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In poker, the player with the best hand wins the pot. Therefore, knowing poker hands rankings is essential to make an informed decision on when to fold, bet, or raise. In addition, understanding the card hierarchy helps players read their opponents' hands and play strategically. In this article, we'll dive deeper into this topic, so let's begin. The Basics of Poker Hands Rankings Poker is all about winning, but in order to win, you need the best five-card hand, and the strongest wins the pot. Poker hands are valued based on how rare or common they are, with the most common hands being valued lower than the rarer ones. Knowing poker hand rankings will help you determine the strength of your starting hands and identify whether you have a strong hand. In this way, you will know which hands to play with and which ones to discard. Before you begin, remember these things: Most poker games (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Short Deck) don't rank suits. It's possible to use an Ace as a high or low card. The "kicker" is used to break ties between equally ranked hands. Poker Hands Rankings: Complete Guide to Understanding Poker Card Strength 1. Royal Flush According to poker-hand rankings, the royal flush is the best hand. From 10 through ace, five consecutive cards of the same suit exist. It's a nuts hand, no matter what. 2. Straight Flush Any five consecutive cards in the same suit that are not a royal flush are straight flushes. The only hand that can beat a straight flush is a royal flush or a straight flush with higher-ranked cards. 3. Four of a Kind The same card from all four suits. Therefore, among the five cards on the table or in your hand, the highest card completes the hand. 4. Full house The hand consists of three cards of the same rank from three different suits and two cards of the same rank from two different suits. The player with the highest three-of-a-kid cards wins if more than one player has a full house. 5. Flush Any five cards of the same suit create a Flush. The highest valued card wins the hand if two players have a flush. 6. Straight A set of five cards in the consecutive numerical value of more than one suit. Aces usually rank either high (above a king) or low (below a 2), but not both at once. 7. Three of a kind The hand consists of three cards of the same rank in three different suits. It’s completed with the two highest available options from the table in addition to the three of a kid. 8. Two pairs There are two sets of two cards of equal rank. The hand is completed with the highest-ranked card remaining. 9. Pair A pair of equally ranked cards of different suits. Three of the highest-ranked cards complete the hand. 10. High card This is the lowest-ranked hand. Your "best poker hand" is created with the highest card in your hand. Poker-hand rankings can be useful if you're still practicing and building your poker strategy. It’s important to never forget the suit and kind of your cards, because suited hands and connectors increase your chances. Poker Hands Variations There is no difference in the rankings for Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker games. As for the Short Deck, there will be a slight difference due to the reduced number of cards involved. In Short Deck, for example, a flush ranks higher than a full house because it's more difficult to make a flush with a reduced deck of cards. Many different poker variations exist, and some may have different rules for ranking hands. Therefore, prior to playing, make sure you're familiar with the type of poker game and its rules. Understanding Poker Card Strength Identifying the strength or weakness of a card combination is one of the most important skills in Texas Hold’em poker. But, of course, many factors influence how strong or weak a hand is. The number of players determines poker hand strength. Therefore, there's a good chance that many players are playing because they hold strong hands. In contrast, it's less likely to happen if only two players are involved. For instance, the value of a pair of aces decreases significantly when four players are involved. Another important factor is your opponent's playing style. Whenever they play, you can expect them to hit with a strong hand if they are "tight." Conversely, the relative strength of their cards generally decreases if they play a lot of hands. The composition of community cards determines how many strong potential hands are in play. For example, holding three of a kind decreases your poker combination strength, but a flush and straight both require four cards. In the same way, your strength increases if the board eliminates any possible flushes possible. Also, the number of chips plays an important role. Players usually start small, and low-value chips are always dealt more than high-value chips. It takes a lot of experience to understand these complex decisions. However, by choosing the best poker starting hands, you can greatly improve your game. Poker Hands: Absolute vs. Relative Value Poker hand rankings are constant, but circumstances can sometimes reduce the value of a good hand and raise the value of a poor hand. In other words, there is a difference between absolute value and relative value regarding poker hands. It's imperative to understand the absolute and relative value of poker hands in order to make strategic decisions during the game. The absolute value refers to its inherent strength, independent from other players' hands. For instance, the royal flush is the strongest hand in poker. However, the poker hand strength is also compared to other hands in a game. A pair of aces might have a high absolute value, but if another player has a flush or straight, its relative value will be reduced. Conclusion Poker hands strength should be treated only as a beginner's guide. That's because each hand has the potential to be a winning or losing hand, depending on the circumstances. Once you feel you have a good understanding of the poker hand rankings, you should move on to some of our more advanced poker strategies. FAQ Why is 7 and 2 the worst poker hand? 7 and 2 is considered the worst poker card combination because it has the lowest probability of winning. It is known as the "worst hand in poker" or "the hammer." It has a very low chance of making a straight or a flush. What is the luckiest hand in poker? The luckiest combination in poker is generally considered to be pocket aces. This gives you a high chance of winning the pot since it is the strongest starting hand in Texas Hold'em. It is also known as "bullets" or "pocket rockets." What are the best 5 poker hands? If you play by the standard rules and poker hands rankings and use a standard deck, the best 5-card hands are: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House and Flush.

Horse racing is a dynamic sport that has captured the attention of many spectators and fans for centuries. It involves two or more horses ridden by jockeys in the race to the finish line. The main goal is to find the fastest horse that can run specific distances dictated by a particular event.   Horse races include flat, steeplechasing, harness, and endurance racing. Events like the Kentucky Derby or Cheltenham Festival, for example, attract both casual audiences and horse race betting enthusiasts worldwide. In this post, we'll go through the horse racing basics, the fastest horse breeds, and some of the best specimens in the world. What Are the Fastest Horses Ever in Recorded History? Winning Brew, Secretariat, and Eclipse are singled out as the fastest horses of all time, even though numerous champions have graced the track throughout the history of horse racing. Below we take a closer look at why these three horses are listed as the fastest. Winning Brew Known as the fastest horse in the world, Winning Brew holds the Guinness world record for the fastest quarter-mile time. Born in Kentucky, he was trained by Francis Vitale and ridden by Joe Judice. On July 26, 2008, he set a record as a two-year-old by racing a quarter-mile in 20.57 seconds at the Penn National Race Track in Grantville, Pennsylvania. The colt's exceptional burst of speed earned him a place in the history of horse racing. Unfortunately, Winning Brew's career was cut short due to an injury, and he retired after setting the record. He was later sold to a breeding farm, where he had several successful offspring. Secretariat This renowned racehorse, known for his exceptional speed, was born in Virginia in 1970. The owner of the Meadow Farm, Penny Chenery Tweedy, and her crew were responsible for Secretariat's immense success. The so-called Big Red received the Triple Crown in 1973, winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. He became the first horse to do it in 25 years. Secretariat's most impressive performance happened in the Belmont Stakes, winning by 31 lengths while setting a record pace for the 1/2-mile dirt course. His record-breaking time of 2:24 remains the fastest in the event's history. Secretariat's speed record in the Belmont Stakes in 1973 was 37.5 mph. The Eclipse Eclipse was a fantastic racehorse and among the greatest Thoroughbreds ever. A large, muscular horse born in England in 1764, he had a good stride and a competitive spirit and was considered the world's fastest horse at the time. He was undefeated in 18 races, winning all of them easily and setting records for decades. Eclipse's success on the track made him a celebrity and helped promote Thoroughbred racing in the United Kingdom. At the age of five, he retired and became a highly successful sire, passing on his extraordinary genetics to future Thoroughbred generations. Eclipse remains one of the sport's best-known names. The Fastest Horse Breeds There are countless breeds globally, but not all are suitable for racing and, consequently, betting. If you want to bet on horse racing effectively, you need a good grasp of the fastest horse breeds, so let's take a look: Akhal-Teke This breed is rare and originates from Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country. Akhal-Teke horses are famous for their outstanding speed, endurance, beauty, and distinctive metallic coat that shimmers in the sunlight, giving them the golden horse label. The breed's exceptional physical characteristics, such as slender bodies and long heads, distinguish it from other horse breeds. Regrettably, their numbers have declined, with just a few thousand left worldwide. The top speed of these unique horses is 35 mph. Because of their quickness, these horses are fit for dressage, endurance racing, and jumping. They are also famous for long-distance racing in Central Asia. They do, however, have a fiery temper. Thus, their trainers must have a unique talent to build relationships with them. Mustang The Mustang is a breed native to North America, namely the Western United States. These horses are derived from horses brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century and allowed to roam freely. Mustangs have evolved and adapted to their environment through time, obtaining characteristics that make them well-suited to life on the range. The fastest Mustang speed was recorded at about 54 mph. Their stamina and agility make them perfect for ranch work, rodeo, and endurance riding. They are also incredibly clever and have a strong will, which makes them challenging to educate but gives them a strong sense of independence and tenacity. Mustangs have had many challenges in modern times, including habitat deterioration, overpopulation, and resource competition with cattle. Fortunately, various organizations are dedicated to conserving and preserving the Mustang breed, a vital part of America's cultural heritage. Thoroughbred Thoroughbred horses are known for their speed, agility, and elegance. The breed is better suited for high-speed racing over a long distance. Although these horses are sometimes high-strung and necessitate a cautious approach, their competitive drive and desire to please their handlers make them popular. Thoroughbreds were racing in 17th-century England and continue to dominate today's sport. Known for their flexibility, they often indulge in equestrian disciplines like show jumping, dressage, and eventing. The fastest Thoroughbred was measured at 43.97 mph. Despite their many good characteristics, Thoroughbreds may be prone to specific health issues due to their extensive breeding. Thoroughbreds are the fastest horses over longer distances, averaging 35–40 mph. Quarter horses are the quickest sprinting horses, achieving 50–55 mph in a quarter mile. American Quarter Horse The Quarter Horse was created in the United States for sprints over short distances. It can develop speeds up to 55 mph. The breed's quickness and versatility have made it well-suited for many equestrian activities, including rodeo competitions, ranch chores, and long-distance racing. These horses have muscular, compact bodies and powerful hindquarters, allowing them to accelerate quickly and change direction efficiently. They are also highly trainable and have a calm and cooperative demeanor, making them an excellent choice for first-time riders and children. American Quarter Horses are widely recognized for their intelligence, loyalty, and athletic abilities. They're one of the most famous horse breeds in the world, with millions registered globally.  Arabian The Arabian horse breed is among the oldest and most revered breeds. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, these horses are known for their beauty, speed, and intelligence. They are also praised for their endurance, which has made them successful in long-distance races and competitions.  Considering that Arabian horses became popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, many breeders imported them to maintain a pure bloodline. During endurance competitions, several horses are typically used because they can travel up to 100 miles daily.  These horses are also used for show jumping, dressage, and other equestrian events. Arabian horses are fast learners who react well to teaching approaches based on positive reinforcement. The fastest recorded time of this breed is 65 mph. One of history's most famous Arabian horses was Bask, a stallion who won numerous championships in halter and performance events. Another famous horse named Khemosabi won multiple National Championships in the United States. Appaloosa The Appaloosa breed is a versatile American horse breed known for its distinctive spotted coat pattern and athleticism. Originating from the United States, these horses participate in Western pleasure, rodeo, and endurance riding. This horse breed is believed to have originated from horses brought to North America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. These horses interbred with native horses in the region, developing a distinctly American type of horse with a unique coat. The Appaloosa can run a quarter mile at 55 miles per hour. One of the most famous Appaloosa horses in history was Patchy, who won multiple National Championships in Western pleasure and reining events. Another famous Appaloosa horse is Joker B, who won the National Reining Horse Association World Championship. What is the Ideal Horse Build for Racing? A successful racehorse must have proper physical features and characteristics to succeed on the track. The fastest racehorses have strong lungs and hearts, enabling them to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race. They also have long legs, allowing them to cover more ground with each step. The best ones have to be slender and muscular for improved agility, speed, and endurance. A well-balanced conformation is critical because it helps the horse maintain balance when running at high speeds, minimizing the risk of injury. Finally, the horse's solid and well-angled hooves provide enough grip force, allowing it to maintain speed and agility throughout the race. Serious bettors take all these factors into account when they bet on horse racing as a horse that possesses all these traits has more chances to flourish in this challenging sport. Speed and Agility Prevail in Horse Racing The fastest horse racing breeds in the world have made great strides in the sport. Winning Brew, Secretariat, and Eclipse are three of the most famous racehorses in history, with Secretariat considered the finest of all time.  Every year, new champions are made that continue to attract fans. Whether it's the sheer enjoyment of seeing these magnificent creatures compete or the opportunity to bet on sports of their choice, horse racing enthusiasts will continue to frequent horse racing venues for years to come.

Are you tired of leaving the casino empty-handed after a night of video poker? Do you want to increase your chances of winning and becoming a successful video poker player? If so, you need the best possible strategy. Understanding the rules, odds, and charts, as well as employing tips and methods that can help you beat the odds, is required for a winning approach. Get Familiar With Video Poker Odds Knowing the odds is essential for developing robust video poker strategies. Video poker is a popular casino game that mixes poker theory with fast-paced slot machine action. And while luck is a factor in video poker, it also takes skill to win. Here are some essential things to keep in mind when it comes to video poker odds: Video poker offers better odds than many other casino games, thanks to its low house edge and potential for big payouts. When it comes to poker hand rankings, hitting a royal flush in video poker is the ultimate goal, but it's also incredibly rare. The odds vary depending on the game and the payout table, but they are typically around 1 in 40,000 or higher. Straight flushes are the second-highest paying hands in video poker but are still relatively rare. The odds of hitting a straight flush are higher than a royal flush but still low compared to other hands. Four-of-a-kind hands are much more common in video poker and can result in significant payouts, especially if they are high-ranking hands. The odds of hitting them vary depending on the game and the payout table. Understanding the payout table is essential for developing the best strategy for video poker. Also, different variations and payout tables within those variations can have a significant impact on the odds of winning. Video poker payout percentages can range from 92% to 99% or more. Before developing a winning strategy, it's critical to understand the basic rules of video poker variants and how strategy can change depending on which one you choose. Jacks or Better Video Poker Jacks or better is a classic game that's perfect for beginners. This popular video poker variant aims to create a winning hand, starting with a pair of jacks, using a standard deck of 52 cards. You receive five cards, and you can swap any cards for new ones to create a winning hand. An interesting thing about the jacks or better game is that there are different payout tables available, which means you can choose the one that offers the best payout for the hands you're most likely to get. For instance, a 9/6 table pays out nine coins for a full house and six for a flush. The odds of getting a royal flush in jacks or better are approximately 1 in 40,000. Bonus, Double Bonus, and Double Double Bonus Poker These popular versions of video poker have different rules, payout tables, and strategies. You need to consider the differences before choosing a strategy: Bonus Poker: Earn bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands, like four aces or four 2s, 3s, or 4s. The payouts for these hands are higher than in traditional jacks or better. Double Bonus Poker: Get even higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands than in Bonus Poker. Acquire bonus payouts for four aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker. Double Double Bonus Poker: The highest payouts for four-of-a-kind hands of any variation. You can gain bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands with a kicker of aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s. Joker Wild and Deuces Wild Joker Wild and Deuces Wild are the most popular video poker games. Both games use wild cards to increase the chances of hitting winning hands. Joker Wild includes a joker card that turns a standard 52-card deck into a 53-card deck. In the Joker Poker game, you need at least a pair of kings to win. In Deuces Wild, all 2s are wild cards that can substitute any other card to create winning hands. The minimum winning hand in Deuces Wild is typically three-of-a-kind. Joker Wild and Deuces Wild offer exciting gameplay and the potential for big payouts. However, they also require a different video poker strategy than traditional jacks or better, so it's essential to understand the rules and payout tables before playing. Applying Video Poker Strategy Charts Video poker is a casino game that combines elements of poker and slot machines. While luck plays a significant role, having a solid strategy can help increase your chances of winning. One popular tactic is utilizing optimal video poker strategy charts. A video poker chart is a visual representation of different situations in the game. These charts are based on the cards you are dealt and the payout table for the specific variation of the game. Using them can help you make informed decisions by showing you which cards to keep and which to discard. You simply match the cards you're dealt to the chart to determine the best way to play. The chart usually lists possible hands you can make, ranked from best to worst poker hands. For example, here's a jacks or better strategy chart so that you can see how it looks: In this case, if you're dealt a pair of jacks or better, the chart tells you to keep those two cards and discard the other three. If you are dealt a flush, straight, or better, the chart tells you to keep all five cards. If you are dealt no pair, the chart tells you to discard all five cards and try again. These charts are typically designed for specific variations of the poker game, such as jacks or better or Deuces Wild. You can find these strategy charts online, or you can create your own using software or a spreadsheet program. Using a strategy chart can slow down your gameplay, so it's important to practice before playing for real money. Proven Tips for Video Poker Games It's crucial to employ an optimal strategy and knowledge of the game to maximize your chances of winning big in video poker. But sometimes, the little things can make a big difference. In this section, we'll explore some tips that can help you improve your gameplay and increase your payouts. From picking the right pay table to using bonus offers, the following can help you take your video poker game to the next level: Use bonus offers: Many popular online casinos offer incentives, such as welcome or reload bonuses, to give you extra money to play with. Using casino bonuses can increase your playing time and help you hit bigger payouts. However, check the wagering requirements and bonus validity for specific variants of video poker. Pick the pay table: Choose a machine with a favorable pay table. The pay table lists the payouts for each winning hand. Look for the machines with a higher payout for a full house or flush and a higher payout for a royal flush. Go for high payouts: Play the maximum number of coins per hand to increase your chances of hitting a high-paying hand. Many video poker machines offer a bonus payout for hitting a royal flush when you've played the maximum number of coins, so take advantage of this opportunity. Place maximum bets you can afford: While playing the maximum number of coins per hand guarantees the best chance of winning additional hands, it's vital to remember that placing the maximum stake will quickly empty your bankroll, so stick to denominations within your budget. If the highest stake is too expensive, consider a smaller denomination. Don't forget to follow your basic strategy, practice responsible gambling, and put limitations on your games to avoid getting carried away. Choose low card pairs over one high card: When playing video poker online, a low card pair can form higher-paying hands like three-of-a-kind or four-of-a-kind. One high card is useful if paired with four other high cards to form a high-ranking hand, like a straight or flush. For example, if you are dealt a hand with a pair of 2s and a king, it's better to hold onto the pair of 2s instead of the king. Play free video poker demos: The nature of this game allows you to try the free versions first, which is great for practicing. You can hone your skills, test new methods, and thoroughly learn the game rules before spending real money. Win Big with the Right Video Poker Game Strategy Mastering video poker strategy is the key to maximizing your payouts and winning big. By understanding the rules and payout tables of different variations of video poker, employing proven strategies and video poker tips, playing the max bet, and choosing low card pairs over one high card, you can increase your chances of hitting big payouts. Additionally, pursuing a potentially higher-ranking hand can also pay off in the right situations. So, the next time you play poker online, remember these strategies and tips for video poker to increase your chances of walking away a winner. Video Poker Strategy FAQ Can you consistently win at video poker? While video poker is a game of skill and strategy, there's no guarantee that you'll consistently win. The outcome of each hand is determined by a random number generator, which means that luck also plays a significant role in the game. However, understanding the rules and payout tables, employing the right strategies, and practicing responsible gambling can potentially increase your chances of winning big while enjoying the game. What cards should I hold in video poker? The cards you should hold during video poker play sessions depend on the variant of the game you're playing and the specific hand you are dealt. Generally, it's advisable to hold onto high cards, pairs, and suited hands. Should I double when playing video poker machines? In some variations, doubling can be a solid video poker strategy. However, it also comes with the risk of losing your winnings for that hand if you don't win. Therefore, it's essential to consider the potential risks and rewards of doubling, as well as your overall bankroll and goal, before deciding whether or not to double. What rules of video poker are most important for creating a winning strategy? Specific video poker rules and paytables of variants like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker are crucial in choosing a strategy. Video poker game variations impact the odds of winning in distinct ways, so you need to examine them before opting for one of the different strategies.

With simple gameplay and minimal skill, online baccarat is a game of chance that has thrilled the crowds for decades. Rising to fame after being featured as James Bond’s table game of choice in the novels of Ian Flemming, today baccarat is one of the most sought-after games at land-based and online casinos alike. Traditionally speaking, there are 14 seats at a baccarat table numbered one to 15, with seat number 13 intentionally omitted for superstitious reasons. Online baccarat is generally played with six or eight decks of card, and the name is said to come from the old Italian word ‘baccara’ which translates to ‘zero’, referring to the zero card value face cards and tens have in this exciting game. If you’re looking to learn how to play online baccarat, you’ve come to the right place. Join us in exploring everything this game has to offer while discovering whether it’s the right game for you next time you hit your favourite online casino – let’s get right to it. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="643575,503339"] A Brief History of Baccarat The origins of online baccarat are somewhat unclear, with some saying that the French actually developed Baccarat sometime around the 19th century. The first mention of this was published in a 1847 book by Charles Van Tenac and is referred to as Baccarat Banque or Baccarat à Deux Tableaux. One popular online baccarat variation is known as Baccarat Chemin de Fer, which translates to ‘railway baccarat’. An even more simplified form of the game is known as Punto Banco, which is said to have originated in a casino in Havana, Cuba. There are also several versions with regards to the meaning of the name and its origins. The most popular belief is that the word stems from the Italian word ‘baccara’ as mentioned earlier on in this online baccarat guide, however there is no clear proof of this either. Seeing that most references point to France, it might very well be that the game actually originated there, with game historian Thierry Depaulis claiming the name actually originates from an expression used in the Provence region, fa bacarrat, which translates to ‘go bankrupt’! [get-play-banner] Types of Online Baccarat When it comes to playing online baccarat, there are a number of variations you’re able to play. In today’s online baccarat guide we’re about to highlight some of the most popular variants among casino players, which include: Punto Banco Baccarat Banque / Baccarat à Deux Tableaux Chemin de Fer   Punto Banco This is probably one of the most popular versions, currently played in most of the world especially in Asian casinos amongst high rollers. Although several players are known to bet on the outcome, this online baccarat variation is essentially a game between the ‘player’ and the ‘banker’. The only choice that’s left to the player is what side they’d rather bet on, with the outcome of the game left to pure chance. In this case, a number of 52-card decks are shuffled together, and for the purpose of the game every card rank is assigned a different numerical value as mentioned earlier on, with number cards and Aces worth their same value in terms of points, and tens and face cards worth zero points. Two cards are dealt to both the player and the banker and the dealer will call out the score. Depending on the score, both sides are now able to stand or request a third card should the total be five points or less. Whenever the player stands the banker will follow suit, hitting whenever his/her hand is five or less in value and standing on anything over six.   Baccarat Banque / Baccarat à Deux Tableaux As far as we know, this is the original form of 19th century baccarat, with the earliest descriptions mentioning this exact same version. In this case, Baccarat Banque is played using three decks of 52 cards and is somewhat similar to Chemin de Fer which we’ll discuss in the section below in this online baccarat guide. In this case, however, the banker is allowed to play further while the player position will remain fixed. Just like the name suggests, in this case you’ve got two sides to the table, with the player assigned to the left- and right-hand side of the banker. In this case, one hand is assigned to the players on the right, another to the players on the left, and a third to the banker who sits in the middle. In this case, both sides of the table will play against the banker and not compete against each other.   Chemin de Fer Another popular online baccarat variation is the Chemin de Fer which was originally created to include the dealer’s choice with players taking turn to act as the banker during their gameplay. This version was featured in early James Bond films, namely Casino Royale and in contrast to the Punto Banco variation, both the player as well as the banker are not always able to draw a third card. The main difference with this variant is that Chemin de Fer generally requires at least six players at the table, and the dealer is equipped with a long wooden paddle which allows him/her to move the casino chips and cards to the far end of the table. Once again, two hands are dealt; one to the player and the other to the banker, with the player to the right of the dealer able to be the first banker, after which this will rotate in a counter clockwise fashion around the online baccarat table.   General Rules of Online Baccarat If you’re looking to learn how to play baccarat, the first thing you’re going to want to keep in mind is what we’ve already mentioned above; tens and face cards are worth zero points, while the Ace all the way through the Nine will retain their numeric value. Each game round will begin with the dealer dealing four cards face up – two to the banker, and two to the player. The aim of the game here is to bet on a hand that’s closest to nine points in total. Whenever the card total exceeds this value, (e.g. 7+7 = 14), then the first number is dropped, leaving you with a total hand value of four in this case for example. The aim of the game is to guess which hand will be closer to nine in value and placing your bet on it before the cards are dealt. There are also another couple of online baccarat tips you’re going to want to keep in mind before hitting the table. These include: Whenever the banker or the player is dealt an eight or a nine, then both hands will stand. Whenever the player’s hand is equal to five points or less, then s/he is able to stand or request a third card. If the player chooses to stand, then the banker is required to hit on a total of five points or less. As a general rule, banker and player hands pay 1:1, whereas if you were to choose to bet on the tie and win, then you can expect an 8:1 payout in return. There are also a number of online resources available to help you keep track of your gameplay. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="643759,643626"] Online Baccarat Strategy Essentials If you’re looking to refine your skills in terms of online baccarat strategy, we’ve got you covered. The first thing you’re going to want to keep in mind is that online baccarat is game of chance, which means that technically you’re slightly limited in the ways you’re able to increase your chances of winning apart from the obvious, which includes ignoring the tie bet option which, statistically speaking, is the rarest form of outcome. When first learning how to play online baccarat, most would recommend always betting on the banker, which offers a more attractive betting option than betting on the player. Because the nature of online baccarat is entirely random, standard casino betting systems such as the Martingale or the Fibonacci system do not always perform favourably, and are not always recommended when it comes to this sort of game. In essence: It’s generally preferred to bet on banker Never bet on a tie unless you’re feeling particularly lucky Look for games played with fewer decks Make sure you’ve completely understood the rules   How Live Dealer Baccarat Works The classic game of baccarat has entertained the crowds for centuries, so with the advent of online casino, evolving into live online baccarat felt like the next natural step. If you’ve never played live online baccarat before, it’s pretty much the closest thing to a brick and mortar casino experience you’re able to enjoy from the comfort of your home. In this case, you can expect to enter a number of online baccarat tables that are hosted by a real-life dealer with real decks of cards. Thanks to the latest high definition streaming technology, along with multiple high-tech cameras, you’re able to take a virtual seat at the table and watch the action unfold in real time as it’s being broadcast from a series of casino studios from around the world. When playing live online baccarat, as opposed to the digital version, you will always be presented with real cards rather than virtual representations. You’ve also got the peace of mind in knowing that its impossible to rig this sort of game, since everything is happening while you watch. Having said so, reputable casinos are always licensed and regulated, which means that there are already third parties in place monitoring game transparency and fairness, but if you’ve ever had any doubts whatsoever with regards to online baccarat, live online baccarat is able to dispel these notions. If you’re tempted to learn how to play online baccarat at a live casino table, then you’re going to want to have the basics covered. Mostly because live casino games include the additional element of a messaging function that allows players to communicate amongst each other as well as directly with the dealer. The game interface for this form of online baccarat includes a similar setting to the one found in the classic casino game, allowing players to place their wagers and purchase additional chips. One of the handiest online baccarat tips when it comes to live casino actually, is that some live casino tables allow players to observe the game rather than play straight away. This will allow you to get a better feel of what to expect before diving right into the game straight away. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="472997"] Top Baccarat Casinos If you’re looking to put your online baccarat strategy to work, here are some of our favourite casinos that offer this thrilling game. These include the following, in no particular order: Videoslots Casino Twin Casino Riobet Casino Spin Pug Casino PlayOJO Casino   Videoslots Casino Positioning itself as the world’s largest online casino, Videoslots offers its players a selection of formidable games including the latest and greatest slots, video poker, roulette, blackjack, poker, jackpot games, scratch cards, bingo, and of course live and virtual online baccarat games. Sign up is free and simple and new players are treated to a 100% bonus up to €200 on their first deposit as part of their Welcome Bonus.   Twin Casino Offering over 2,000 casino games and customer support around the clock, Twin Casino is a massively established European casino that’s regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. It provides players with a vast selection of games that include casino slots, scratch cards, and classic table games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and of course online baccarat, Twin Casino offers a two-tiered Welcome Bonus structure that includes a 100% bonus up to €200 on your first deposit as well as 200 free spins on Play’n GO’s epic Book of Dead slot. There’s also a chance to double up on your second deposit with an additional 100% bonus up to €200 along with another 200 free spins – just in case the first batch wasn’t enough.   RioBet Casino Offering over 4,000 casino games to all its players, Cyprus based RioBet Casino is one of the fastest growing new online casinos to hit the scene and really leave its mark. Offering a grand selection of games which includes craps, keno, scratch cards, bingo, casino slots, and table games such as poker, roulette and online baccarat, RioBet Casino keeps things nice and simple and allows new players to kick off their casino experience with 15 free spins after sign up with no deposit required, as well as a Welcome Bonus that includes a 100% bonus up to €1,000.   SpinPug Casino Marketing itself as the cutest casino around, SpinPug Casino is regulated by the gaming authorities in Cura?ao and offers over 2,500 top quality casino games from some of the best software providers out there. Offering a wide variety of games including slots, jackpot games, bingo, scratch cards, and of course table games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and online baccarat, here’s an online casino that’s offering a generous 500% match bonus up to €100 as part of its Welcome Bonus. There’s also a second deposit bonus up for grabs in this case offering a 300% bonus up to €60, along with a 200% bonus up to €40 on your third deposit and 100% bonus up to €25 on your fourth. SpinPug also offers a daily 20% cashback on all live casino losses if you’re up for trying a couple of rounds of live online baccarat while you’re around.   PlayOJO Casino Licensed and regulated in Malta, Sweden, the UK, and Denmark, PlayOJO Casino is a reputable online casino that offers great promotions, daily tournaments and much more. In terms of game selection, we’re looking at slots, poker, live casino games, blackjack, online baccarat, craps, scratch cards and more. With regards to bonuses and promotions, PlayOJO awards one free spin to all its new players for every €1 in their first deposit up to a max of 50 – and the most interesting part here is that they’re wager free – meaning that any potential wins you might hit during this time are credited directly into your account as real money. PlayOJO also makes use of its OJOplus program to reward each of its players by offering a guaranteed cash prize for every game played on the site – 0.6% back on every real money wager you place on the site, which could end up accumulating over time.