EZ Baccarat is a beloved variation of the classic baccarat game, boasts a remarkable twist that sets it apart: the removal of the cumbersome 5% commission charged to players when they win a Bank Hand wager.
Traditionally played on a blackjack-sized table in brick-and-mortar casinos, EZ Baccarat accommodates up to six or seven players, with a skilled casino dealer handling the card dealing process. Additionally, this captivating variant has found a new home in online casinos, offering players a seamless gaming experience.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the world of EZ Baccarat, uncovering its unique features and gameplay intricacies:
- A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Play EZ Baccarat
- The Ingenious Elimination of the 5% Commission
- Unraveling the Third-Card Drawing Rules
- Understanding the House Edge
- Exploring Two Optional Side Bets
- Unveiling Advanced Techniques for the Side Bets
Objective of the Game
In EZ Baccarat, regardless of the number of players, the game revolves around two primary hands: the Bank Hand and the Player Hand. Before the cards are dealt, players have the opportunity to place wagers on which hand they believe will come closest to a total value of 9. Players can place bets on:
- The Bank Hand
- The Player Hand
- The Tie (indicating both hands will have an identical total)
Each hand can consist of a maximum of three cards, and specific house rules dictate whether one or both hands require a third-card draw (more on this shortly).
EZ Baccarat – Card Values
In EZ Baccarat, the numerical value of each card takes precedence, and the suits hold no significance:
- Cards from 2 to 9 possess a value equivalent to their face value.
- Tens and picture cards (Jack, Queen, King) carry a value of 0.
- Aces are valued at 1.
The highest possible total for either hand is 9. If the sum of the cards exceeds 9, players have two options to determine the adjusted total:
- Drop the first digit of the sum.
- Subtract 10 from the total.
For example:
- 8 + 8 = 16 or 6
- 4 + 9 = 13 or 3
Unlike blackjack, where exceeding a total of 21 leads to a bust, in EZ Baccarat, players can never bust.
EZ Baccarat – Payoffs
Winning wagers on the Player Hand yield even-money payouts. For instance, a $10 wager on the Player Hand results in $10 in winnings.
For the Bank Hand, winning bets also pay even money, except for one crucial exception: If the Bank Hand wins with a three-card total of 7, it becomes a push, meaning neither the player nor the casino incurs a win or loss.
Winning wagers on the Tie are usually paid at 8 to 1, although some casinos may offer 9 to 1 payouts.
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The Innovative Elimination of the 5% Commission
One of the most appealing aspects of EZ Baccarat is its removal of the 5% commission on Bank Hand wins. Traditionally, players would begrudgingly part with a portion of their winnings as a commission fee, leaving them less thrilled with their victory. However, EZ Baccarat defies convention by eradicating this commission, a change that has contributed to the game’s widespread popularity.
The Third-Card Drawing Rules
As with traditional baccarat, in EZ Baccarat, either or both hands may necessitate a third card. Notably, each hand is limited to a maximum of three cards.
The dealer, rather than the players, determines whether one or both hands require a third-card draw, based on standard house rules. While it’s not imperative to memorize the third-card rules, familiarizing yourself with them can enhance your enjoyment of the game.
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EZ Baccarat – House Edge
The following are the house advantages per hand played:
- Bank Hand: 1.02%
- Player Hand: 1.24%
- Tie: 14.36%
The house advantage for the Bank Hand is marginally lower than in a traditional 5%-commission baccarat game (1.02% vs. 1.06%). However, for the Player Hand and Ties, the house advantages remain the same. Some sources may quote the Bank and Player Hand house advantages as 1.17% and 1.36%, respectively, “per resolved bets” instead of “per hand played.”
Exploring Two Optional Side Bets
EZ Baccarat offers two alluring optional side bets: Dragon 7 and Panda 8.
- Dragon 7: This side bet serves as an insurance bet when the three-card Bank Hand totals 7 and defeats the Player Hand. In EZ Baccarat, the elimination of the 5% commission on winning Bank Hand bets hinges on a single rule change: A three-card Bank Hand with a total of 7 results in a push. Winning Dragon 7 side bets offer a 40-to-1 payout, yielding substantial returns. Nevertheless, players should be aware that the house advantage for this side bet is a substantial 7.61%.
- Panda 8: This side bet pays off when a three-card Player Hand totals 8. The payout ratio is 25 to 1, but the house advantage is higher at 10.19%.
Card Counting the Baccarat Side Bets For those curious about card counting in Dragon 7 and Panda 8, insightful articles on this topic can be found from reputable sources.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing EZ Baccarat
Advantages:
- Elimination of the 5% commission on Bank Hand wins.
- Slightly lower house advantage for the Bank Hand compared to traditional baccarat.
- Lower minimum betting requirements than traditional baccarat.
- Potential advantage when betting on side bets using advanced techniques.
Disadvantages:
- Faster gameplay exposes more of a player’s bankroll to the house edge.
In conclusion, while various betting systems have been proposed for baccarat, none can alter the odds or house edge when playing EZ Baccarat. Nevertheless, players continue to revel in the thrill of this revolutionary variant, drawn to its enticing features and player-friendly rules. As you venture into the world of EZ Baccarat, may luck and strategy guide your gameplay to success!