Baccarat is one of the most popular games that you can play in an online casino. This classic card game is loved for its straightforward rules, exciting variations, and great odds, which means a higher chance of winning.

 

The exact origin of Baccarat remains a mystery. Some theories suggest that the game started in France in the 15th century before spreading to Italy. It was in the 19th century that Baccarat became extra-popular with the French and spread to other parts of the world. This game is now played in most countries globally and in varying settings. The following are some famous Baccarat variations you can play online today.

Punto Banco

Punto Banco is a Baccarat variation primarily played in the US. This game uses six to eight decks of cards. A player can bet on a Player, Banker, or Tie. Punto Banco is a favorite for players who love games with low house edges. The Banker bet has a house edge of 1.06%. However, the house edge of Tie hand can go up to 14.4%.

Speed Baccarat

Just as the name suggests, Speed Baccarat is a fast game that lasts suspense-packed 27 seconds, while the usual Baccarat game can last up to 48 seconds. Speed Baccarat is a creation of Evolution Gaming, a company that has also designed Crazy Time, accessible on https://casinodays2.com/in/game/crazy-time-evolution-gaming, a live game that combines money wheel and game show concepts.

Chemin de Fer

Chemin de Fer is a Baccarat variation played in Europe, mostly France. You need six decks of cards to play Chemin de Fer. A round of this game starts to the dealer's right and moves counterclockwise. This game is played between a Banker and multiple players, where the objective is to get a hand close to 9 but don’t go over. The game does not have a house edge as it is a player vs player game. However, winners have to pay a 3% to 5% commission.

 

Baccarat Banque

Baccarat Banque is a classic variation with a unique structure and rules. This variation uses 3 decks of cards, unlike others that use six or eight decks. One player is designated as the Banker for the entire Baccarat Banque game, unlike other variations where the role rotates among players. The Banker acts as the dealer and also puts their money at risk.

European Baccarat

European Baccarat is played in the United Kingdom and the larger Europe. The gameplay is similar to traditional Baccarat, where you bet whether the Banker or Player will get the best hand or the game will be a Tie. However, a player can opt to Stand or Draw. If the player has a hand of 5, he/she can Stand by deciding not to draw a third card or Draw a third card.

EZ Baccarat

EZ Baccarat follows the standard Baccarat rules, which allow you to bet on the Player, Banker, or Tie. However, the major difference between this variation and traditional Baccarat is that it does not charge a commission on the winners’ hands. This variation introduces the Dragon 7 rule, where if the Banker wins with a three-card total of seven, the Banker bet becomes a push. In this case, the player does not lose their wager or win. This is a rare outcome.

Mini Baccarat

Mini Baccarat is a simplified version of the traditional Baccarat game. In the land-based setting, this variation supports up to 7 players, and there is only one dealer. However, the online version has an automatic dealer, providing fast gameplay. Mini Baccarat uses 6 to 8 decks of cards, depending on the casino offering the game or the game designer.

Baccarat Squeeze

Baccarat Squeeze is different from other variations in how the cards are revealed. The dealer slowly reveals the cards, starting with corners or edges to heighten excitement and tension. The online variation is characterized by high-quality animations that build excitement during the reveal. Baccarat Squeeze is mostly a high-stakes variation and is also common in the Asian market.

 

Above are some of the Baccarat variations that you can play online today. This game is also available in land-based casinos. Baccarat is a game of luck but also features some elements of strategy. The basic rules of playing Baccarat are similar in most variations.