Simple rules, a classic table setting, and a thrilling atmosphere, online baccarat provides every Kiwi player with all the card game essentials.
If you have ever wondered how to play the game or are trying to sharpen your online baccarat skills, our article on online baccarat is a must-read for all Kiwi baccarat enthusiasts. Read on to find out more about this popular game you can enjoy at Kiwi online casinos.
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The history of online baccarat in New Zealand
The true origin of baccarat is still unknown, as many gambling theorists argue between Italy and France as the birthplace of this beloved game. The Italian theory states that baccarat was developed by Italian gambler Felix Falguierein during the 1400’s and was originally played using tarot cards. The name baccarat is translated to zero in Italian which is believed to come from the King, Queen, Jack and 10 cards which are all valued at 0. Baccarat was later introduced to France around the 15th century by soldiers during the Franco-Italian war, the game was then known as Chermin de Fer, which then made its way to Europe where it was adapted and renamed Baccarat Banque.
NZ Online baccarat basics
Many Kiwi players believe that online baccarat is a confusing game, but once you understand the rules and start playing, you will be well on your way to earning your online baccarat pro status. Playing baccarat online is even simpler as all the hard work is done for you; all you have to worry about is winning. But before we dive into the rules, let’s take a look at some online baccarat basics, starting off with how to play baccarat at the top online casino in New Zealand.
Playing online baccarat in New Zealand
Playing baccarat online is great as you do not have to constantly work out what’s going on, with the added pressure of a live dealer and players all around you. Online baccarat allows you to relax, place your bets and allow the game software to do all the work for you. In online baccarat the player bets on which hand will get the closest value to 9. The player has a chance to bet on their own hand.
Online baccarat card values
The card values in online baccarat are easy to remember:
- All numbered cards, except 10, retain their value.
- King, Queen, Jack and 10 are valued at 0.
- Aces are valued at 1.
Much like blackjack, players can stay with their current cards. These are known as a ‘stand’ or receive a third card known as a ‘draw.’ These standing and drawing rules differ between the player and the banker. First, let’s look at the rules for the player.
- If the player’s total card value is 0-5, a third card will be drawn.
- If the player’s total card value is 6 or 7, the player will stand.
Online baccarat rules for Kiwi players
Here are some of the general rules of online baccarat you should learn and follow:
- The main objective of the game is to get as close to 9 as possible using two or three cards.
- The highest hand value is 9, and the lowest hand value is 0.
- If the total value of the players or the bankers hand exceeds 9, only the second digit of the value will count. For example, if the total value of the hand is 15, the actual value will be 5.
- The game is considered over if the player or the banker is dealt a natural hand of an 8 or 9.
- The player’s hand is always dealt first.
Variations of online baccarat
There are three main variations of online baccarat, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque. The most popular of these is Punto Banco which is also known as American Baccarat. We suggest that you give each one of these online baccarat variations a try. This will help you find one specific type that you like. Playing each variation in free play mode will also give you great practice when you decide to play for real money at online casinos like G’Day Casino, Golden Riviera, Novomatic Casinos and much more. Here are some other common variations you can try:
- 7 Up Baccarat
- Asian Stud
- 2 to 1Baccarat
- Lucky Draw Baccarat
- Super Pan 9
- Baccarat Gold
Online Baccarat Gold
It is one of the best variations of baccarat. It is action-packed, and Kiwi players can enjoy this casino game at any of the top 10 online casinos in New Zealand.
This version was created by one of the leading online software providers known as Microgaming. This guarantees New Zealand players nothing but seamless and smooth gameplay.
The top-notch graphics and the perfect sound effects will increase the level of gambling pleasure that Kiwis will experience while playing the game. So read on and learn more about Online Baccarat Gold in New Zealand below.
Online Baccarat Gold – Gameplay
Just like the traditional version, Baccarat gold is played using a single deck of cards. The deck accommodates 52 cards, with the objective of the game being – to have a hand that will have a total close to 9. The game starts with an online casino player placing their bet. The bets that a player can make include betting on the banker winning, the player winning, or a tie.
To add on, New Zealand gamblers can place their bets ranging from NZ$1 and NZD$500. The player’s hand is dealt first, followed by the dealer’s hand.
In the Baccarat gold version, most cards carry their face values apart from Ace and picture cards. Picture cards include Jack, Queen, and the King. More so, they have a value of zero. Cards with a value of 10, in this game, have a value of zero. However, the Ace has a value of one.
After all has been said and done, the value of all the cards is added together to come up with a total score. After the cards are dealt, and the dealer’s hand amounts to a total that’s less than two, they draw another card. Also, it is important to note that when all the cards are added together, the number to the extreme right is considered as the value of the hand. For instance, a hand totalling 15 will result in a value of 5.
Online Baccarat Gold at Top New Zealand Online Casinos
New Zealand gamblers can enjoy this fascinating online casino game at any of the top online casinos NZ featured on our page. Online Baccarat gold is one of the most highly rewarding and fun games; once one gets the hang of it. However, we advise Kiwis first to gather up as much information and rules of this version before they start gambling for real money.
How to Play Baccarat – Step 1
Kiwi players must then know how cards are dealt. In regards to this step, 2 cards are dealt with both the banker and the player. The player that will be holding the shoe will slide one of the cards out and places it in a way that it faces upwards in the player’s box. The following card, in the banker’s hand, is then placed in the banker’s box. The house will then deal another player card and another banker card. Basically, the dealer’s first round will comprise of two cards for both, the banker and the player.
Step 2
Here, they’ll be announcing the point total of the two sets of cards. All tens and face cards are worth zero points, ace is worth one point, and any other card is worth its face value. If a total of two cards is above 10, the second number then becomes the value of the hand. For instance, a 8 and a 7 give a total of 15, thereby making up a five-point hand. For a player to win, they must make sure that their bet is on the hand that has a total which is close to 9.
Step 3
New Zealand players are advised to have an understanding of the ‘natural’ win. If for example, the first two cards that were dealt have a total of 8 or 9, for either the banker or the player, that is referred to as a natural win and the game will be over. The bets that would have already been placed are then cashed out.
Step 4
The fourth step in learning how to play Baccarat is being able to determine if a player will be receiving a 3rd card, just by looking at the points. Here, the player hand will be completed first, if the player has a total of 8 or 9, they will have no additional cards. The player must stand on totals of either 6 or 7. If it’s any other total, say from 0-5, the player will then draw a third card, except if the banker has a total of more than 8, of which the bank hand will win, without any further draws.
Step 5
In addition to the information in the previous step, we advise Kiwi players to be familiar with the rules that govern the 3rd card for the banker. In the event that the player stands pat (or they draw no new card), the banker will then draw with a hand total of 0-5, staying pat with a hand total of either 6 or 7. Any other hand stays dependent on the 3rd card that is drawn by the player. Here are a few more tips to know:
- When the player’s 3rd card is a faced card, ace, 10 or nine, the banker will draw when he has an o-3 card and then stays with a 4 to 7.
- In the event that the player’s card is 8, the banker will then draw when he has any card between 0-3 and will stay with 3-7.
- If the 3rd card is 6 0r 7, the banker will draw when h has a 0-6 but stays at 7.
- When the 3rd card is then 4 or 5, the banker will draw when they have 0-5 but stays with 6-7.
- Lastly, if the player has a 3rd card that is in-between 2 and 3, the banker will draw when he is between 0 and 4, thereby staying with 5-7.
Step 6
When all the cards are dealt, you can then calculate the winning hand. The hand that wins will be that which has a total that is close to 9. If there’s a tie, none of the hand wins or lose. In some instances, a commission gets to be paid when a player bet on the banker’s hand.
Online baccarat tips for Kiwi players
- Read the rules of online baccarat to gain a better understanding of the game so you can make more informed decisions.
- Make sure you understand the different bets of the game.
- Always consult your cards before making a decision.
- Understand the different odds and payout of the game so you know what your chances of winning are.
- Avoid betting on a tie as this is the rarest and riskiest bet.
- Betting on the banker is usually the best bet as it has the best odds.
- Set a bankroll limit before you start playing as you can get caught up in the game and end up spending more than you wanted to.
- Generally, the games with the smallest number of decks give you the best chance of winning.
Why play online baccarat
- The rules are simple to learn and easy to follow.
- It is fast-paced exciting game that is guaranteed to keep you entertained.
- Many online casinos offer top bonuses to increase your bankroll.
- The different varieties of baccarat allow you to try out each type before deciding on a favourite.
- The free play option also allows you to practice online baccarat. This will help you learn how the game works and get comfortable with the different bets and rules of the game.
- Playing online provides you with the extra concentration you need to play the game as you are free from the distractions found at land-based casinos.
- You no longer have to wait for a spot at the baccarat table as you can now play online baccarat anywhere, anytime.
The glossary of online baccarat terms in 2016
Banker bet
To bet that the banker will have the highest hand
Commission
The amount of money that the house takes from a winning bet on the bank
Coup
A French word for a round of baccarat
Draw
To take another card
Face cards
Refers to the King, Queen and Jack of any suit of cards
Mini Baccarat
A version of baccarat that is played on a smaller scale
Natural hand
When the player or the bank has a hand value of 8 or 9 it is considered a natural hand and the game is over
Player bet
To bet that the player will have the highest hand
Shoe
The container that is used to hold the cards
Stand
To keep the cards you have and not take any more cards
Standoff
When the player and the bank are in a tie
Tie Bet
To bet that the player and the banker will have the same hand total
