The Isle of Man-based software developer Microgaming is famous for its video slots and progressive jackpots but it is also the author of one of the best versions of baccarat that can be found online. The game, simply called Baccarat, can be played for fun or for real money at hundreds of online casinos at bets from €/$1 to €/$500 per gaming round.
This version of baccarat is played on a mini table and is probably the only online baccarat game that uses a single deck of cards. Most online versions are played with either 6 or 8 standard decks of 52 cards.
Rules and Gameplay
Baccarat by Microgaming uses a single-deck shoe and the cards are shuffled before each round. The aim is to predict which hand, the Player or the Banker, will have a value closer to 9 or if the hands will tie. The game starts once the bet is placed – of course, casino patrons have the option to wager on the Player, the Banker, or on Tie. Two face-up cards are dealt to each of the hands, starting with the Player hand and a third card may be drawn if necessary.
This game follows the standard third card rules for both hands – if any of them has 8 or 9, both hands stand automatically; the Player receives a third card on totals of 5 or less; the Banker also draws a third card on totals or 5 or less but only of the Player has ended his turn. All additional rules are standard. Of course, the two hands are eventually compared and the greater one wins.
Distinctive Features
Microgaming’s Baccarat does not have any special rules, bonus payouts, or anything that can be considered unconventional. It pays evenly for a winning Player bet and Banker bet (1:1) but a 5% commission fee is charged on Banker winnings, so the exact payout can be expressed as 19:20. The payout for a winning Tie bet is 8:1 so there are no surprises here.
However, there is one feature in Baccarat by Microgaming that distinguish it from most online versions of the game – it uses only one deck of 52 cards and as a result, the house edge is lower on the Banker bet than in most games. Here, it is 1.01% while in comparison, the house edge for this bet in 6-deck baccarat is 1.0558% and it is even slightly higher in an 8-deck version at 1.0579%. Still, to make the game more balanced, Microgaming has increased slightly the house edge for the Player and the Tie bet.
Conclusion
Baccarat by Microgaming is a great option for both experienced players and complete novices. It comes with a classic design, quick and easy gameplay, and an overall house edge of 1.01%.