EZ Baccarat Online in English Casinos: Strategy, How To Play For Real Money
One of the casino games that have become very popular with English bettors is a deviation of baccarat known as EZ Baccarat. Baccarat was first played in France in the 19th century and has since been associated with elegance, high stakes and captivating simplicity. The game has been a fixture in British casinos for many decades, both in prestigious land-based establishments and increasingly in online platforms.Since it began its rapid integration into casinos across the world, it has grown more popular with the general gambling public. In England, it has particularly won a large market share. This is primarily due to the game’s design features, which passionately resonate with the English insatiable passion for fast-paced and straightforward games. Moreover, the English gambling market, unlike others, contains the unique aspect that the UK Gambling Commission oversees all licensed operations.
Understanding EZ Baccarat
EZ Baccarat, a version of the traditional Baccarat game, has a few significant differences. To begin with, the fundamental rules revolve around the conventional Baccarat of two dealt hands, namely the Banker’s hand and the Player’s hand. Players can put bets in the game against which hand would get closer to a total of 9 points or if both hands would score equally.
Moreover, there are some primary differences from the traditional Baccarat game as follows: traditional Baccarat includes a 5% commission on all cash prizes from bets on the Banker’s hand due to the slightly higher chance of you winning. EZ Baccarat eliminates this commission, streamlining the payout method and speeding up the game as well. Instead of a charge, bets on the Banker hand push if more than the 3-card overall of seven is chosen. EZ Baccarat includes extra side bets that are not present in the traditional Baccarat.
The EZ Baccarat table is very similar to that of Baccarat’s. The main or formal section usually contains a spot where players can put a token on The Player, The Banker, or Tie. Additionally, it has a Dragon 7 bet, which will pay out at 40:1 whenever the Banker side wins with a 3-card total of seven, and Panda 8 bets 25:1 if the Player position wins with a 3-card total of eight.
Points are stored in a graded system. That means all cards 2 to 9 represent two to nine points, Aces represent 1 point. No Value Jacks, Tens, Queens, and Kings and if the total value of the card rises above 9, the score will be recalculated by deducting 10 from the total. These sorts of changes guarantee that the game moves faster and is more entertaining to those involved as well.
How to Play EZ Baccarat?
The goal of the game is to predict, as in Baccarat, the hand that scores the closest to nine. There are two betting options, the Banker’s hand or the Player’s hand. Two cards are dealt each to two hands, Player and Banker. Depending on the card total, a third card may be dealt to one or both hands according to particular rules. This is accomplished through the Third Card Rule.
Three Betting Options
- A bet on the Banker’s hand to win the round, which is more likely to win than a Player bet;
- A bet on the Player’s hand to win;
- A bet on two hands having the same total.
The Value of Cards and Hands
- Face cards Kings, Queens, and Jacks, and tens are worth zero points.
- Cards two through nine are worth as many points as their numbers would suggest.
- Aces are worth one point.
- The total value of a hand is the sum between the card values, but if the total is a two-digit numeral, it is represented with the value of the second digit.
After betting on Player, Banker, or a Tie, the dealer hands two cards to both the Player and Banker. If either of them gets a natural total of 8 or 9, no more cards are dealt. If the Player’s total is 5 or less, a third card is awarded to the Player. The Banker’s third card is based on their original total and the Player’s third card value.
Bets won by the Banker pay 1:1, but a 5% commission is levied on them. Bets won by the Player also pay 1:1. A Winning Tie bet usually pays 8:1.
Strategies for Winning at EZ Baccarat
To win at EZ Baccarat, one should have a clear strategic plan and follow certain recommendations:
- Banker Bet: this is the safest bet to go with and the one you should choose most of the time in EZ Baccarat. The house edge for this bet is usually around 1.06%.
- Player Bet: the second safest bet, which has a house edge of approximately 1.24%. You should try to avoid the Tie bet since it has a house edge of around 14.36%.
- Set a Limit: prior to starting a game session, set a maximum sum of money you are ready to lose.
- Slowly Increase Bets: if you are on a winning streak, you can increase your bet slowly. If not – try to reduce it.
- Short Sessions: do not play long sessions as you may get tired and make more mistakes.
- Dragon 7 and Panda 8: these are the two EZ Baccarat side bets worth making. Dragon 7 is a side bet where the Banker wins with three cards consisting of a total of seven. Panda 8 pays when the Player wins with a total of eight from three cards. Notwithstanding high payouts, these bets have an even greater house edge.
- Assess your possibilities: do not make too many side bets and focus on the essentials, especially at the start.
- Bet on the Banker: with its low house edge, this is the safest option.
- Follow the Shoe: when the same side wins in EZ Baccarat several times in a row, keep betting on it until it loses.
- Do not Use Progressive Systems: such systems can cause you to lose too much.
Baccarat Variations and Similar Games
Baccarat has gained several popular variations, each offering a unique set of rules and features. The three most notable ones are EZ Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, and Punto Banco, each featuring distinctive gameplay elements and accessibility.
EZ Baccarat changes up the original game by removing the 5% commission on winning Banker bets. Instead, when a Banker hand wins with a total of seven after the third card is drawn, it pushes the wager rather than pays it out. Although the odds are slightly adjusted, the game is faster and more entertaining, making it more popular among both players and casinos.
Mini-Baccarat is a version of the game played on a smaller-sized table with lower table limits, catering to casual betters. It is based on the similar fundamentals but allows for the game to be played in more hands per hour and on a smaller tabletop, making it more suitable for casual players.
Punto Banco, which may be referred to as American Baccarat, is the oldest, most traditional variation of the game, most commonly played in Western society. There are fixed rules on when to draw a third card, which means that the game is played in pure luck. The betters bet on who will have a closer value to 9, Player, Banker, or a Tie, with the casino bankrolling the game, making the Player’s move nominal.
Each played version offers a unique experience but maintains the overall goal of getting the hand close to 9. EZ adds player-specific betting rules and eliminates the commission, Mini introduces formality and a smaller table, whereas Punto offers pure luck as a game aspect.
EZ Baccarat Tournaments and Events
Several EZ Baccarat tournaments take place in the United Kingdom, drawing players from various parts of the country and beyond. For example, some of the tournaments happen at major casinos or are available in an online format. The competition format features tables with six players, sourcing excitement and the likelihood of bagging significant winnings.
Participation in the tournaments will require registration at the hosting casino or on the designated official platform. Also, players should familiarise themselves with the game they plan to participate in, including any special entry requirements and tournament rules. Additionally, some tournaments will require an entry fee, but there are those whose entry is free.
Tips for Preparing for EZ Baccarat Tournaments
- Understand the rules of EZ Baccarat
- Practice playing EZ Baccarat regularly
- Use Successful EZ Baccarat Strategies
- Manage your bankroll
- Stay composed and mindful of your moves and style of play.
Betting Systems and Their Efficacy
Baccarat, particularly EZ Baccarat, continues to captivate due to the betting systems that most players believe help them win big.
The Martingale betting system is total fiction, prefacing any losses suffered with such betting. The essence of this fiction is the idea that any winnings you get will be double as each of your losses. However, doubling the losing bet every time will inevitably cause the player to run out of money if you fail consecutively.
Second, familiarise yourself with a betting system where you double your winnings. The Paroli betting system causes someone to double their bet whenever they win. As such, any loss amounts to your original stake, but the bettors are sure to return or increase their money as soon as they win a bet. This requires multiple short streaks to make the system effective.
Third, consider using individual betting techniques using the Fibonacci sequence. It involves totalling the past two amounts bet on each winning bet. Defaulting won’t require double your next bet, like the Martingale.
Finally, look into the D’Alembert betting system, a betting framework that incorporates a conservative betting mechanism. The risk you create involved is lower utilising this framework. A framework essential for those who prefer smaller, more measured bets.
Glossary of Baccarat Terms
- Action: The total amount that a player bets in a gambling house under all games or one round of Baccarat.
- Baccarat: The game name is used to indicate the player’s worst hand of 0.
- Banco: The word is Spanish for bank or banker. One of the two main bets placed in Baccarat is a banker bet.
- Banker bet: One of the three bets that can be chosen in Baccarat, with a lower house edge percentage than player bets.
- Bankroll: Total amount of money made available by the player for gambling.
- Carte: Carte is the French translation of the card, from the card dealer’s cards request from the player.
- Commission: A house charge on a banker bet.
- Coup: A French game deal in Baccarat.
- Croupier: The name of the card dealer who distributes the cards during the game.
Final Thoughts
Playing EZ Baccarat can be a fun and exciting experience if approached with the right attitude. As with any form of gambling, it is essential to gamble responsibly. This approach includes setting limits for oneself, understanding the mechanics and odds, and treating the game as a form of entertainment rather than a means of earning money. Overall, just follow the principles of playing safely and responsibly, and you will have a positive experience.
In the United Kingdom, all online casinos must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring player protection and fair gaming practices. Always ensure you are playing at a licensed and regulated casino.
FAQ
What are the key differences between EZ Baccarat and traditional Baccarat?
EZ Baccarat is played similarly to traditional Baccarat but without the commission on the banker bet and includes two side bets, the Dragon 7 and Panda 8.
How is the hand scored in EZ Baccarat?
The scoring works just like Baccarat, and the value of the hand is the rightmost digit of the total value of the hand.
Is there any current strategy that will ensure a win?
No. As a game of chance, one can only optimise chances. While one can use betting on the banker to increase the chances of winning, it cannot alter the outcome's randomness.
Is card counting effective in EZ Baccarat?
In general, card counting does not work in EZ Baccarat. This game is designed for the house regardless of the card count involved. The Dragon 7 and Panda 8 have odds of 40:1 and 25:1, respectively, and they occur when the banker or player wins with three cards totalling to seven and eight, respectively.
Is EZ Baccarat suitable for high-rollers only?
EZ Baccarat is ideal for anyone. The game is simple, and one can use varying amounts to bet, which makes it suitable for most players.
Is placing bets based on the results an excellent strategy?
No. Randomness and chance dictate the outcomes of games in gambling. What might seem like a pattern is pure coincidence.
Will betting on the banker likely result in wins?
Although the banker has a lower edge, betting on it is a strategy. However, it is not always a winning bet.
Are complex wagers better?
This is not true in most instances; the simple bets often have better odds.