The world of online table games has evolved rapidly, and now you can enjoy authentic versions of classic casino games from the comfort of your home. This is especially true for blackjack and baccarat.
Once exclusive to land-based casinos, these timeless table games are now available in live dealer formats, streamed directly from casino studios. The experience is so immersive and high-tech that it often feels more glamorous than playing in a Vegas casino. But blackjack and baccarat are very different, so which should you try first? Keep reading for a detailed comparison.
Blackjack Rules
So, what exactly is blackjack? For many players, it’s the ultimate casino game — a mix of chance and skill that allows strategy to influence outcomes. While traditional blackjack in brick-and-mortar casinos follows standard rules, online variants often offer additional ways to wager, such as side bets.
Also called 21, classic blackjack is played with up to seven players using a single deck of 52 cards. Modern online versions often use six or eight decks to reduce the effectiveness of card counting. Regardless of the variant, the goal is simple: build a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over 21.
A typical blackjack round unfolds as follows:
- Players place bets according to table limits (e.g., $5–$500 in Las Vegas).
- The dealer deals two cards to each player and two to themselves.
- The dealer’s first card is usually face-up, giving players information to base their decisions on.
- Card values are straightforward: 2–9 are face value, face cards are 10, and aces can be 1 or 11. For instance, a king and an ace can count as 11 or 21, with 21 being the immediate winning hand that pays +150 odds.
Players can hit (take another card), stand (keep their hand), split pairs into two separate hands, or double down to double their bet and receive one more card. When all decisions are made, the dealer reveals their hand, and winning hands are paid at ±100 odds.
With proper strategy, skilled players can reduce the house edge in blackjack to around 0.5%, making it one of the more favorable casino games over multiple rounds.
Baccarat Rules
If strategic thinking isn’t your style, baccarat is an excellent alternative. Known for its fast pace and simplicity, baccarat is often favored by high rollers. Minimum bets in Vegas usually start at $25 or higher, and a single hand can conclude in about 30 seconds, allowing for rapid gameplay.
In baccarat, players only need to place bets on one of three outcomes: Player hand, Banker hand, or a Tie. Cards are valued differently: aces = 1, 2–9 = face value, and 10s/faces = 0. If a total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts (e.g., 16 becomes 6).
The dealer handles the drawing of cards according to set rules. Bets are paid out as follows:
- Player: ±100 odds
- Banker: ±100 odds minus 5% commission
- Tie: +800 odds
Baccarat has a slightly higher house edge than blackjack, but it’s consistent because gameplay doesn’t rely on player skill. Instead, players can apply betting systems to maximize potential returns.
Overall, baccarat is fast, suspenseful, and glamorous — ideal for those who want excitement without complex strategy.
- Choosing Between Blackjack and Baccarat
- Both games are card-based, but your choice depends on your play style:
- Prefer strategy and skill? Blackjack is your game.
Want a fast-paced, thrilling experience? Baccarat is the way to go.
Or better yet, try both! At Live Crazytime, you can enjoy live dealer blackjack and baccarat online. Plus, online baccarat tables often have lower minimum bets than their land-based counterparts, making it easier for beginners to join the action.
