| Updated: The Isle of Man-based software developer Microgaming is famous for its video slots and progressive jackpots, but it is also the creator of one of the best online versions of baccarat available on the Internet. The game, simply called Baccarat, can be played for fun or real money at hundreds of online casinos, with bets ranging from €/$1 to €/$500 per round.
This version of baccarat is played on a mini table and is one of the few online baccarat games to use a single deck of cards. Most online versions are played with either six or eight standard 52-card decks.
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 whether the hands will tie. The game starts once a bet has been placed. Casino patrons can wager on the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. Two face-up cards are dealt to each hand, 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 either hand has a total of 8 or 9, both stand automatically. The Player receives a third card on a total of 5 or less. The Banker may also draw a third card after the Player’s turn, depending on the standard drawing rules. All additional rules are standard. The two hands are then compared, and the hand with the higher value wins.
Distinctive Features
Microgaming’s Baccarat does not include any special rules, bonus payouts, or other unconventional features. It pays even money for a winning Player or Banker bet (1:1), but a 5% commission is charged on Banker winnings, making the exact payout 19:20. The payout for a winning Tie bet is 8:1, so there are no surprises.
However, Baccarat by Microgaming has one feature that distinguishes it from most online versions of the game: it uses only one deck of 52 cards. As a result, the house edge on the Banker bet is lower than in most games. Here, it is 1.01%, whereas the house edge for this bet in six-deck baccarat is 1.0558%. It is slightly higher in an eight-deck version, at 1.0579%. To keep the game balanced, Microgaming has slightly increased the house edge for the Player and Tie bets.
Conclusion
Baccarat by Microgaming is a great option for both experienced players and complete novices. It offers a classic design, quick and easy gameplay, and a low house edge of 1.01% on Banker bets.