Baccarat is a popular card game in many online casinos. While the main game is fairly straightforward, some players enjoy adding side bets for extra excitement. But what exactly are side bets, and should you try them?
In baccarat, a side bet is an extra wager you can place alongside your main bet. These bets can offer bigger payouts, but they also come with lower chances of winning. Common examples include betting on a pair of cards or specific card combinations.
It's important to know that side bets generally have a higher house edge, which means the casino wins more often. This makes them less favourable for players in the long run. However, they can add an extra dynamic to the game if you choose to play them. If you do, please do so responsibly and within your limits.
Before placing any side bets, it's a good idea to understand how they work and the odds involved. This blog will help you know the essentials so you can decide if trying side bets in baccarat is the right choice for you.
Side Bets In Baccarat Explained
Side bets in baccarat are optional wagers placed in addition to your main bet. They are designed to add more excitement to the game by offering extra ways to potentially win. Let's look at some of the most common side bets you might encounter.
One popular side bet is the "Player Pair" or "Banker Pair". Here, you bet that the first two cards dealt to either the player or banker will form a pair, like two Kings or two Aces. If you're right, you can win a payout.
Another common side bet is the "Perfect Pair". This is a bet that the first two cards drawn will not only be a pair in terms of rank but also match suit as well. For example, two Queen of Hearts. This bet usually pays out even more than the "Player Pair" or "Banker Pair".
There is also the "Either Pair" bet. You win if either the player or banker gets a pair. This side bet gives you slightly better chances than betting on just the player or just the banker to get a pair.
Finally, there's the "Big and Small" bet. It focuses on the total number of cards dealt in a round. A "Small" bet wins if the total is four cards, and a "Big" bet wins if the total is five or six cards.
These side bets can offer exciting possibilities, but remember: they generally come with a higher house edge, meaning the casino has a better chance of winning these bets over time. Always bet responsibly and within your limits.
How Do Baccarat Side Bets Work?
Baccarat side bets are optional bets you can place alongside your main bet on the player hand, banker hand, or a tie. These side bets are designed to add an extra layer of excitement and the chance for larger payouts.
Each side bet focuses on specific card combinations or outcomes. They are independent of the main game result, so you can win a side bet even if you lose your main bet and vice versa.
For example, a common side bet is the "Player Pair" or "Banker Pair". You bet that the first two cards dealt to either hand will form a pair, like two 7s. If the pair appears, you win the side bet.
Another popular option is the "Perfect Pair" bet, where you wager that the first two cards dealt will be an exact match in both suit and rank, such as two 10 of Spades. This bet typically offers a higher payout.
There is also the "Big and Small" bet. In this bet, you predict the total number of cards that will be dealt in the round. Betting on "Big" wins if the total is five or six cards while betting on "Small" wins if it's four cards.
Each casino might have variations, so always check the rules and payouts before placing a side bet. Remember, while side bets can make the game more thrilling, they also come with lower chances of winning. So, gamble responsibly.
Baccarat Side Bet Examples
Let's look at some of the side bets available in Baccarat.
All Red or All Black Baccarat Side Bet
In this bet, you wager that the player's or banker's first two cards will both be red (hearts or diamonds) or both be black (spades or clubs).
Baccarat Bellagio Match Side Bet
This side bet wins if the player's and banker's first two cards match in rank. Payouts can vary based on the number of players at the table.
Baccarat Big & Small and 4-5-6 Side Bet
The "Big" bet wins if the total number of cards dealt is five or six. The "Small" bet wins if the total is four cards. The "4-5-6" bet pays out based on the exact number of cards dealt.
Combined Value Bets In Baccarat
In this bet, you wager on the combined total value of the player's and banker's hands. Payouts are based on specific total value ranges.
Double 8 Baccarat Side Bet
Wager on both the player and banker getting an 8 with their initial two cards. It pays out if each hand is exactly 8.
Dragon Bonus Baccarat Wager
This bet pays out if the hand you bet on wins by a certain margin of points, usually four or more.
Dragon 7 Baccarat Side Bet
Betting on the banker to win with a total of 7 made up of three cards. This bet is only available in some baccarat variations.
Egalite Bets In Baccarat
A series of side bets where you place a wager on a specific tie result, such as both hands ending with the same point total.
Lucky Bonus or Super 6 Baccarat Side Bet
This side bet focuses on the banker winning with a total of 6. The payouts are often higher because achieving this result can be more challenging.
Lucky or Unlucky 8 Baccarat Side Bet
You bet that the total score for the player's hand will be exactly 8. Variations include winning when the banker's total is 8.
Matching Dragon Baccarat Side Bet
A side bet that wins if the player's or banker's first two cards match in rank. Payouts can vary based on how many matches occur at the table.
Panda 8 Baccarat Side Bet
This bet wins if the player's hand totals 8 with three cards. It's quite specific and usually offers a higher payout.
Perfect Pair Baccarat Wager
Here, you bet that the first two cards drawn will form a perfect pair, meaning they have the same rank and suit.
Royal Match Baccarat Side Bet
Wager on the player's or banker's first two cards being a King and Queen of the same suit. This is a higher-risk bet but offers larger winnings.
Same Suit Opening Baccarat Wager
This bet wins if the player's or banker's first two cards are of the same suit, like two hearts or two clubs.
Suited 3 Three-Card Baccarat Side Bet
A bet that focuses on either the player's or banker's hand consisting of three cards of the same suit.
Three-Card 6 Baccarat Side Bet
In this bet, you wager that either the player or banker will achieve a total of 6 with three cards. It usually comes with high payouts.
Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth It?
Deciding whether baccarat side bets are worth it depends on what you're looking for in your baccarat experience. Here are a few factors to consider:
Higher Payouts and Increased Risk
Side bets often offer higher payouts compared to the main bets on the player, banker, or tie. This can make them tempting. However, higher payouts come with increased risk because the chances of winning these bets are generally lower than winning the standard main game bet.
House Edge
The house edge for side bets is usually a fair bit higher than for the main game. This means the casino has a better chance of winning these wagers. So, while side bets might seem exciting, they are typically less favourable for players over time.
Added Excitement
For some players, the excitement of placing side bets and the additional opportunities to win that they offer can enhance the overall game experience. The possibility of hitting a big win on an unusual and fairly specific outcome adds another element to the game.
Budget Considerations
If you have a limited budget, it might be wiser to stick with the main game bets. These bets have a lower house edge, giving you a better shot at winning over time compared to side bets. However, it's important to note that winning is not guaranteed in either instance. Always gamble responsibly and make sure any bets you place fit within your spending limits.
Ultimately, whether baccarat side bets are worth it depends on your personal preferences and willingness to take on less favourable odds for the chance at potentially higher rewards. In any case, always stick to your budget and never chase your losses.