Mini-Baccarat: Features and Rules

Mini-Baccarat is a card game you can play at online and land-based casinos. It is a simpler and faster version of Baccarat played at a smaller table and offering lower stakes than the classic game. In this article, we will cover the main features of the game as well as basic Mini-Baccarat rules you need to learn so that you can start playing the game.

Key Features

Mini-Baccarat is a game based on comparing cards and played between two hands. Just like in the classic version of the game, players can place their bets on the Player, Banker or Tie. The main goal of the game is to predict correctly which of the participants will have a higher hand or if the round will end in a Tie. The difference between the two versions of the game is that Mini-Baccarat uses a six-deck shoe while the classic game is played with eight decks. However, the house edge remains the same – 1.06% on the Banker bet and 1.24% on the Player bet. The riskiest bet, Tie, comes with a house edge of 14.36% in classic Baccarat whereas the Tie bet in Mini-Baccarat has a 14.44% house edge.

The gameplay in Mini-Baccarat is fast-paced. Cards are dealt only by the dealer and players are not allowed to touch the cards. With a betting range starting at a lower amount than the traditional game, Mini-Baccarat is a perfect fit for casual players. It is considered the best casino game for low rollers.

Mini-Baccarat Rules

MiniBaccarat shares the rules with the classic game of Baccarat. Both the Player and Banker are dealt two cards. If any of the two achieve a total of 8 or 9 with the first two cards, the winning hand is announced. Both the Banker and Player bet pay even money yet the Banker bet comes with a lower house edge and the prize it pays is decreased by the commission of 5%.

When it comes to cards’ values, those from 2 through 9 are worth face value, 10s, Js, Qs and Ks are worth 0 while As are worth 1. If a total in a hand exceeds 9, the first digit is null. For instance, if you are dealt 9 and 4, your hand is worth 3. The highest hand value is 9 and if you achieve it with only two cards, such a hand is called natural.

In case the Player has been dealt a hand worth up to 5, a third card is drawn. The same rule applies to the Banker yet the Banker rules are more complex. If the Banker’s total is 2 or less, the Banker draws a card, no matter what the Player’s third card is. With the Banker’s total of 3, a third card is drawn unless the Player’s third card is 8. When the Banker’s hand is worth 4 and the Player’s third card is between 2 and 7, the Banker is dealt the third card. The Banker draws the third card with a total of 5 and 6 when the Player’s third card is 4, 5, 6, or 7 or 6 or 7 respectively. With a hand worth 7, the Banker stands.

Why Play Mini Baccarat?

Although Mini-Baccarat is perceived as a very dangerous casino game because of its fast-paced gameplay, it is a nice option for casual players who are not willing to risk large amounts of money. In case you play Mini-Baccarat at a land-based casino, you can dress informally and enjoy a casual atmosphere at the table.

Although Mini-Baccarat is a game of pure chance, there are a few things you can do to make the most of playing it. First of all, consider playing only Banker bets. This will help you make decisions quickly and provides you with the highest odds of winning. Although a 5% commission will be deducted from your prize, the Banker bet is still worth playing and can earn you nice payouts in the long run.