Baccarat is one of the most popular table games played at casinos the world over. But depending on where you play, you’ll find different versions of the game — including European baccarat.
While the European variant is similar to others, some of its rules are different. As with any game, it’s helpful to know how European baccarat works before you play it for the first time.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to play European baccarat, the basic rules, tips, strategies, and more.
How to Play European Baccarat
The goal of European baccarat is to bet on whether the player or banker’s hand will be closest to nine by the end of the game. You can also wager on both hands being equal (a tie).
Check out the Gambling Zone list of the best baccarat sites to play European Baccarat
European Baccarat Rules
Card values are straightforward in European baccarat. Most pip cards have the same value as their number (e.g. the 5 of diamonds is worth 5 points). The 10 and face cards are worth 0, while the ace is worth 1 point.
When the total of any hand exceeds 9, only the second digit counts: a pair of 7s would add up to 14, for example, but only the 4 would be recognised.
If either the player or banker has a two-card hand worth 8 or 9, that becomes the winning hand. If neither hand wins straight away, a third card may be played.
Most of the European baccarat rules revolve around dealing a third card. Here’s how it works:
- If the value of the player’s hand is below 5, a third card is drawn.
- If the player’s hand is worth 6 or 7, no third card is drawn.
- If the player’s hand is worth 5, the player can either take a third card or keep their current total. That’s not the case in most other baccarat versions: the player would need to draw a third card whether they wanted to or not.
After the player has made their decision, the banker will have a chance to draw a third card. That’s another aspect of European baccarat rules that differs from others.
However, most bankers tend to follow the same rules found in the American variant:
- The banker will only take a third card if their hand is worth 5 points and the player has just two cards.
- The banker will stand if their hand is worth 6 or 7.
- The banker will take a third card if the player receives a third and the total is no more than 2.
- The banker may also draw a third card if their hand adds up to 3 but the player’s third card is not an 8.
- The banker will draw a third card if their hand is worth 5 and the player has a third card worth 4 - 7.
The banker will draw a third card if their hand is worth 6 and the player’s third card is a 6 or 7. Bankers stand if their first two cards total 7.
Online Baccarat
European Baccarat Tips and Strategy
Here are a few tips to bear in mind when playing European baccarat at an online casino or a real table.
- Bet on the banker: Betting on the banker is considered the best bet, due to its low house edge (1.06%). Betting on the player has a 1.24% house edge.
- Avoid the tie bet: If you bet on the tie, the house edge is incredibly high — 14.4%. Many players prefer to bet on the banker or player, as losing tie bets can be costly.
- Watch games before you play: If you’re new to European baccarat, you might find it beneficial to watch a few games before you try it yourself. That will help you get a feel for the flow of the action, the betting limits, and other important elements.
- Be careful with your bankroll: As with any other type of casino game, gamble responsibly at the European baccarat table. Only bet what you can afford to lose and keep an eye on how much you have left.
Advantages of Playing European Baccarat
As with other versions of baccarat, European baccarat has a few major advantages that attract players.
Great House Edge
The low house edge is a common reason why people play European baccarat. When betting on the player or banker, the house edge is lower than 1.3%, so you’ll generally lose less to the casino than you would in many other games.
Simple to Learn
Most players find European baccarat simple to learn, especially if you know how to play baccarat’s other versions. Once you know the basic rules on drawing a third card, you can dive in.
Player Flexibility
Compared to other versions of baccarat, European baccarat is more flexible. You’re not required to draw a third card if your two cards add up to 5, and you can stand instead.
Baccarat Table
Disadvantages of Playing European Baccarat
No game is perfect, and European baccarat has a few disadvantages, too.
High Commission
Some casinos apply a 5% commission to banker bets to boost their gains, as it has the lowest house edge.
Not Always Easy to Find
While you might find the European variant at some of the best baccarat sites, it’s still not as widely available as other versions.
Risky Side Bets
Whether you prefer to play at a brick-and-mortar venue or an online casino, optional side bets are available. However, the odds on these can be low, and they may have a tough house edge.
Conclusion
European baccarat offers a more flexible version of baccarat with low house edges (on two bets, at least).
If you want to try European baccarat, check Gambling Zone’s guide to the best online casinos for the lowdown on the top gaming sites. But wherever you play, always remember to gamble responsibly.
