Baccarat is a popular card game that often makes an appearance in casinos. While the main game is quite simple, Players also have the option to place side bets.
Side bets add an extra layer of excitement and offer different ways to win beyond just betting on the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a tie.
In this blog post, we will break down what these side bets are and how they work, making it easy for beginners to understand. We will also discuss if they are worth trying out so you can make informed choices when playing Baccarat.
Side Bets In Baccarat Explained
Baccarat side bets are additional wagers you can place alongside your main bet. They are separate from the usual options to bet on the Player hand to win, the Banker hand to win, or a tie.
These bets usually focus on specific outcomes or combinations of cards, such as pairs or specific card values. They offer different ways to potentially win and add more variety to the game.
Placing a side bet is simple. Before the cards are dealt, you choose which side bet you want to make and place your chips in the corresponding area on the table. In some games, each side bet has its own designated spot, making it easy to find where to place your chips. If you're confused, you can ask the dealer. Once your bet is in place, the dealer will shuffle and draw the cards and announce the results.
Remember, side bets are optional. You can play a game of Baccarat without placing any side bets if you prefer.
In the next sections, we will take a closer look at some popular Baccarat side bets to help you understand what each one offers.
What Are Baccarat Side Bets?
Baccarat side bets are extra wagers that Players can place alongside the main bets in the game. These bets focus on specific outcomes or combinations of cards, providing additional ways to win. They are also completely separate from the main game bet, so it's possible to win a side bet and lose the main game bet and vice versa.
All Red or All Black Baccarat Side Bet
In this side bet, you wager on whether all the cards in the Player or Banker hand will be red (hearts or diamonds) or black (clubs or spades).
Baccarat Bellagio Match Side Bet
This bet pays if the Player or Banker hand contains a pair of cards with the same rank and suit, similar to a "perfect pair".
Baccarat Big & Small and 4-5-6 Side Bet
The Big & Small side bet focuses on the total number of cards dealt in the round. You bet on whether the total will be four (Small) or five or six (Big).
Baccarat Combined Value Bets
These side bets involve wagering on the combined total points of the Player and Banker hand. A common example is betting on the combined total value being over or under 9.5.
Double 8 Baccarat Side Bet
In this bet, you win if both the Player and Banker hands have a value of eight.
Dragon 7 Baccarat Side Bet
This side bet pays out if the Banker hand wins with a three-card total of seven.
Egalite Bets
Egalite bets are wagers on the specific total of points that will result in a tie, such as six-six or seven-seven.
Super 6 or Lucky Bonus Side Bet
This bet pays out if the Banker wins with a total of six. It is sometimes known as the "Super 6" or "Lucky Bonus".
Lucky or Unlucky 8 Baccarat Side Bet
In this side bet, you wager on whether there will be an eight in the Player or Banker final hand.
Baccarat Matching Dragon Side Bet
This bet pays based on the number of cards in the Player's hand that match the rank of the first card in the Banker's hand.
Panda 8 Baccarat Side Bet
The Panda 8 side bet pays if the Player hand wins with a total of eight consisting of three cards.
Perfect Pair Baccarat Wager
In this bet, you win if the Player's or Banker's first two cards form a pair with the same rank and suit.
Baccarat Royal Match Side Bet
This side bet pays if the Player's or Banker's first two cards are a king and queen. A higher payout is awarded if the cards are of the same suit.
Same Suit Opening Baccarat Wager
This bet focuses on whether the first two cards in the Player or Banker hand will be of the same suit.
Suited Three-Card 8 Baccarat Side Bet
You win this bet if the Player or Banker hand contains exactly three cards that total eight and are all of the same suit.
Three-Card 6 Baccarat Side Bet
This side bet pays if the Player or Banker hand contains exactly three cards that total six.
By understanding these various side bets, you can add more excitement and chances to potentially win to your Baccarat experience. However, always play responsibly and within your means. Remember that you don't have to place side bets; they are optional.
Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth It?
Baccarat side bets can add more excitement to the game, but it's important to know if they are worth trying. Let's discuss some important points to consider when trying to decide if they're right for you.
Higher Risk
Side bets usually come with higher risks compared to the main bets in Baccarat. This is because they often focus on less likely outcomes, making them harder to win.
Bigger Payouts
While they have lower chances of winning, side bets can also offer bigger payouts. If you win a side bet, the payout is likely to be higher than those offered in the main game.
House Edge
The house edge is typically higher for side bets compared to the main game. This means the casino has a better chance of winning on these bets over time.
Entertainment Value
If you play Baccarat for fun and enjoy the thrill, then side bets can make the game more entertaining by adding an extra element to the round. Just be mindful of the risks and manage your bankroll wisely.
Conclusion
Whether Baccarat side bets are worth it depends on your personal preferences. If you like the idea of added excitement to each round and additional opportunities to win, then they might be a good fit for you. However, remember to gamble responsibly and play within your means. Only bet money you are comfortable losing and stick to a budget.