Casino

Baccarat Rules – How to play Baccarat

Genie · January 9, 2010 ·

Baccarat is a popular Casino game that is often associated with Casino High Rollers. This is despite the fact that it is one of the easiest Casino games to play and is as simple as betting on Red or Black in Roulette! Genie’s Baccarat rules guide gives you the info you need to play. Baccarat is usually played in a separate Casino area on a playing table that is roughly the size of a craps table and occupies three casino dealers and up to about 14 players.

Baccarat rules

To play Baccarat, two hands are dealt and the player decides which one will win. The object of the game is to have a hand total that is closer to 8 or 9 than the opponent’s hand. There are three possible outcomes that a player can choose to bet on. These two most likely outcomes are to bet on either the banker or the player. The third and less likely outcome is to bet on a standoff (a tie).

Each player will be dealt a minimum of two cards and a maximum of three cards from a six-deck or eight-deck shoe. The card suits are of no concern. Each face card or 10 has no value while cards less than 10 are counted at face value. Aces are valued at 1. In Baccarat single digit values are important. If a player receives cards that total double digits then the first digit is dropped, e.g. 25 is counted as 5 or 16 is counted as 6.

To start the game players must place a bet on the banker, player or a standoff. Two cards are dealt to each player and the banker. The object is to bet on the hand that you believe will have the highest total value. If any hand has a total of 8 or 9 then it is called a “Natural” and no further cards will be dealt. If it isn’t a natural then the game must play out and the players must take a third card where they are obliged to do so. The rules for taking a third card are defined by standard Casino rules that oblige both the player and the banker to take a third card.

Once dealing is finished, the hand with the highest total wins. Losing bets are collected first and then winning bets are paid out.

Baccarat rules – Player’s third card rule

When the player or the bank’s cards total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards then no further cards are drawn. This is called a natural and the hand is over.

When the player’s hand totals 6 or 7 then the player must stand.
When the player’s total is less than or equal to 5 the player’s will have to draw a third card.
When the player doesn’t have to draw a third card then the bank must stand on 6 or above and take a third card on a total of 5 or less. If the player does take a third card then the Bank’s third card rule below comes into play.

Baccarat rules – Bank’s third card rule in Baccarat

This comes into play when a player takes a third card

If the bank’s total is 7 then the bank will stand.
If the bank’s total is less than or equal to 2, then the bank must draw another card, regardless of the player’s third card value.
If the bank’s total is equal to 3, then the bank must draw a third card, unless the third card that the player drew was an 8.
If the bank’s total is 4 then the bank will have to draws a third card unless the player’s third card was a 0, 1, 8, or 9.
If the bank’s total is 5 then the bank must draw a third card when the player’s third card is 4, 5, 6, or 7.
If the bank’s total is a 6, then the bank must draw a third card if the player’s third card is a 6 or 7.

Baccarat card value table

Card	Card Value
Ace	1
King, Queen, Jack, 10	0
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9	Face value

Baccarat History

Some players like to know the past outcomes before choosing whether to bet on the bank or player. Generally this is indicated on a screen where “B” indicates a win for the bank, “P” indicates a win for the player and “-“ indicates a standoff. These are also displayed in consecutive rows until a new winning streak is started. A tie will be considered part of the same winning streak and will be displayed in the same row as the previous winner.

Baccarat House Edge and payouts

Betting in Baccarat is similar to betting on Black or Red in Blackjack. Overall, it is regarded that the Casino holds a house edge of 1.06%. The payoff is even money for betting on the Bank or the player with the only difference being that a win on a bet on the bank is generally subject to a 5% commission to the Casino. This extra commission is required, as over an 8-card deck of cards the bank will on average win three to four hands more than the player giving the Casino and in-built advantage or hold. The final option of betting on a standoff is paid out at 8:1 or 9:1.

Selection	House Advantage	Payout
Bank	1.17%	1:1
Player	1.36%	1:1
Standoff	14.12%	8:1/9:1

Baccarat Strategy

Unlike with Blackjack, there is no optimal baccarat strategy that can result in a better chance of winning in Baccarat as the game plays out according to Baccarat game rules. The most obvious of these would be to bet on the Bank and to avoid betting on a standoff.

Thus concludes Genie’s Baccarat rules guide. Want to play a game that allows punters a greater edge? Consider Blackjack. Get started with basic Blackjack strategy.

Craps Betting Guide – How to play

Genie · January 9, 2010 ·

Craps is a dice game commonly played in Casinos worldwide. The game is relatively simple and is one of the world’s most popular live Casino games as the game is fast moving, exciting, social and loud! Despite this the game often remains intimidating to people who are unaware of it’s rules as it appears to have a complicated table as there about 40 different bets a player can make. In Genie’s Craps betting guide, he covers the info you need to know. To begin to play Craps it is best to start with the basics.

Basic Craps Rules

Craps is played with two dice. This means that the outcome of a roll of the dice will be between 2 and 12. Players take turns to throw the dice that must hit the walls of the opposite end of the table. The person that throws the dice is called a “shooter”. As with other Casino games, play moves in a clockwise direction around the table. While initially the Craps table may appear confusing because of the number of bets available, the basic bets can be easily learned. Many players often choose to stick to the basic bets as the additional bet options have poor probability of a player win.

The pass line bet: the most basic bet in Craps

The pass line bet is the most basic bet in Craps which has a low house edge of 1.41%, making it one of the most attractive bets in a Casino. It is a “series bet” which means that the shooter could have to roll the dice a number of times before the outcome will be decided. If you win on this bet the payout is 1:1.

Making a pass line bet

To make a pass line bet a player first places their stake on the pass line area on the table before the new shooter rolls the dice (known as the come out roll, i.e. the first betting round). If the result of the shooter’s throw is a 2, 3, or a 12 then you lose, while if the result is a 7 or 11 (called a natural) then you win. If the result is any other number then this becomes the point number. In this instance the shooter must then roll the point number again before a 7 is rolled. If that happens, you win and will be paid at 1:1 for your pass line bet.

E.g. of a pass line bet and point number:

On the come out roll a new shooter rolls the dice for the first time and the dice total is 8. This becomes the point.
The shooter must now roll the point (8) before a seven is rolled for your bet to win.
If a seven is rolled before the point then you lose and the dice are passed to the next shooter at the table.

Odds on pass line bets

If a point is rolled players are allowed to make additional bets by betting on odds by placing their chips behind their original stake on the pass line bet. Each point will have a different payoff. As with the pass line bet, players only win if the point is rolled before the 7. If the result is a 7 then the player will lose both their pass line bet and their odds bet.

A point of 4 or 10 will be paid out at 2:1
A point of 5 or 9 pays at 3:2
A point of 6 or 8 pays at 6:5

Come bets – a craps betting guide

Come bets in Craps have the same rule set as pass line bets. The only difference is that come bets can only be made after the point on the pass line bet has been set. Once players place their bet the first dice roll will determine the come point. The same rules apply as with the pass line bet. Players win if the result is a natural (7,11) or if the come point is rolled before a 7. Players lose if the result is craps (2,3 or 12) or if a seven is rolled before the come point.

Odds on Come bets

As with odds on pass line bets, players can place bets on the odds of the come bet. The payouts are the same.

A point of 4 or 10 will be paid out at 2:1
A point of 5 or 9 pays at 3:2
A point of 6 or 8 pays at 6:5

Don’t pass line bets

This is the opposite of a pass line bet. If the first roll of the dice results in a 2 or a 3 then you win. If the result is a natural (7 or 11) then you lose. If a point is rolled then for you to win a 7 must be rolled before the point to make you the winner. A dice roll of 12 will result in a push.

Don’t come bets

Don’t come bets are the opposite of come bets. Once the come point has been established players win if the result is a 2 or 3 and lose if it is a natural (7 or 11). As with don’t pass line bets if the result is 12 this will result in a push.

Place betting

Place bets can be made once a point has been established. Players are able to bet on the outcome of the roll being 4,5,6,8,9 or 10. If the player’s selection is rolled before a 7, then the player wins. Player’s also have the option of cancelling this bet whenever they want to. Depending on which number is bet on the payouts for place bets are different:

4 or 10: this pays at 9:5
5 or 9: this pays at 7:5
6 or 8: this pays at 7:6

Field bets

Field bets are for just one roll of the dice and have different payouts depending on the outcome. If a 2,3,4,9,10,11 or a 12 is rolled then the player wins. If a 5,6,7 or 8 is rolled then players lose.

Field payouts:

2 has a payout of 2:1
12 has a payout of 3:1
Other outcomes pay 1:1

Big six/ Big eight bets

A bet on big 6 or big 8 can be made on any roll of the dice. These bets win if a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7. The payout is 1:1.

Proposition bets – a craps betting guide

Almost all proposition bets can be made at any time and are all one roll bets. The exception to the rule is hardways.

Craps: This wins if craps is thrown (2,3 or 12). The payout is 8:1.
7: If a seven is rolled the player wins. The payout is 5:1.
Eleven: If an 11 is rolled the player wins. The payout is 16:1
Ace Deuce: This wins if a 3 is rolled at a payout of 16:1
Aces or Boxcars: This wins if a 2 or 12 is thrown at a payout of 30:1
Horn bets: This is a bet on 2,3,11 and 12 all at once. If one of these numbers is rolled then the payout is determined based on the number rolled.
Hardways: A hardway bet is a bet on both die coming up with the same number, i.e. doubles. The numbers to choose from are 4,6,8 or 10. The player loses if the roll outcome is a 7 or if the next combination of their chosen number is not a double. The payout is dependent on the player’s selection.
- Hard 4: Pays out at 7:1
- Hard 6: Pays out at 9:1
- Hard 8: Pays out at 9:1
- Hard 10: Pays out at 7:1

Genie says: Hardway bets offer poor odds to the player and are best avoided!

Craps Betting Guide and Strategy

As Craps is a game of chance, there is no strategy that a player can employ to change the house edge. That doesn’t mean however that players can’t play in a certain manner to minimise risk as there are a number of “good” and “bad” bets.

On the come out roll, the best bet is the pass line bet as the edge on this is just 1.41%. While there are many other betting options to choose from the house edge is a lot greater. This is an excellent bet for beginners or players who want to minimise their risk.

After the come out roll, the best bet in a craps game is the odds bet. This means that the house has a 0 edge on bets so players should always take an odds bet. Since you can combine this with the low house edge on the come out roll, the disadvantage to the player decreases greatly.

Craps House Edge

Depending on the Craps bet that you want to make the house edge will vary. The Craps Betting Guide table below summarises the house edge on each bet type.

Bet	House Edge %
Pass Line or Come Bet	1.41
Don’t Pass or Come	1.4
Pass Line or Come Bet 2X odds	0.85
Don’t Pass or Come 2X odds	0.83
Place 6 and 8	1.52
Place 5 and 9	4
Place 4 and 10	6.67
Buy 6 or 8	4.76
Buy 5 or 9	4.76
Buy 4 or 10	4.76
Lay 6 or 8	4
Lay 5 or 9	3.23
Lay 4 or 10	2.44
Field Bet	5.56
Any Craps	11.11
Hardway 6 or 8	9.09
Hardway 4 or 10	11.1
2 or 12	13.9
Any 7	16.7

Thus concludes Genie’s Craps betting guide. If you’re interested in learning how to play other popular casino games, consider checking out Genie’s guides to Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat.

Roulette Betting Guide

Genie · December 21, 2009 ·

Roulette is one of the easiest Casino games to play and understand. The object of the game is to pick the correct outcome that will appear on the Roulette wheel. Players can bet on individual numbers, combinations of different numbers, the colour of the result (Red or Black), or whether the outcome will be an odd or even number. Roulette originated in France from where the modern day variant of the game can be dated back to 1842. In Genie’s roulette betting guide, you’ll quickly discover how it works.

How to play Roulette

Roulette betting guide

There are two Roulette betting areas that players can choose to bet on. The inside betting area includes all the individual numbers. Players can bet on individual numbers or a combination of numbers. Inside numbers are arranged in rows of 12X3 numbers. The zero (0) is at the top of these columns. Outside betting areas has betting areas for selecting a bet on columns, red or black, odd or even and different groups of numbers.

Inside Bets

There are a number of different inside bets that can be made. Players are allowed to place a bet on a number “straight up” or to place their bet by covering the line between numbers to select a number combination of numbers.

Payouts for inside bets

Straight up: A Straight Up bet pays 35/1.
Split bet: This is a wager on two numbers and has a payout of 17/1
Street bets or line bet: This pays 11/1. To make this bet place your chips on the vertical line which separates the outside and inside betting areas. The chip will have to straddle the first number in the row you are betting on.
Quad bet/Corner bet: This pays 8/1. To make this bet place your chips so they are touching the corners of the numbers you are betting on.
Basket bet: This pays 6/1 and is a five number bet on zero/ zero and double zero and the numbers 1,2 and 3.
Double Street bet: This pays 5/1 and is a wager on six numbers. To make this bet you need to place your chips on the line separating the outside and inside area as you do for the street bet but in a manner that it will also straddle the row above or below.

Outside Bets

The outside bets relate to any bet made in the boxes that surround the inside betting area (the numbers).

Red Black Odd and Even: These bets pay out at 1/1. To make these bets you place your chips in the boxes on the layout.
Dozens bet: A dozens bet pays out at 2/1 and is a bet made on 12 consecutive numbers. To make this bet you’ll need to place your chips in the boxes marked 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36. Dozens bets do not include the zero or double zero.
Column bets: Column bets also pay out at 2/1. Rather than betting on 12 consecutive numbers a column bet allows you to bet on one of the three vertical columns.

Roulette house edge – a roulette betting guide

American Roulette house edge:

In American Roulette the house edge is 5.26%. This is based on the 36 numbers, zero and double zero. On a standard American Roulette wheel this results in the odds of you winning being 37/1. For a straight up bet the payout is 35/1 resulting in this high house edge.

European Roulette house edge:

As a European Roulette wheel has only one zero, the house edge is less than in American Roulette. For straight up bets the odds of winning are 36/1 while the payout is at 35/1. This results in a house edge of 2.7%.

Roulette Strategy

Unlike in Blackjack, there is no optimal strategy in Roulette that will reduce the house edge. Despite this, many players like to use a betting system when playing. The most famous of these is the Martin Gale system.

The Martin Gale Roulette Betting Guide

The Martin Gale betting system is a commonly used system in Roulette. It is based on progressive betting after a loss. If the player loses they double their bet. If they lose again they double their bet again and repeat this until they win. Once the player wins they return to their original bet. The Martingale system is traditionally used on even bets. Find out more in our Martingale betting system guide.