Baccarat is one of the more unique table games you can play at a casino. Unlike most card games, the player never touches the cards. Also, you can bet on either the player’s or the banker’s hand.
There are many variations of the baccarat card game, and the simplest version is mini baccarat. New baccarat players are usually encouraged to start with this version of the game because it is easier to learn.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to play mini baccarat including the biggest differences between this version and regular baccarat. Also, I will provide you with some helpful tips for new baccarat players.
What Is Mini Baccarat
First and foremost, what is mini baccarat? Simply put, this version of baccarat is a streamlined version of the original Punto Banco baccarat game.
Punto Banco baccarat is the most popular version of baccarat in the US. Since mini baccarat is based on Punto Banco, the two games are very similar. However, the mini version of the game uses a smaller table, lower betting limits, and players never touch the deck.
Mini Baccarat vs Baccarat
There are several versions of baccarat popular throughout the world. But here in the US, most baccarat players prefer the Punto Banco version. Here are the three biggest differences between Punto Banco baccarat and mini-baccarat.
The Dealer Is Always the Banker
Players have the opportunity to be a banker in many versions of baccarat. However, this is not the case with mini baccarat.
With a trained professional handling the cards, this version of baccarat tends to go faster than others. This is great news for people who are looking to maximize the number of hands they play in one sitting.
Smaller Playing Table
Another notable difference is that mini-baccarat tables tend to be smaller than normal. Some versions of baccarat allow for up to 14 players to be seated at a table playing with up to three dealers.
In this version, though, there is only one dealer. Up to seven people can typically play at one time with this version of the game.
This could make it harder to find a seat if you are playing at a land-based casino. Luckily, you can always find a seat by playing baccarat at a real money online casino.
Lower Minimum and Maximum Bets
Players will also notice that the betting limits are smaller in the mini version of baccarat. Lower betting limits are another reason why this type of baccarat is so appealing to new players.
You can learn the basics of baccarat without breaking the bank. Of course, the lower maximum bets can also limit the amount of money you can win in the long run.
For beginners, though, the lower betting limits are typically helpful. If you are still struggling to afford the stakes, you can find even lower betting limits by using online games. Casinos have lower betting minimums with online games and they usually offer casino bonuses which can lower your cost even more.
Super 6 and Baccarat 2000
The miniature version of baccarat has led to even more, new variations of the popular card game. One of the most popular spin-offs of mini-baccarat is Super 6 or Baccarat 2000.
In this version of the game, players do not need to pay commissions on wagers made on the banker’s hand. The trade-off is that the dealer’s hand only pays 50% of its normal amount if it wins with a total of six.
The house edge is higher as a result, but the gameplay is also faster. Some players prefer this mini-baccarat version because of its speed. Dealers do not need to waste time calculating the commission on winning a banker’s hand wagers.
How to Play Mini Baccarat
Part of the appeal of mini-baccarat is that this variation uses many of the same rules as other baccarat games. Players are tasked with wagering on the hand they think will end with the highest total.
As with other types of baccarat, only single digits count toward your point total, and the maximum point value is nine. The hand that is closest to nine points wins the game.
Players start the game by placing one of three opening wagers. Players in this type of baccarat can bet on any of the following:
- Banker’s hand winning
- Player’s hand winning
- A tie
Once all of the players at the table have had a chance to bet, the banker deals two hands. The “Player” and “Banker” hands each get two cards. In some situations, a third card may be added to increase the total.
Once the hands are finalized, a winner is declared. Any person who bets on the correct hand is paid accordingly.
Mini Baccarat Rules
Before you play the game, you should familiarize yourself with the rules. Mini baccarat uses many of the same rules as Punto Banco baccarat. So if you have played Punto Banco, these mini-baccarat rules are probably already familiar to you.
Natural Nine
Baccarat has a lot of similarities to real money blackjack. Both games involve using cards to reach a predetermined point total. A natural blackjack usually ends the game, regardless of what other players have in their hands.
A similar rule applies in mini and Punto Banco baccarat games. Instead of needing a natural blackjack, though, you only need nine points in your starting hand to win. Of course, this goes for the banker’s hand as well.
Remember, the terms “banker” and “player” do not refer to a specific person. They are only used to differentiate between the hands. If a natural nine appears in either hand, that hand wins and the round is over.
Third Card Rule
One of the first rules baccarat players need to learn is the third card rule. This rule tells you whether you can receive a third card or not. Receiving an extra card can move you closer to nine points, but it could also work against you if you exceed that total.
Players can receive a third card if their hand total is five points or fewer. The dealer’s hand can receive a third card if:
- The total is two points or fewer
- A total of three points and the player’s hand third card was not an eight
- Four point total and the player’s hand third card was between a two and a seven
- The total is five points and the player received a four, five, six, or seven as their third card
- A total of six points and the player’s hand third card was a six or seven
- The dealer hand cannot receive a third card if the starting total is seven points or higher.
Commission
Baccarat players also need to be aware of the casino’s rules for commissions. In most cases, the casino will charge a 5% commission on winning bets that were made on the dealer’s hand.
This helps the casino increase the house edge on the wager. But some casinos do away with this rule and do not charge a commission on select baccarat games.
Playing a mini version of baccarat that also does not charge commission can greatly increase your winning potential. It will have a lower house edge and player at a faster speed than most other versions of the game.
Tips for Playing Mini Baccarat
Mastering mini baccarat rules are one of the first steps to playing the game. Here are three other tips to make you a better baccarat player.
Use a proven mini-baccarat strategy: If you want to win consistently, then you need to use a winning strategy. Finding the right betting system for this version of baccarat can take time, but it will pay off in the end. The most common strategy is betting on the banker every time because this wager has the lowest house edge.
Practice with free online baccarat games: Learning how to play mini baccarat can be an expensive endeavor. Luckily, you can use safe online gambling sites to play the game for free.
Avoid tie bets and side wagers: Side bets and tie wagers can be very attractive options for new players. Experienced players, though, know that these bets are typically a waste of money. The payout odds are too lower compared to the true odds of the bet, and the wagers usually have a high house edge.
Are You Ready to Play Mini Baccarat?
Baccarat is a very popular casino card game, and there are many versions to choose from. The guide above will help you learn how to play mini baccarat, which is a simplified version of the game.
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