marked Bankers or Players. This is done before the hands are dealt, so the players, meaning the bettors, are making a blind bet as to whether the Banker or the Player will have the winning hand. There are a number of variations of baccarat and therefore of baccarat bets. We have already seen Baccarat Banque which has 2 Player positions, and the Banker position, but the other big difference comes with Chemin De Fer. In Chemin De Fer, only the bettor that is playing the role of banker can make baccarat bets on the Banker position – all other players have to make baccarat bets against the Banker position.

Baccarat Bets - Limits

This is an area that can vary greatly depending on the table you're playing at and the casino you are in – be that online or in real space. Traditionally baccarat bets have been some of the highest in the casino, it is because of this that the game has its reputation of being a game for the rich. Today however that is no longer the case, and whilst tables very much still can be found with minimum baccarat bets of thousands of dollars, one can also find tables with minimums of a few dollars only.

It is its low betting limits that has made mini baccarat particularly popular, as well as its approachable game ethos. For the most part, if you are looking for a game with low baccarat bets limits, mini baccarat is a good choice. The exact opposite of mini- baccarat with regard to baccarat bets limits is Tout Va. Tout Va is essentially a no limits variation of Baccarat Banque, so it is in this game that you will see some of the highest baccarat bets imaginable.

Baccarat Bets – Payoffs

Both the player and the banker position payoff at even odds, but a 5% commission is taking from Banker bet winnings. The Tie bet is paid out at either 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the casino.