Complete Guide to Peek Baccarat

Peek Baccarat, developed by Evolution Gaming, is a variation of the classic Baccarat game. The core objective remains the same: players aim to predict which hand, the Player or the Banker, will have a total value closest to 9. However, Peek Baccarat introduces several distinct features that differentiate it from the traditional version.

One of the key differences is the "peek" mechanic, where players are given the opportunity to view some of the cards dealt before making decisions to adjust their bets. Additionally, this version incorporates side bets like the Player Pair and Banker Pair, which pay out if the first two cards dealt to the Player or Banker form a pair.

Another notable aspect is the application of a 20% fee on Player and Banker bets, which is not applied to Tie or Pair bets. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as players need to account for this fee when placing their bets. Peek Baccarat also follows standard Baccarat rules regarding the dealing of cards and the Third Card Rule, with payouts adjusted for the added features.

With these adjustments, Peek Baccarat offers a familiar yet fresh experience for players, maintaining the classic appeal while introducing new elements for strategic play.

Dealing Process

The dealing process follows standard Baccarat rules with the addition of the Third Card Rule. The table below outlines the conditions under which additional cards are drawn for both the Player and Banker hands.

Player's Hand	Banker's Hand (based on Player's third card)
0-1-2-3-4-5	Draws a third card
6-7	Stands (no third card)
8-9 (Natural)	No third card dealt to either hand
Banker Actions	Player's Third Card Value
0	Draws a third card
1	Draws a third card
2	Draws a third card
3	Draws a third card
4	Draws a third card if Player’s third card is 2–3–4–5–6–7; stands if Player’s third card is 8–9
5	Draws a third card if Player’s third card is 4–5–6–7; stands if Player’s third card is 8–9
6	Stands if Player’s third card is 6–7; draws if Player’s third card is 8–9
7-8-9	Stands (no third card)

If the Player’s hand is 6 or 7, the Banker will draw a third card if their hand totals 0-5, and will stand if their hand totals 6 or 7.
If the Player’s hand totals 8 or 9, no third card is dealt to either the Player or the Banker.

Keep in mind one thing, this particular game has a limited deck penetration. Expect only 43-50 hands per shoe. So this is not exactly the best game for counting cards.

Payouts, RTP, and Bet Limits

Payouts

The payouts for the main bets in Peek Baccarat are as follows:

Bet Type	Payout
Player	1:1
Banker	0.95:1 (with 5% commission)
Tie	8:1
P Pair	11:1
B Pair	11:1

The Player bet pays 1:1.
The Banker bet pays 0.95:1, but a 5% commission is deducted from the winnings.
The Tie bet pays 8:1 if the Player and Banker hands are tied.
P Pair and B Pair side bets pay 11:1 if the first two cards dealt to the Player or Banker are a pair.

Return to Player (RTP)

The RTP (Return to Player) percentages for Peek Baccarat are:

Bet Type	RTP
Player	98.80%
Banker	98.76%
Tie	85.64%
P Pair	89.64%
B Pair	89.64%

The Player bet offers the highest RTP at 98.80%.
The Banker bet follows closely with 98.76%.
The Tie bet has a significantly lower RTP at 85.64%.
The P Pair and B Pair side bets both have an RTP of 89.64%.

Bet Limits

The Bet Limits panel in the game interface shows the minimum and maximum bet limits at the table. These limits can vary from table to table, and players should check the panel to confirm the current allowable bet amounts.

For Peek Baccarat, the typical bet limits range from $1 to $5,000, though this may vary depending on the table and session.

Advanced Strategies and Card Counting Considerations

While Peek Baccarat by Evolution Gaming has precise rules and an unambiguous progression of play, there is scope for an analytical approach to certain game aspects. In particular, some players study patterns (which is nonsense) and investigate effective methodologies in tracking card distributions (which is actually based in mathematical/statistical study). Although the game’s design does not depend on subjective factors, a disciplined review of past outcomes and systematic analysis can provide insights into structural tendencies within the deal.

Card counting in this context does not involve altering the flow of the game but rather an analytical review of the dealt cards to inform strategic considerations.

Interactive Card Counting Tool

The embedded resource below will help count cards in real-time. It is provided as an additional tool for those interested in the advanced mathematical approach to the game.

Utilizing the embedded tool will help one understand the underlying structure and distribution dynamics. A systematic review of card sequences and potential outcomes is valuable for those focused on deriving measurable insights from consistent outcomes.

Getting the card distribution of what is left in the shoe is invaluable for this game as it could help with determining your level of confidence for placing that Peek wager. Using the tool above will help with not only knowing when to enter and which side to take, but the card distribution left will give you an idea of whether you should enhance the bet.

The downside with Peek Baccarat and using card counting is the deck penetration. The deck penetration is very limited and this will prevent you from getting a solid count for the shoe. With this in mind, this may not be the best game that's out there. There are other Baccarat variants that offer much better deck penetration and of course Regular Baccarat is always a good choice.