Blackjack Versus Baccarat: Which Table Game is Better?

Comparing Blackjack and Baccarat: Explained

Casino lovers enjoy table games because they often require skills and some strategy. Among table games, there is a constant battle between blackjack and baccarat; which is the king of card games? Although they might be somewhat similar, they have their differences. In this guide, we will introduce the concepts of blackjack and baccarat. After that, we will compare them to help players choose which game suits their style.

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is also known as vingt-et-un (twenty-one) and is one of the most popular card games. The game uses a model with a standard deck of 52 cards. The origins of blackjack can be traced to 17th-century Europe. The game spread to the United States in the early 1800s. It has now become a popular game at both land-based and online casinos.

Blackjack’s game structure is simple. All that is required of a player is to have a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. The hand held by the player must not exceed 21.

Basic Rules of Blackjack

Each card at the blackjack table has a point value;

Numbered cards 2-10: Worth their face value

King, Queens, and Jacks: Worth 10 points each

Aces: Worth either 1 or 11 points (The point value is dependent on the player’s hand)

Once the bets are locked in, the dealer deals two cards for everyone at the table, dealer inclusive. The dealer then reveals one of his two cards (dealt face up). Players have the subsequent options to select from;

Hit: This is a request for an additional card to increase the initial hand’s value. A player has the liberty to “Hit” until they reach 21. If the player exceeds 21 (bust), they automatically lose

Stand: A decision to hold on to the hand dealt

Double Down: The player doubles the initial bet and accepts an extra card

Split: This option comes into play when a player has two cards of the same value. A split move separates the cards into two hands. Therefore, the bet is double, and each hand is played individually

Surrender: At this point, the player forfeits half of their bet and folds their hand. This only occurs in certain blackjack variants

After everyone seated at the table makes a decision, the dealer reveals the second card. If the dealer’s hand equals 16 or less, they draw an additional card. This will continue until the total hand is 17 or more.

If the dealer busts, the players win

If the dealer does not bust, players with hands closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand win

Variations of Blackjack

Today, there are several blackjack variants at casinos with slight rule changes. Here are three popular variations;

European Blackjack: The dealer only receives one face-up card until all players have completed their hands

Spanish 21: All 10-value cards are removed from the deck

Blackjack Switch: Players are dealt two hands and can switch cards between the hands

What is Baccarat?

Baccarat is one of the most popular and elegant casino games played with a standard deck of 52 cards. In most casino versions, the game requires six to eight decks.

Although the origin of baccarat is disputed, the game can be traced back to the 19th century. France and Italy are the two main countries associated with the game’s creation. The game was structured to compare cards between two hands; the player and the banker. Each round of play results in a win for the player or the banker or a tie.

Key Features of Baccarat

House Edge	1.06% for the banker bet 1.24% for the player bet
Skill Level	Low
Payouts	Banker and player bets pay 1:1. The Banker bet typically has a 5% commission Tie bets usually pay 8:1 or 9:1
Game Pace	A bit slow

The Objective of the Game

The goal in baccarat is to bet on which of two hands—the Player’s or the Banker’s—will come closest to a total of 9 points. The point calculation system is straightforward.

Number cards 2-9: Worth their face value

Tens, Kings, Queens and Jacks: Worth zero points

Aces: Worth one point

As stated before, baccarat is structured around three main bets;

Player: Betting that the Player’s hand will win

Banker: Betting that the Banker’s hand will win

Tie: Betting that both hands will have the same total value

The player and the dealer receive two cards each to begin the game. A third card might be dealt to either or both the Player and the Banker. However, this depends on the total value of their initial hands.

Drawing rules for the player

If the Player’s total is 8 or 9 – it’s a natural win. No further cards are drawn

If the Player’s total is 6 or 7 – they stand

If the Player’s total is 0-5 – they draw a third card

Drawing rules for the banker

The Banker’s drawing rules are more complex. The rules are dependent on the third card drawn by the player.

If the Banker’s total is 7 – they stand

Or if their total is 0-2 – they draw a card

If the total is between 3 and 6 – the Banker’s draw depends on the Player’s third card

Variations of Baccarat

Baccarat is a global sensation that features different versions at land-based and online casinos. Here are the most common baccarat versions available;

Punto Banco: Popular in North America, Europe and Asia

Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque: Players can act as the Banker

Comparing the Games: Blackjack and Baccarat

It’s time to weigh them against each other. For our comparison, we will be using five key metrics;

Skill and Strategy

House Edge

Game Pace

Betting Options

Social Element

Skill and Strategy

Blackjack requires a good strategy because the outcome of the game is dependent on the player’s decisions. For instance, the player needs to know when to hit, stand, double down or split. On the other hand, baccarat is a game of chance and is ideal for laid-back players.

House Edge

Both games offer favourable odds. However, blackjack has a lower house edge, around 0.5% to 1%, for an optimal strategy. The lowest house edge for baccarat is 1.06%, which is the banker’s bet. The tie bet comes with a higher house edge. This makes it a riskier proposition.

Game Pace

Split decisions that can impact the outcome of a blackjack game make it a breakneck play. Players at the table are focused as the action continues. Baccarat only involves the Player and Banker, so the game has a slower pace. The slow pace is more common in traditional settings because online casinos can adjust the speed.

Betting Options

Blackjack’s bet structure sees the players bet against the dealer. However, there are side bets in some game variants. Baccarat has three betting options: player, banker, or tie. This makes baccarat a simpler game in terms of decision-making than blackjack.

Social Element

Blackjack and baccarat are social games that require players to interact with each other or the dealer. Blackjack requires more interaction, as players have to call out frequent shots during games. Baccarat, on the other hand, requires little to no interaction as players mostly bet in groups.

Conclusion: Which Game is Suitable for Players?

The ideal game depends on the player. Both games are excellent choices for players who want to have fun playing casino games. Blackjack is probably the right option for those who prefer strategic games, while baccarat is ideal for players who enjoy simple and luck-based games. For players who want to explore any of the table games, PokerStars UK is the perfect destination. PokerStars provides different versions of both games. Players can test their skills with blackjack or relax and enjoy baccarat’s simplicity.

FAQs

What is the main objective of blackjack?

The goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s, but you must not exceed 21.

How do the blackjack and baccarat house edges differ?

Blackjack’s house edge is 0.5% to 1%, while baccarat’s is 1.06% for the banker bet and 1.24% for the player bet.

Which game requires more skill?

Blackjack demands more skill and strategy. Baccarat is mainly a game of chance.

Are there variations of blackjack and baccarat?

Yes, both games have several deviations, each with unique rules and features.