High Stakes Online Baccarat Skill Or Luck?

Though there are some people, such as the recently deceased John Fairfax who was known for his baccarat prowess who claim that baccarat is a game that is based on part luck and part skill, this is simply not the case. There is absolutely no strategy that one can use when he or she visits a baccarat table that will work to his or her advantage mathematically. There are several reasons for this, too.

What It Isn't

Before someone can truly understand what high stakes baccarat online truly is, he or she must first understand what it isn't. There is no creative thinking or logic that must be used in order to win. There is no real stimulation such as that which occurs with options such as Texas Hold'Em. In fact, there isn't even the first chance that anyone is going to make a fortune in just one hand since payouts are generally even money and the Banker win is subjected to a rake of up to 5%, to boot. With all of this being said and true, why do so many people continue to play it both online and off? There are actually several reasons for this.

The Prestige

The first thing that must be considered is that this was once considered a game of prestige and luxury that could only be afforded by the rich, famous and royal. When land-based casinos began to open their doors in the US and Canada, most of the tables had very high limits because these establishments were forced to make as much money as possible out of their limited floor space. The prestige associated with this activity didn't begin to decline until the mid-1990s when it was introduced in an online setting. Since floor space was not an issue any longer, lower limit options could be introduced.

Simplicity and Ease

Another reason why so many people enjoy high stakes baccarat online has to do with the actual ease of participating. There's no need to count cards or memorize a complex strategy; rather, users only have to choose how much they want to wager and then decide to bet on the Banker or Player hand, or perhaps even on the tie if they are feeling particularly risky. Though third cards must be dealt from time to time according to the rules, it isn't necessary for the individual players to understand those rules. All they have to do is guess which hand will be the highest in the end in order for them to collect a prize.

Aside from the fact that high stakes baccarat online is a game of luck rather than skill, it still presents on of the best house edges and is therefore advantageous to the player even with the aforementioned rake. The house edge when wagering on a Banker hand is just at 1.05%, and the only title in any establishment with a house edge any lower is blackjack - and that game does require some serious strategy in order to enjoy success.