Baccarat and Blackjack are often compared to one another. This is fair, given that, at their core, the two games do have similarities. But, they are not two games that can be approached in the same manner, given that their betting rules are distinctly different.
To put it another way; a person familiar with one game should not approach the other expecting a similar style of play. Read on to learn more about the right way to play, and bet, on these two extremely popular casino games.
Blackjack
Most know Blackjack, and how it is played. The dealer and player are both dealt two initial cards. Though, the dealer only has one face up card to start with. First; the values of the player’s two cards are added up, with face cards counting as 10, and the ace counting as 1 or 11.
The object of the game is to get a hand closer to 21 than the dealer hand, without exceeding 21. If 21 is exceeded, the game is over and the player loses. But, the player can decide to stick with the current hand at any time. Alternatively, another card can be asked for, which is added to the total.
Once the player has decided to stick with a hand, the dealer’s second card is then dealt. The dealer will try get closer to 21 than the player hand, but will also lose if exceeding 21.
It should also be noted that a face card and an ace together are a Blackjack, 21, and will pay out more.
Baccarat
In Baccarat, similar rules apply in terms of cards being dealt to the player and dealer. But in Baccarat it is 9 that stands as the goal, as opposed to 21. However, the biggest key difference is that the player does not have any direct control over the game. Instead the player simply decides to bet on the dealer hand, player hand, or a tie.
Cards will play out according to predetermined rules, with the dealer handling all the card dealing, including if additional cards should be dealt or not. Note that face cards, and 10, count as 0. Additionally, if a total exceeds 9, only the second digit in a total is counted. For example, 15 is counted as 5.
In terms of betting, the 3 choices have their pros and cons; betting on the dealer hand offers a slightly higher chance of winning, but with less payout. The player hand offers a higher payout, but with a lesser chance of winning. Betting on tie has a very low chance of success, but with an exceptional payout amount.
Preference
Both games are great entertainment, but tend to appeal to different kinds of players at online NZ casino sites. Baccarat is a much more passive experience, while Blackjack often attracts the most dedicated, professional players, many of which take the game extremely seriously.
Which you decide to try is up to you. You can always try both, and see which appeals most to your play style.