Ultimate Guide to Baccarat by Pragmatic Play Live

Game Objective

In Baccarat by Pragmatic Play Live, the primary aim is to identify which hand will finish with a value closest to 9. This objective guides players as they place their bets on one of several available outcomes: the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or a potential Tie. Despite the numerous wagering options, the focus remains on achieving a hand value nearest to the target figure.

Components of the Game

Card Values and Deck Composition

The game is conducted with eight evenly shuffled decks of cards. Understanding the values assigned to cards is crucial:

• Aces: Regarded as the lowest, an Ace is valued at 1 point.
• Numerical Cards (2-9): Each card holds its face value.
• 10s and Face Cards: Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are assigned a value of 0.

Notably, only the numeric value contributes to the hand’s total. The traditional suits – Hearts, Spades, Clubs, and Diamonds – have no impact on the scoring mechanism in Classic Baccarat.

Betting Options and Table Layout

At the start of each hand, a bet must be placed. The primary betting positions are:

• Player: Betting on the hand designated as the Player.
• Banker: Betting on the hand labeled as the Banker.
• Tie: Betting on the outcome where both hands yield equal value.

Additionally, side bets concentrate on initial card pairs. Bettors can wager on the Player Pair or Banker Pair.

Gameplay Mechanics

Once bets are placed, the dealer distributes two cards to both the Player and the Banker. The game procedure then follows a prescribed sequence:

1. The initial hands are evaluated, and the sum is computed by considering only the units digit. For example, if the cards sum to 16, the hand’s effective value becomes 6.
2. If either hand reaches an 8 or a 9 immediately, known as a “natural,” no further cards are drawn.
3. If the initial totals are within 0–7, the established “Third Card Rule” is applied to determine if an extra card needs to be dealt.

The Third Card Rule

Player's Hand: When to Draw

The decision process for an extra card on the Player’s side is straightforward:

• If the Player’s initial total is between 0 and 5, an extra card is drawn.
• For initial totals of 6 or 7, the Player stands and does not receive an additional card.
• When the Player totals 8 or 9, considered “naturals,” no further cards are drawn for either side.

The clarity in these guidelines supports a consistent application of the rule at every hand.

Banker's Hand: Detailed Analysis

In the Banker’s hand, the action taken depends not only on the initial total but also on whether the Player drew a third card and what its value is. Below is the table outlining the Banker's procedure based on these factors.

It is also noted that if the Player’s hand stands on a total of 6 or 7, the Banker's decision is simplified: a Banker total of 3, 4, or 5 mandates drawing, while a total of 6 commands standing. This adds an additional layer of systematic decision-making for each hand.

Additional Side Bets for More Thrills

To enhance your Baccarat experience with bigger and more frequent wins, Pragmatic Play Live offers a selection of exciting side bets:

• Player Pair
• Banker Pair
• Either Pair
• Perfect Pair
• Player Bonus
• Banker Bonus

Player Pair and Banker Pair

A Player Pair side bet wins if the two initial cards in the Player’s hand form a pair. Similarly, a Banker Pair wins if the first two cards in the Banker’s hand form a pair. All types of pairs count, including:

• Perfect Pair – two identical cards (for example, two Kings of Hearts).
• Coloured Pair – two cards of the same value and color, but from different suits (for example, 5 of Hearts and 5 of Diamonds).
• Mixed Pair – two cards of the same value but different suits and colors (for example, 7 of Spades and 7 of Diamonds).

Winning bets on any type of Player or Banker Pair payout at 11:1. In the same round, you may choose to bet on either or both side bets even without placing a main bet.

Note: After 60 game rounds, the side bets Player Pair and Banker Pair will be disabled.

Either Pair

The Either Pair side bet is successful if the two initial cards of either the Player or Banker (or both) form a pair. This bet pays out at 5:1 and can be wagered independently of the main bets.

Perfect Pair

The Perfect Pair side bet wins if the first two cards of either the Player or Banker form a perfect pair – meaning they have the same value and suit. A winning Perfect Pair bet is rewarded at 25:1. As with other side bets, it can be placed without a main bet.

Note: After 60 game rounds, the side bets Perfect Pair and Either Pair will be disabled.

Player Bonus and Banker Bonus

The Player Bonus and Banker Bonus side bets pay out when the respective side wins either with a natural 8 or 9, or by achieving a victory margin of at least four points. The bonus payouts for non-natural wins vary according to the points difference:

Note: After 44 game rounds, the side bets Player Bonus and Banker Bonus will be disabled.

Game Theoretical RTP

Main Bets RTP

The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) for the main Baccarat bets are as follows:

The optimal RTP for Baccarat is 98.94%, based on an optimal strategy when betting on Banker.

Side Bets RTP

The theoretical RTP for the various side bets are as follows:

Significant Unplayed Cards

Cut Card: Marking the End of the Shoe

One of the key elements in the shoe is the cut card. This card is inserted at a predetermined point near the end of the shoe to signal that no further bets will be accepted once it is reached. The appearance of the cut card is a clear indicator to players and dealers alike that the current shoe is nearing its conclusion, ensuring that the game maintains its pace and structure.

Burn Card: Determining the True Count

Closely related to the cut card is the burn card, which is revealed after the cut card is encountered. The burn card plays a significant role in establishing the truest count of remaining cards in the shoe, which can directly affect the Expected Value calculations that discerning players rely on. A lower burn card is particularly desirable as it means fewer cards are removed from play (and unknown), preserving the integrity of the card count and offering a more predictable playing field.

Shoe Shopping: Timing Your Play

Many seasoned players practice what is known as shoe shopping—carefully choosing when and where to play based on the burn card's value. When a lower burn card is in play, it can indicate a more favorable situation, prompting players to stay at their table and wait for their opportunity. Conversely, if higher burn cards are being executed, some players might decide to hop from table to table in search of a more advantageous shoe. This strategic approach can significantly impact the player’s overall advantage and game experience.  Look for an Ace, 2,3, or 4 if you're a card-counter.

Advanced Strategies and Card Counting Considerations

While Baccarat by Pragmatic Play 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. 

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.