Tracing its origin to the 15th century in Italy, Baccarat was a popular card game among aristocrats before expanding to other countries. The game has increasingly become popular over the centuries, making it among the most recognizable casino titles today.
Baccarat has earned a reputation as a casino game for high rollers, although everyone can play the game in online casinos. Online casinos have launched different variations of the game, making it fit for high rollers and players who like less risky stakes. However, interested players will need to learn its rules, starting with the table layout.
Understanding the Baccarat Table Layout
Whether you like playing baccarat online on the best baccarat websites or in a brick-and-mortar casino, you need to choose a table with the betting limits that suit your bankroll. Generally, the layout of the baccarat tables is the same, but there are several tweaks in the position and design of the playing sections.
Despite the differences in design, every baccarat table will always have a section named “Bank” and another market as “Player”. Some of these tables accept up to 24 players or lower, but you’ll notice there’s no seat market number 13 as the number is considered unlucky.
Baccarat tables consist of two identical halves, with each half displaying sections corresponding to the players’ seats. There’s one section for the caller, who’s responsible for following the game and calling out every move. The caller announces where it’s time for a hit or when a hand needs to stand while announcing winners and collecting commissions.
Different Baccarat Table Layouts
Once you understand the basic sections in a baccarat table, you’ll have an easy time enjoying any variation of this game. However, the table size may differ and impose slight changes on the layout depending on where you play, but you’ll always have every key element.
Big Table Layout
Big baccarat tables usually up to 12 or 14 players to play. If you decide to play in a land-based casino, there’s a high chance you’ll be playing in a full-size baccarat table. However, that doesn’t mean that all land-based casinos feature only big table layouts as they’re mainly intended for high rollers.
The middle section of the big table is reserved for the caller and that’s why it features a u-shaped cut. There are also three betting sections on this table based on the available betting possibilities when a game is starting. There are also three different dealers (two house dealers and a caller) running the game.
Because the big baccarat table is usually for high rollers, bets range between $50 and $10,000. It features two almost identical sides, representing the players’ betting section for every seat on the table. Each house dealer controls one side of the table, while the caller takes charge of the seat corresponding to the u-shaped cut.
Mini Baccarat Table Layout
While baccarat was considered a game for high rollers back in the day, the mini-baccarat table layout has ensured that players with smaller bets can have fun with this classic game. This baccarat variation has more reasonable betting options, which has made it quite popular among regular players and high rollers.
When playing mini-baccarat, you’ll notice that betting limits normally range between $5 and $25. The table can feature up to 7 players, which explains why it’s known as mini-baccarat. Besides these players, there’s also the caller who runs the middle section of the table.
Next to the caller is a rack of betting chips and the commission section with 7 positions that correspond to each player in the games. The game’s rules are similar to American Baccarat, but the table’s semi-circle shape places the caller and players facing each other. However, the “Banker” and “Player” sections are marked on the players’ side.
When playing this version of baccarat, you’ll see three different betting sections on the table layout. The betting option that’s closest to the caller allows wagering on a “Tie” and the next section shows the “Banker” bets, while the section in front of each seat indicates the “Player” bets.
Online Baccarat Table Layout
As online casinos have become popular in the gambling market, gaming diversity is increasing by the day. That’s why you can also find baccarat in various casino sites where gambling enthusiasts can virtually bet on the game.
Most tables available in online casinos resemble the mini-baccarat tables, meaning the betting table will be smaller and quite convenient as you’ll be the only player. These tables feature three betting sections, with the “Player” section being the one closest to you. The “Banker” is close to the “Player” and the “Tie” is the furthest one.
Depending on the variation you choose in an online casino, you might be able to place a side bet. If that’s possible, there will be an additional betting section on your table.
Best Strategy When Playing Baccarat
Whether you’re playing at the big table layout or the mini-baccarat, you should know that this entertaining casino game depends on chance. That means the strategy you choose when playing baccarat should be informed by the odds given to the available bets ( Player, Dealer, or Tie).
