Introduction to Baccarat

Baccarat Side Bets

One of the benefits of playing Baccarat is the option to place side bets. Side bets are additional bets that players can place alongside the regular Baccarat bet, and they offer the chance to win bigger payouts.

There are several different types of side bets available in Baccarat, including the Big/Small and Dragon Bonus side bets. These bets allow players to bet on the outcome of the game in different ways, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.

In this guide, we will explain the rules of these side bets and provide some strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning.

Baccarat Big/Small Side Bet

Two popular side bets in Baccarat are the Big and Small side bets. These bets focus on the total number of cards dealt in a game round rather than the outcome of the player, banker, or tie bets.

In this section, we will explore how these side bets work and their associated odds.

Small Side Bet

The Small side bet in Baccarat is a wager that the total number of cards dealt to both the player and the banker will be precisely four. This occurs when both the player and the banker stand on their initial two-card hands, and no additional cards are drawn. The Small side bet pays 1.5:1 in Playtech Origins’s Premium Baccarat title.

To win the Small side bet, the following scenarios must occur:

• The player's hand has an initial total of 6 or 7, and the banker's hand has an initial total of 6 or 7.
• The player's hand has an initial total of 8 or 9 (natural), and the banker's hand has an initial total of 6 or 7.

Big Side Bet

The Big side bet in Baccarat is a wager that the total number of cards dealt to both the player and the banker will be exactly five or six. This happens when either the player or the banker (or both) receives a third card based on the game's drawing rules. The Big side bet pays 0.54:1 in Playtech Origins’s Premium Baccarat.

To win the Big side bet, the following scenarios must occur:

• One hand (either player or banker) requires a third card, while the other hand stands on the initial two cards.
• Both hands require a third card, resulting in a total of six cards dealt.

House Edge of Side Bets

It's essential to note that the Big and Small side bets have a higher house edge compared to the primary Baccarat bets. The house edge is the advantage that the casino has over the players. It is usually expressed as a percentage, showing how much of a player's bet the casino will win over the long run.

To calculate the house edge for the big and small side bets, you need to know the probabilities of winning each bet and their respective payouts.

For the big side bet (5 or 6 cards dealt):

• Probability of winning: approximately 0.4607 (46.07%)
• Payout: 0.54 to 1 (meaning, you win $0.54 for every $1 bet)
• Winning: 0.4607 (probability) * 0.54 (payout) = 0.2486
• Losing: 0.5393 (probability) * -1 (payout) = -0.5393
• House edge (big side bet): 0.2486 + (-0.5393) = -0.2907, or 29.07%

For the small side bet (4 cards dealt):

• Probability of winning: approximately 0.5393 (53.93%)
• Payout: 1.5 to 1 (meaning, you win $1.50 for every $1 bet)
• Winning: 0.5393 (probability) * 1.5 (payout) = 0.8090
• Losing: 0.4607 (probability) * -1 (payout) = -0.4607
• House edge (small side bet): 0.8090 + (-0.4607) = 0.3483, or 34.83%

So the house edge for the big side bet is 29.07% and for the small side bet is 34.83%. This means that, over the long run, the casino will win 29.07% of the money wagered on the big side bet and 34.83% of the money wagered on the small side bet.

Side Bet Strategy

One strategy for the Big/Small side bet in Baccarat is to only place the bet when the shoe is rich in small or big cards. For example, if the shoe has been dealing a lot of small cards, there is a higher chance of the total number of cards being small.

Another strategy is to look at the recent history of the game and bet on the opposite of the outcome. For example, if the last few hands have resulted in a small total, then you may want to bet on a big total for the next hand.

Even More Excitement with Every Hand

Baccarat is a game that offers a range of side bets to add an extra layer of excitement to the game. The Big/Small and Dragon Bonus side bets are popular choices among players.

To make the most of these side bets, it's important to understand the rules and the strategies involved. Placing the side bet only when certain conditions are met, such as a shoe rich in small or big cards for the Big/Small side bet can increase your chances of winning.

Remember to gamble responsibly and within your means. The side bets should be seen as an addition to the game, and not as a way to make a profit. If you want to try your luck, then start playing Baccarat at Galera today.