How to Play Baccarat at DraftKings

Baccarat is one of the most popular table games around the world, and for good reason. It’s a simple game to learn, and it pays out based entirely on the bet you place. It’s also a great game to play with friends. DraftKings offers a number of different baccarat variants, including Lunar New Year Baccarat, to keep things fresh and interesting.

The game is played with a large table and specialized deck of cards. The card values are assigned differently than in a regular deck of cards, and they vary according to the type of bet you place. For example, a bet on the banker pays even money (1:1) while a player bet pays out 9:9. The game is very easy to understand, but players should familiarize themselves with the rules and basic playing strategies before they start wagering real cash.

As with any casino game, it’s important to enter into baccarat with a plan. Set your winning and loss limits before you begin, and never exceed those limits. It’s also a good idea to take breaks between hands. This will help you focus more on the game and reduce your losses. Lastly, avoid betting on the tie. This bet has a house advantage of 14.4%, and it is the worst bet in the game.

When you’re ready to start playing, place your bets at the table and wait for the dealer to deal the cards. Players can wager on the player hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie. The hand that is closest to 9 wins. A bet on the banker’s hand is usually the best choice, as it has a lower house edge than the player’s hand.

A player’s hand must stand on a total of 6, and the banker must stand on a total of 7. If either hand has a total of 8, it stands. In some situations, the player or banker will receive a third card, but this is rare and doesn’t affect the outcome of the hand.

While Baccarat is a simple game to understand, the rules can be a bit confusing for first-time players. For instance, some players mistakenly think that the player’s hand must always hit a 9, but this is not true. The player’s hand may stand on any total, and it only needs to be closer to 9 than the banker’s hand.

A player should also know how to add up the value of a hand’s points. When the value of a hand reaches double digits, it’s necessary to drop the first digit. For example, a hand with the numbers 5 and 7 would have a value of 15. However, dropping the first digit gives you the actual value of the hand: five points. It’s important to add these values carefully before you place your bets, as the incorrect calculations can significantly impact the odds of your win. Luckily, the expert casinos on our list offer free baccarat games to help you practice your technique.