Filipino players love Baccarat for its simple rules and promising payouts. Learn how to win in this quick guide.
Filipino players love Baccarat for its simple rules and promising payouts. Learn how to win in this quick guide.
It goes without saying that Baccarat is one of the most popular games in online casinos in the Philippines. One of the best things about this game is its simple rules, making it easier for beginners to master. It’s also thrilling and exciting to play as it involves making decisions that will affect the game’s outcome. In this guide, we discuss everything you ought to know about online Baccarat. From the history of the game and special terms to strategies to boost your winning chances – it’s all right here.
There are a couple of theories about the origin of Baccarat. Some claim the game started in France, while others say it started in Rome, Italy. According to historians, the casino game was invented by a man called Felix Falguiere in the 1400s. He named it baccara, which means zero in Italian.
The game later made it to France, where it had the name Chemin de Fer or Chemmy. Because it was very interesting and intriguing, the King of France, King Charles VIII, loved the game. Hence it became a game of the French aristocracy. The game also eventually spread to England, where Ian Fleming learned how to play it and came up with the renowned baccarat-playing character, James Bond.
The game was later introduced to South America and the Caribbean, where the locals adapted it in many ways. They made a few changes to it, and it was renamed American Baccarat. In the late 1950s, Tommy Renzoni took the game to Sands Casino in Las Vegas. Initially, it didn’t attract players, so casinos started branding it as a game for only a few. They did this by setting high wager limits and placing playing tables in special rooms. Of course, now Baccarat is also online since many players love it.
Playing this exciting casino game is pretty simple and straightforward. The goal is to make a hand that is as close to 9 as possible without going over that value. In the event the total goes beyond 9, 10 will be subtracted. The winner can be either the player or the banker, or there can be a tie.
Baccarat uses 8 full decks of cards. All face cards and 10s in the game have a value of zero, while Aces are equal to 1. Of course, the other cards are worth their face values from 1 to 9. If hands total to 8 or 9, they are called natural. But if both the player and the banker’s hands total 5 or below, an additional card should be drawn. In this case, the rules change. They are as follows:
There are a few special terms all punters must learn before playing Baccarat. For example:
Bankroll – the amount players set aside for gambling;
Banco – the bank or banker;
Burn – the discarded top 3 to 6 cards when a new deck is shuffled for a game;
Callman – the casino staff calling cards;
Down card – a card facing down;
Face card – Kings, Queens, and Jacks;
Up card – a card facing up for everyone in the game to see.
You can increase your chances of winning by using various betting systems. The most popular ones include:
Fibonacci system – This system consists of a sequence of numbers. Each number is the sum of the last two numbers.
Paroli system – This betting system requires you to have a fixed stake. It guarantees small but consistent wins.
Labouchere system – This system aims to make up for all the bets you’ve lost through small, consistent wins.
Martingale system – With this system players bet the same amount following wins and double the amount when they lose.
There are a few common variations of Baccarat that you can find at real money casinos in the Philippines. Of course, each is unique and offers different advantages.
This is one of the most popular variants of Baccarat. It uses the standard deck of 52 cards and up to 12 players can play at a time. In Punto Banco, players bet against the dealer. Moreover, players have to make a hand that is closer to 9 and higher than the banker’s hand. Punto bets pay out at 1:1, while Banco bets payout at 95:100. Usually, the house deducts a commission of 5%.
This is a classic variation, mostly popular in France. The main difference between this version and the other ones is that players play against each other, not the dealer. The game uses six standard card decks, and players take turns being the banker. Also, the banker allocates a specific amount of money for wagers. Players on the table can announce a Banco, which means they would match the banker’s bet.
This version of Baccarat shares rules with the Punto Banco variant. It’s one of the most popular versions as it’s best for recreational players who don’t have a huge bankroll. As its name implies, the game is played on a small table. It’s also very fast-paced, which appeals to many Filipino gambling enthusiasts who prefer shorter gaming sessions.
Baccarat Banque requires players to use only 3 cards to form a hand of their own. This version is similar to Chemin de Fer as players can’t bet on the banker’s hand. Moreover, the banker gets to remain in the game until they run out of funds. But you can bet on both of your hands if you want to.
In today’s technologically advanced world, everyone wants to enjoy their favorite casino games on their smartphones. The Baccarat games you can play on your mobile device can be both RNG titles or live dealer games. Moreover, you can play the real money and free versions directly on your mobile web browser. Alternatively, you can download dedicated apps for Android and iOS from more competitive online casinos. However, mobile Baccarat is not available in all casinos, so ensure your casino of choice offers this before signing up.
Selecting a good online destination for playing Baccarat can be challenging. Here are a few guidelines to remember:
Choose a licensed and reputable casino. The first step is choosing an online casino that has been authorized by a recognized jurisdiction. It should also have a good reputation.
Safety and security. Your ideal online casino should use the latest encryption technology to protect players. It should clearly indicate in its privacy policy the measures taken to keep players safe.
Wide range of payment methods. This will ensure that you have different options to choose from when you want to manage your casino account.
Games from recognized software providers. A good online casino offers many games from reputable game software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, etc.
Bonuses and promotions range. Make sure the casino offers a variety of bonus offers to boost your bankroll. However, beware of offers that seem too generous.
Most online casinos in the Philippines offer free play and real money Baccarat. The main difference between the two is rather simple. The former is free to play, while the latter requires you to deposit funds and stake an amount first. So, free play is a risk-free way to try the game but you won’t win anything. It’s a good way to practice and hone your skills before moving to the real money version. On the other hand, the real money version is risky but you stand to win a profit with some luck. You can stake any amount you wish, although most casinos have a minimum wager limit to enter the game.
Baccarat is one of the most popular games at online casinos in the Philippines. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced players as it has pretty straightforward rules. Moreover, you can play for free or real money depending on your goals. And, if you like playing on the go, you can enjoy Baccarat on your mobile device, too. But to get the most out of this game you’ll need a trustworthy gaming platform. So, head to our casino reviews to find the best match for you.
You can boost your winning chances by using various strategies. However, there's not a 100% successful strategy.
Absolutely! You can play directly on your mobile web browser or through mobile apps.
Yes, the banker generally has an advantage. But this doesn’t mean players can’t win.
There are four main kinds - mini Baccarat, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Banque.
Yes, you can play the live version of the game at a casino that has a live dealer section and offers the game.