MINI BACCARAT – A UNIQUE GAME PLAYED ON A SMALL BACCARAT TABLE

In Baccarat, played with 6 decks, the player and the dealer are dealt two initial cards. They are then dealt one optional card. The winner holds the hand with a value closest to 9. Tens and face cards count as 0. Aces count as 1, and other cards count according to their face values. A bet can be placed on the dealer, the player, or a tie. In the event of a tie, bets placed on the player and the dealer are returned, bets placed on tie pays 8 to 1.

“Punto Banco” is the version of baccarat that is played in America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and Macau. “Punto” means “Player” and “Banco” means “Banker”. There are 3 types of baccarat: mini-baccarat, midi-baccarat and big baccarat. The game starts with four cards dealty from the shoe, forming two hands, one called the player’s hand, the other being the banker’s hand. The first and third cards are dealt to and “faced” by the player with the largest “Player” wager at the table unless there isn’t a “Player” wager; then the cards will be “faced” by the dealer along with any additional cards needed to complete the player’s hand. The second and fourth cards are dealt to and “faced” by the player with the largest “Banker” wager at the table unless there isn’t a banker wager; then the cards will be “faced” by the dealer along with any additional cards needed to complete the “Banker” hand.

WHAT DOES TIE BET MEAN ON THE BACCARAT TABLE

The Tie bet in Baccarat is one of the three main betting options available to players, alongside the Player and Banker bets. When you place a Tie bet, you are wagering that the Player and Banker hands will end in a tie or draw, meaning they will have the same total points. Winning tie bet is a highly rewarded occurrence.

CARD VALUES IN MINI BACCARAT

Card values remain consistent with the traditional Baccarat game. Face cards and tens have a value of zero, and other cards are worth their face value. The object of the game is to have a hand point count closest to nine wins you the game.

BASIC RULES OF MINI BACCARAT

PLAYER RULES

• Placing Bets: Before the cards are dealt, players place their bets on the Player hand, Banker hand or Tie
• Card Dealing: Each hand, the Player and Banker, received two cards. The cards are dealt face up, and their values are added to determine the total for each hand
• Determining the Winner: The hand with a total closest to 9 wins
• Payouts: Player bets are paid even money, tie bets pay higher odds, such as 8:1 or 9:1

BANKER RULES

• No decision making for Players: Players do not make decisions regarding the drawing of cards for the Banker hand.
• Commission on Banker Wins: If the Banker hand wins, the Banker bets are paid even money. However, most casinos apply a commission of around 5% on winning Banker bets.
• Initial two-card total: Banker hand receives two cards initially

WHEN DO BANKER BETS AND PLAYER BETS PAY EVEN MONEY?

Both banker and player bets typically pay even money, meaning a 1:1 payout, with one exception. The general payout rules for Banker and Player bets are as follows:

1. Player Bet:
   • If you place a bet on the Player hand, and the Player hand wins, you will be paid even money. For example, if you bet $10 on the Player and the Player wins, you would receive your $10 original bet back plus an additional $10 in winnings.
2. Banker Bet:
   • If you place a bet on the Banker’s hand, and the Banker hand wins, you will be paid even money as well. However, there is a notable exception: a commission is typically applied to winning Banker bets. The standard commission rate is around 5%, although it can vary. This means that if you win a Banker bet, the casino will take a 5% commission on your winnings, and you will receive a payout slightly less than even money.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PLAYING MINI BACCARAT?

Playing Mini Baccarat appeals more to the wider audience, including both new and experienced players. The simplified rules and small table make it easier. Due to the small table, the game flows faster and thus gives a more dynamic feel to the game. Following rules can be easier as there are fixed rules and they are much easier to learn and keep up. Mini Baccarat offers a very quick and efficient way to entertain oneself, appealing mainly to those who have limited time at a casino.

WHAT IS THE THIRD CARD RULE IN MINI BACCARAT?

In Mini Baccarat, the drawing of an additional card is determined by specific rules based on the total points of the first two cards dealt to the Player and Banker hands. The rules for drawing additional cards in Mini Baccarat are relatively straightforward.

A player can only draw on totals of 0 1 2 3 4 or 5, player stands on 6 and 7, whilst 8 and 9 are called a natural, no cards dealt.

For the banker’s hand result, if the totals of 0 1 or 2, the banker will always draw a third card. If the total is 3 the banker draws a third card unless the player’s third card is an 8. If the banker’s hand totals is 4, the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card is 2-7. If the banker initial two cards are dealt and the total is 5, the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card is 4-7. If the banker’s hand result is 6 the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card is 6-7 and if the banker’s hand is 7 the banker will always stand.

WHAT IS THE HOUSE EDGE IN MINI BACCARAT?

It’s important to note that the house edge represents the statistical advantage over a large number of bets and does not guarantee specific outcomes in the short term. Players may experience winning or losing streaks due to the inherent randomness of the game.

While the Banker bet has a lower house edge, it often comes with a 5% commission on winning bets. Even with the commission, the Banker bet remains one of the better options for players in terms of the house edge.

Overall, Mini Baccarat is known for its straightforward rules and relatively low house edge, making it an appealing choice for players who enjoy a simple and fast-paced card game with favorable odds. Keep in mind that these house edge percentages are averages, and actual results may vary in individual gaming sessions.

If you want to learn more about Baccarat House Edge visit our Casino Blog, especially on House Edge.

WHAT DOES DIFFERENT FIRST TWO CARDS TOTAL MEAN?

1. Card Values:
   • In Baccarat, the values of the cards are as follows:
     • Aces are worth 1 point.
     • Cards 2 through 9 retain their face values.
     • 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings have a value of 0.
2. Initial Dealing:
   • At the start of a Baccarat round, the Player and Banker hands each receive two cards. The total of these initial two cards is calculated.
3. Different First Two Cards Total:
   • If the total of the Player’s initial two cards is different from the total of the Banker’s initial two cards, it is referred to as a “different first two cards total.”
4. Example:
   • For instance, if the Player’s initial cards are a 7 and a 3 (totaling 10), and the Banker’s initial cards are a 5 and a 6 (totaling 11), then the first two cards totals for the Player and Banker are different.

WHAT IS DRAGON BONUS IN MINI BACCARAT?

The Dragon Bonus in Baccarat is a side bet feature that can be found in some variations of Mini Baccarat. It is an optional wager that players can place in addition to their main bets on the Player, Banker, or Tie. The Dragon Bonus side bet is based on the margin of victory between the Player and Banker hands.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINI BACCARAT AND MIDI BACCARAT

Betting Limits:

• Mini Baccarat: Most casinos often have lower minimum betting limits, making it more accessible to a broader range of players.
• Midi Baccarat: May have higher minimum betting limits compared to Mini Baccarat but lower than traditional Baccarat.

Game Pace:

• Mini Baccarat: Known for its faster pace, with simplified rules and quicker dealer handling.
• Midi Baccarat: Tends to be slightly slower than Mini Baccarat but faster than traditional Baccarat.

Dealer Handling:

• Mini Baccarat: The dealer usually handles all the cards, making the game more streamlined and faster-paced.
• Midi Baccarat: The dealer may handle the cards, or players may take turns dealing in some variations.

SOME TIPS YOU CAN FOLLOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING MINI BACCARAT

1. Understand the Rules:
   • Make sure you have a solid understanding of the rules of Mini Baccarat before playing. This includes knowing the values of cards, the drawing rules, and the payout structures for different bets.
2. Manage Your Bankroll:
   • Set a budget for your Mini Baccarat sessions and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, and don’t wager more than you can afford to lose. Effective bankroll management is crucial for responsible gambling.
3. Focus on the Banker Bet:
   • The Banker bet has a slightly lower house edge compared to the Player bet. While the casino typically charges a commission on Banker wins, it’s still considered a favorable bet. Some players prefer consistently betting on the Banker to capitalize on its lower house edge.
4. Avoid the Tie Bet:
   • The Tie bet in Mini Baccarat comes with a higher house edge, making it a riskier option. It’s generally advisable to avoid frequent bets on the Tie, as the odds are less favorable compared to the Player and Banker bets.

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