Baccarat live Table Game by xpg

XPG, or XPro Gaming, is a leading live dealer casino software provider renowned for its immersive gaming experiences. Founded in 2005, XPG has its headquarters in Bratislava, Slovakia, and has made a significant mark in the iGaming industry. XPG offers a diverse portfolio specialising in live dealer games, including Live Roulette, Live Blackjack, and Live Baccarat. XPG is committed to realism and innovation, providing players with high-quality, interactive gameplay.

XPro Gaming live casino games are certified for fairness and security by iTech Labs, adhering to stringent industry standards. Additionally, their games are optimised for mobile devices through HTML5 technology, ensuring players enjoy the thrill of live casino gaming on smartphones and tablets. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and player engagement, XPG continues to stand out in the competitive world of online gaming, delivering a superior live casino experience to players around the globe. 

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the live baccarat offering by XPG. We’ll explore what baccarat is and how to play it. Furthermore, you’ll also learn about the odds, payouts, and XPG baccarat variations. 

Live baccarat rules

Like any other online casino game, live baccarat has rules you must follow. XPro Gaming live baccarat releases use 6 or 8 decks of 52 cards. The objective is to bet on the outcome of two hands – the Player and the Banker. The cards are dealt face-up, and each card has a point value. Number cards 2 through 9 carry their face value, while 10s and face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 0 points. Aces are valued at 1 point.

The game begins with players placing bets on whether the Player hand, Banker hand, or a Tie will win. After placing bets, two cards are dealt to the Player and the Banker. The total point value of each hand is calculated, and a third card may be drawn based on specific rules. The rules for drawing a third card are predefined, and we’ll explore the third card rules shortly.

The winning hand is the one closest to a total of 9 points. However, if the total exceeds 9, only the last digit of the total is considered. Natural wins occur when the Player or Banker receives an 8 or 9 with the first two cards. 

How to play live baccarat

The game starts with a betting phase. Players have a limited time, typically around 15-20 seconds, to place their bets on one of three options: the Player’s hand, the Banker’s hand, or a Tie. Side bets, if available, can also be wagered upon.

Once the betting phase concludes, the dealer takes over. Depending on the game, the dealer typically uses 6 or 8 decks of standard playing cards. Two cards are dealt face-up to both the Player and the Banker. 

The point values of the cards are summed up. Number cards 2 through 9 retain their face values, while 10s and face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 0 points. Aces carry a value of 1 point. After the initial two cards are dealt, a third card may be drawn based on predefined rules. 

The hand with a total closest to 9 points wins. If the Player or Banker’s hand achieves an 8 or 9 with the first two cards, it’s a natural win, and no more cards are drawn. The third card rule applies in all other cases, and additional cards may be drawn. Let’s explore the third card rule even further in the next section. 

Live baccarat third card rules

The third card rule is a set of predefined conditions determining whether a third card should be drawn for either the Player’s or the Banker’s hand. This rule will also apply if the total points of these cards fall within certain ranges. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the third card rule in Baccarat:

Player’s Third Card Rule

• If the Player’s first two cards total 6 or 7 points (a “natural”), no third card is drawn, and the Player’s hand stands
• If the Player’s first two cards total 0-5 points, a third card is drawn for the Player’s hand

Banker’s Third Card Rule

After the Player’s third card decision, if any, is resolved, the Banker’s third card rule comes into play. The Banker’s decision to draw a third card depends on both the Banker’s initial two cards and the value of the Player’s third card, if drawn. Here’s how it works: If the Banker’s first two cards total:

• 7 points (a “natural”), no third card is drawn, and the Banker’s hand stands
• 0-2 points, a third card is drawn for the Banker’s hand
• 3 points, a third card is drawn for the Banker unless the Player’s third card is an 8
• 4 points, a third card is drawn for the Banker if the Player’s third card is 2-7
• 5 points, a third card is drawn for the Banker if the Player’s third card is 4-7
• 6 points, a third card is drawn for the Banker if the Player’s third card is 6-7

Calculation of a winning hand

After all third-card decisions are resolved, the hand with a total closest to 9 points wins. If either the Player or Banker achieves a natural win (8 or 9 points) with the first two cards, that hand is declared the winner, and no more cards are drawn.

Live baccarat card rankings

To play XproGaming baccarat, you must understand the card rankings. Baccarat is a card game where the objective is to bet on the outcome of two hands, the Player and the Banker. Here’s an in-depth explanation of how card rankings work in live Baccarat:

Card values

• Number Cards (2-9): Number cards, which include cards with values 2 through 9, are worth their face value in points. For example, a 2 of hearts is worth 2 points, and a 9 of clubs is worth 9 points.
• Face Cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings): Face cards, including 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings, are all worth 0 points. Regardless of their suit, they do not contribute any points to the hand’s total.
• Ace: Aces are worth 1 point in Baccarat. Unlike in some other card games where Aces can have a higher value, in Baccarat, they have the lowest point value.

You’ve already noticed the absence of the Joker card. So, with the card rankings out of the way, how many points do you need to win, and how is the total hand calculated?

In Baccarat, the hand total is calculated by adding the point values of the individual cards. However, a special rule applies when the total exceeds 9 points. If the total of a hand is greater than 9, only the last digit of the total is considered. Here’s how it works:

• If the Player or Banker’s hand has a 7 of hearts and a 6 of diamonds, the total is 13. However, in Baccarat, you only consider the last digit, 3. So, the total for this hand is 3.
• If the Player or Banker’s hand has a 10 of spades and a 9 of hearts, the total is 19, but you only consider the last digit, which is 9. So, the total for this hand is 9.

Natural wins

In baccarat, a “natural” win occurs when the Player or Banker is dealt 8 or 9 with their first two cards. When a natural win occurs:

• No more cards are drawn
• The natural win is immediately declared
• No additional bets are allowed for that particular round

Live baccarat roadmaps

Before exploring the different roadmaps used to record baccarat results, it’s essential to explain what it is in the first place. A Baccarat roadmap, also known as a scorecard or a game history chart, is a graphical representation of past game outcomes in Baccarat. It displays patterns and trends from previous hands, helping players identify potential trends and make informed betting decisions. These roadmaps are particularly popular among experienced players who believe in patterns and use them to predict future outcomes. However, it’s important to note that baccarat is a game of chance, and past results do not influence future ones. Take a look at the various roadmaps used in live baccarat.

Big Road

All other roads we’ll explore after the Big Road are derivatives of this main road. This is what players have been using from the start of roadmaps. As you can imagine, the Big Road is simple to learn and use, given it was invented in its most rudimentary form. 

A grid with multiple columns and six rows characterises the Big Road. When your results are recorded on the grid, you will see a red circle to indicate the Banker’s win, while a Player’s win is denoted as a blue circle. 

When the game begins, these results are indicated at the top left of the grid. Subsequent results will also be recorded in the same column but just under the first result. However, this will only happen if you consecutively land the same result (Player or Banker). But since that may not always be the case and is less likely to occur, a new column will begin if you land a different result from the first one. Again, if the result is the same in consecutive game rounds, they will be recorded under the first result with the same colour at the bottom of the grid. 

Dragon Tail and Double Dragon

But the grid has only six rows, which means if there are seven consecutive wins of the same bet, there will be no space left. In such a case, the 7th result will take a right turn at the bottom of the grid and follow that path, forming an L shape known as The Dragon Tail. This representation is often used by baccarat players who believe in increased winning chances for a longer tail.

Another situation could arise where a string of a different result meets the Dragon Tail of another result. The results will be recorded to the right and horizontally just above the existing tail. Such a scenario is known as a double dragon. 

Recording Ties and Pair Wins

What about Ties, you ask? Well, there’s no circle denotation when a Tie occurs. Instead, this result is displayed as a green line cutting diagonally across the latest result. If you land several Tie results, the results will be denoted as a number representing the total number of ties close to the line. 

If a Tie is the first result of the game, the result is recorded in the same spot the Player or Banker results would be recorded. And when the Player of Banker wins, the result will be recorded in the same space. 

A mark on the edge of the circle denotes winning pair bets. A Banker pair is represented with a red dot, while a blue dot represents a Player Pair. A yellow dot in the middle of the circle represents a natural win. 

Bead Plate

Many online live baccarat games use the bead plate layout. As the name suggests, this roadmap uses coloured beads to record the result of every hand. Red denotes the Banker wins, while blue represents the Player wins. Green represents Ties. You’ll also notice Chinese characters on the result, but clicking on the grid will change to show P, B, and T symbols, representing the different bet options. 

The grid used in this map also has six rows and multiple columns. Recording of results starts at the top left corner and continues vertically to the grid’s bottom. Unlike in the Big Road, where a different result is recorded in a new column, all results will be displayed in one column, and you will only move to the next one once the cells in the first column are filled. 

Derived baccarat roadmaps

Also known as predictive roads, the derived baccarat roadmap patterns comprise three roads. They are the Big Eye Boy, the Cockroach Pig, and the Small Road. You must keep in mind that these roads are used in conjunction with the Big Road scoreboard. Starting with the Big Eye Boy, the colours used to record results do not represent the Player or Banker. Instead, Red represents a consistent pattern, while Blue represents an inconsistent pattern. 

Furthermore, instead of records starting when the shoe begins, the Big Eye Boy and the other two derived roads start once the hands end. That is the hand following the first hand in column 2 on the Big Road for Big Eye Boy, the hand following the first hand in column 3 and column 4 for the Small Road and the Cockroach Pig, respectively.

XPG live baccarat user interface 

The XPG live baccarat user interface is almost identical across the different variants. But what you can look forward to includes the central area with the video stream, the betting section, and a live chat box to the left for a more interactive gaming experience. Let’s explore more aspects of the user interface. 

Live streaming

The XPG games use a studio for their live video streams. Once you load any game, you will see the dealer seated behind the baccarat table. This table displays the various bets and cards in a shoe, which the croupier will deal to the players. Fast Baccarat and the standard baccarat versions have three video quality settings: HD, Hi, and Lo. You can also choose the auto option to allow the game to choose the best settings based on your internet connectivity. 

Roadmap sections

All XPG baccarat variants display different roadmaps on the bottom left and right of the screen. These grids allow players to track previous gameplays when they join the tables and predict the next results by clicking the “Next Banker” or “Next Player” options at the bottom right. The Bead Plate Road and the Big Road are the available roadmaps on each XPG variant.

Betting section

You’ll see the different bets represented by different colours displayed on the table. Red usually denotes the Banker bets, while blue represents the Player bets. Green denotes the Tie bet. XPro Gaming variants have special bets, such as the Pairs on either side of the Banker or Player options. You will also spot the Super Six option in this betting area. 

Just below the table is an area hosting the betting chips. These chips are available in different denominations. For faster betting, you can use these chips or the “Repeat” option to maintain the same bet over several rounds.  

Live Baccarat variations by XPro Gaming

XPro Gaming casinos don’t feature a vast collection of live baccarat variants as giants in the industry, such as Evolution and Pragmatic Live. However, players can still enjoy authentic and interactive gameplay. Speaking of variants, XPG offers Fast Baccarat, VIP Gold Baccarat, and Standard Baccarat. Read on to find out what each variant entails. 

Standard Baccarat

The Live Baccarat is the standard version of the game, and it follows the traditional rules as you know them. This version is available in various online casino lobbies that stock XPG games. You’ll see them denoted as Baccarat 1. The standard version uses eight decks of 52 cards. In addition to the main bets, you can choose side bets, which include Super 6, Player Pair, and Banker Pair. 

The game has the usual features of a live dealer game. They include a professional croupier to guide players through the action. Speaking of the table, you will see the different types of bets, which include Player, Banker, Tie, and Super Six. When the wagering window opens, you can choose your preferred bet by clicking on the respective bet to place a wager. 

You will know the wagering window opens when a timer starts counting down (20 seconds). This timer is visible at the top right and is in green when counting down. Once the window closes, the timer will turn red, and players can no longer place their bets. Depending on your internet connection, the game is streamed live in different video quality. You can choose from three qualities: HD, Hi, and Lo. The cameras provide viewing angles, a close-up, and a head-on view. 

The standard baccarat game comes in two versions. But the biggest difference is in the bet range. One caters to high rollers, allowing players to place bets between $30 and $3000. On the other hand, players on a budget will find the $15 to $1500 range quite accommodative. 

Fast Baccarat

Fast Baccarat by XPG follows the same rules as the standard option. That means you have eight decks of 52 cards, but this game has one distinct difference. That is in the time spent to place bets and the duration of game rounds. 

In the standard version, players have 20 seconds to place their bets. However, you have half the time (10 seconds) before the wagering window closes when playing Fast Baccarat. The short wagering windows and game rounds are great for players seeking rapid gameplay. These game rounds last about 25 seconds, which increases players’ anticipation. Furthermore, with the reduced time for each game round, you will have little time to implement your strategy. As such, this version would suit professional players with sufficient game knowledge.  

The Return to Player (RTP) for Fast Baccarat by XPG typically aligns with standard Baccarat rules. The common RTP percentages for traditional Baccarat are as follows:

• Player bet: 98.94%
• Banker bet (after accounting for the 5% commission): 98.76%
• Tie bet: 85.64%

However, it’s essential to note that the specific RTP can vary depending on the rules and payout percentages set by the casino offering Fast Baccarat. Always review the game’s rules and the casino’s terms and conditions to determine the exact RTP for the version you’re playing.

VIP Gold Baccarat

In many VIP live baccarat games, players have high minimum and maximum bets befitting a VIP game. Furthermore, these games allow players to choose their preferred dealer or even ask the dealer to shuffle cards at any time. However, the XPro Gaming VIP release doesn’t feature these luxuries. 

Instead, the most significant change is a different studio with a gold theme. Everything else remains the same, including the two bet ranges ($15 to $1500 and $30 to $3000). The rules are also similar to the standard baccarat. 

XPG live baccarat side bets

Betting on the Player, Banker, or Tie is what many players often wager on. But XPG’s live baccarat games feature several side bets to enhance your bankroll and gameplay experience. You’ll notice that these side bets pay out even more than the main bet options. However, like in any online gambling game, the better the payout, the higher the risk you must prepare for. Let’s explore some common side bets you’ll encounter when playing XPG’s live baccarat games. 

Player and Banker Pair

The Player Pair is a side bet in Baccarat where you wager that the Player’s initial two cards will form a pair of the same rank or value. For example, if the Player receives two 7s, two Queens, or two 2s, you would win the Player Pair bet. To place a Player Pair bet, choose the designated area on the baccarat table layout corresponding to this side bet.  If the Player’s initial two cards form a pair, the Player Pair bet typically pays out at higher odds, often 11:1, depending on the casino and the specific Baccarat variant.

The Banker Pair is a counterpart to the Player Pair side bet in baccarat. With the Banker Pair, you wager that the Banker’s two initial cards will form a pair of the same rank or value. For instance, if the Banker receives two Kings or two 9s as their first two cards, your Banker Pair bet would win if you placed it. This bet also pays 11:1. 

Perfect Pair

The Perfect Pair bet is a side bet in Baccarat where you wager that the Player’s and the Banker’s initial two cards will form a perfect pair, meaning they will be of the same rank and suit.  For example, if the Player receives a 7 of hearts and the Banker gets a 7 of hearts, you would win the Perfect Pair bet. This is one of the more specific and challenging side bets in Baccarat.

The Return to Player (RTP) for the Perfect Pair bet can vary between baccarat variants and casinos. However, one thing is for sure, and that is the rarity of a perfect pair. Furthermore, the RTP for this side bet is generally lower than the main baccarat bets (Player and Banker). The RTP for the Perfect Pair bet typically falls in the range of 88% to 91%.

Super 6

The Super 6 bet is a side bet in Baccarat that adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. It’s also known as Punto 2000 or Punto 2000 Super 6. This side bet is particularly popular in some Asian baccarat variants and allows players to win big if certain conditions are met.

The Super 6 bet wins when the Banker’s hand wins with exactly 6 points. It also pays out at higher odds, making it more lucrative. Speaking of payouts, the Super 6 bet pays out 11:1 in XProGaming versions, but this figure could go to 15:1 or higher in other versions.

Live baccarat odds and house edge

The odds in live baccarat simply describe the probability of an event happening when playing your preferred version. You can start playing live baccarat with the knowledge of standard odds derived from a game using the standard 8-deck shoe. The Tie bet leads with the lowest odds at 9.51%, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering landing this option is less likely. 

Next is the Player’s bet, and if you place a wager on this option, you have a 44.63% chance of winning. The Banker’s bet offers the highest probability of winning at 45.87%. 

About the house edge, the casino has an advantage over the player, as outlined in every online casino game. Like the RTP (Return to Player), this figure is represented as a percentage but in favour of the casino. Simply put, this is the percentage the casino gets to retain. For the main bets, Tie, Player, and Banker, the house edge is 14.44%, 1.24%, and 1.06%, respectively. It’s worth noting that the house will not receive this figure in profits on every bet. Instead, the calculations are based on gameplay over a long period. 

Live baccarat payouts and RTP

Regarding the payouts, the Player and Banker bets pay out 1:1. But this is when you play the no-commission version. If you opt for the live commission baccarat, you must part with a 5% commission on winning banker bets. As such, this will reduce the payout to 0.95:1. But the Tie bet has the highest payout since it’s less likely for the game to end in a draw. Expect the Tie bet to pay out 8:1 

The return to player (RTP), similar to the house edge, is represented as a percentage in favour of the player. Note that this is also a theoretical number, and the numbers represent what happens when you play the game for a long while. Back to the RTPs for the basic bets, the Tie bet has the lowest RTP with 85.56%. The Player’s hand offers a 98.76% while the banker’s hand offers a slightly higher RTP of 98.94%. 

Live baccarat tips and strategies

Baccarat is a game of chance, and this is important to emphasise before exploring the different tips and strategies you can use to play XPG live baccarat. The tips and tricks we’ll share below are no more than that, and they aim to help improve your experience when playing live baccarat. With that said, you must understand the rules that guide the game as described earlier in this guide. With that done and dusted, let’s look at five tips you can implement. 

Avoid playing the No Commission Baccarat

As described earlier in this comprehensive guide, XPG baccarat has two versions: No Commission and Commission baccarat. The No Commission option eliminates the 5% commission imposed on Banker bets. But you might think this is a plus since you don’t have to part with the 5% commission. However, digging deeper, you’ll note that you will only receive 0.5:1 for a hand value of 6. 

Playing the 5% Commission version is better for one reason. A regular Banker wager has an RTP of 98.94%. On the other hand, no-commission baccarat has a lower RTP of 98.56%. This means players are better off playing commission baccarat since they will lose less money in the long run. These numbers only apply to the Banker bet and side bets. Ties and Player bets remain the same. 

Avoid ties and side bets

One essential tip for Live Baccarat players is to steer clear of the Tie bet. While it offers tempting high payouts (8:1), the odds of a Tie occurring are significantly lower (10%) than the likelihood of a Player or Banker winning. Analysing the risk-to-reward ratio shows there’s no point in betting on the Tie, considering the house edge comes to 14.4%. 

Placing bets on the Player or Banker’s hands provides better odds and a higher chance of winning, making them safer and more strategic choices. Of course, you can play the Tie and side bets for only one reason: to liven up the gameplay. However, remember you won’t play at full efficiency. 

Claim live baccarat bonuses

This one is for the bonus hunters reading this. Bonuses are always welcome for any player, and it’s one way to eat into the house edge. Of course, not always since the casino will always have an advantage. But how you use the bonus is what makes the difference. 

Making a tidy profit is the ultimate goal, and claiming bonuses to play XPG live baccarat games can see you rake a good sum at the end of your gameplay. But it wouldn’t be fair to leave it at that, claiming bonuses and playing. These deals come with terms and conditions you must satisfy. The biggest of them all is wagering requirements. Many online casinos don’t allow live dealer games to contribute toward a playthrough. And those that do allow between 10% and 25% contribution. Therefore, reading the associated terms and conditions before claiming any bonus is important. 

Relying on systems 

Risk of Ruin. This is what you could find yourself in. Betting systems don’t guarantee wins, nor do they increase your winning chances. But don’t get it twisted; betting systems offer several merits when playing live baccarat games. 

Let’s look at the Martingale strategy, which requires you to double your bet when you lose. In such an instance, you could run into serious bankroll problems if you enter a long losing streak. And while this is unlikely, it’s possible in the long run. 

And as mentioned earlier, these systems don’t increase your winning chances. Besides, the RTP remains the same regardless of what you do. 

Don’t rely on patterns or roadmaps

You might think that roadmaps offer some kind of reliable pattern you can follow to increase your winning chances. But that is more of a myth than it is factual. Many players believe that roadmaps help in predicting the next card. 

But this is nothing more than a gambler’s fallacy. For properly shuffled cards, you cannot tell the next card, especially not by basing your decision on previous rounds. As you’ve read earlier, the Player and Banker bets have just below 50% chance of appearing. That means there’s a slight chance one bet may enjoy a slight advantage based on cards already played through. 

Card counting would then come into the picture. But deciding to go down this road will only lead to wasted effort and little results. Religiously relying on patterns won’t add a strategic or statistical advantage when playing live baccarat. 

Conclusion

Live Baccarat is one of the simplest online casino games to learn and play. Furthermore, its popularity makes it a staple whether you’re just learning the ropes or a seasoned pro. Real money XPro Gaming casinos offer three main versions of the game catering to different types of players. However, as described in this guide, all versions offer exciting gameplay and tidy payouts. While live baccarat is simple and easy to play, it has rules, and you must understand them to have the best shot at winning. Thankfully, this comprehensive guide offers an in-depth explanation of everything you need to know about the game. That includes the different variants by XPG, how to play, odds and payouts, and tips on improving your game.