If you can’t choose between baccarat and blackjack, read through this guide for a better understanding of the games.

Baccarat and blackjack are both amongst the most popular and historical casino games. Even though both games are really famous, they used to draw very different crowds at land based casino destinations. However, with the emergence of online casinos the players of these games became blurred, since both baccarat and blackjack are easily accessible. To play online blackjack or baccarat, you don’t need to get dressed in a tuxedo or a night dress anymore. Players can access both games from the comfort of their homes, with no regards to societal or financial status.

In the past, baccarat was the most popular choice for opulent, high roller gamblers. That’s why it achieved a somewhat prestigious status amongst casino visitors. Furthermore, baccarat chemind-de-fer is the favorite game of James Bond. The plot of the first novel and film, Casino Royale revolves around James Bond playing baccarat with Le Chiffre. Moreover, there is a version of the novel, which explains the game to unfamiliar readers.

Baccarat, the game of the nobility

Baccarat is growing more and more popular in Las Vegas casinos, because it has solid odds and simple rules. On a typical Baccarat table the house odds are between 1,01% and 1,24%. Unfortunately, the history of the game is not clear. Some historians say, that the game was invented by an Italian gambler, called Felix Falguerein, but it became popular only when it appeared in France. It is believed, that the game was brought to France around the end of the 15th century, by the soldiers of Charles VIII. First, it was played with tarot cards, but they’ve changed them to 52-cards deck. Baccarat was the game of nobility and other social classes were excluded from the funs of the game. However this last fact was refuted by some researchers, as there are evidences of illegal clubs, where the game was accessible by all social groups.

In the game of baccarat the player places a bet on the “player”, “banker” or “tie” and card counting systems are useless. After both sides draw their card, the winner is the one who’s closer to 9. The player and tie have a 1,2% and 14,3% edge, while the house advantage is around 1%. There are three really popular versions of the game, the North American Baccarat (punto baco), Baccarat Banque (a deux tableaux) and Baccarat Chemin de Fer. It is said that baccarat is a game of chance, but there is a variation between the different versions. North American Baccarat is a carefree form of the card game, because everything depends on the cards the player is dealt. However, in Baccarat Banque and Chemin de Fer the player has the opportunity to make choices, therefore skill is involved, too.

Which game to choose?

The house edges of baccarat and blackjack are among the lowest in the casino world. As it was mentioned, in baccarat if the player bets on the banker the edge is 1,06%, betting on the player, the edge is 1,24. Baccarat is the easier game of the two, however for some it lacks in real excitement. Blackjack can be extremely profitable for skilled players, who are experienced in smart strategies. Baccarat is more about chance while blackjack is a strategy game. While both can be profitable, blackjack is regarded as one of the most rewarding game accessible at casinos. If the players stick to a strategy, they can reduce the house edge from 2% to lower than 1%.

From this overview, we can conclude that baccarat is for players who don’t want to worry about casino strategies and rules. It is for players who want to have fun and try their luck at a refined casino game. Blackjack is for those who are willing to learn a little and want to win big. However, everybody should give a chance to both games, as they are easily accessible through computers or even mobile phones. There is sea of amazing offers and bonuses, so playing from your own desk may be even more rewarding than visiting a land-based casino. Also, players can look at their blackjack cheat sheets and count the cards without the possibility of getting caught.