What Is an Ace Worth in Baccarat?

When an Ace is drawn, it will only be worth 1 point. It doesn’t alter as it does in blackjack, where you can pick and choose whether it is 1 or 11. With baccarat keeping the value at 1 at all times, the math behind the game is simple for players to follow.

What Are Number Cards Worth in Baccarat?

As highlighted, the number cards from 2 to 9 are all worth the value shown on the card. If you draw a 3, it will be worth 3 points to your total. If you draw a 9, it will be worth 9 points.

What Are Tens and Face Cards Worth in Baccarat?

Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all worthless in baccarat. They have zero point value and contribute nothing to your hand. It doesn’t matter what baccarat variant you are playing. This is the rule that is followed at standard tables and live dealer games.

Do Suits Matter in Baccarat?

Unlike in poker, the playing card suits have no impact on the hands that are dealt. In baccarat, you’re simply looking at the value of the hand, not the pattern of suits.

How Are Baccarat Hand Totals Calculated?

So, how are baccarat hand totals calculated? This aspect of the game can be confusing for new players, but it is very easy to pick up.

The Player and Banker will receive a separate total after the hands are dealt. These hands will need to be added separately to see which one is closer to 9. The hand that is will win the round.

What Is the Drop the Tens Rule?

Say you have a hand of two 8s. You’ll know that this adds up to 16, but in baccarat, this adds up to 6. This is because you drop the first digit when the total number hits double digits. It doesn’t matter what the value is; if you have 12 on the table, it will actually be 2, and so on.

Sample Baccarat Hand Calculations

If you’re still a little confused or want some examples of how the calculations work, check out the below:

• 7 + King: 7 + 0 = 7
• 9 + 6: 9 + 6 = 15, drop the 1 = 5
• Ace + 5: 1 + 5 = 6
• Queen + Jack: 0 + 0 = 0
• 8 + 4: 8 + 4 = 12, drop the 1 = 2

When Does a Third Card Come into Play?

A third card can be drawn in baccarat by either the Player or Banker, and this can often be based on a fixed set of drawing rules. This isn’t something a player needs to know, as games will automatically deal it where possible. However, it’s worth knowing that this can happen to avoid any surprises.

Baccarat is largely played with two cards per hand, which is why the game’s rounds move quickly and why so many can be played in a short period of time. Still, be careful to approach the game responsibly, as you may fall into the trap of spending more than you intended or doing so much faster than had been planned.

What Is the Best Hand in Baccarat?

A “natural” 9 is the best hand that you can receive in baccarat. This is a combination of two cards that add up to 9. This can appear in numerous combinations, and if it does, a third card cannot be drawn as the game comes to an immediate end.

If a “natural” 9 isn’t drawn, the next best is a “natural” 8. It may be referred to as “le petit natural” in some corners. Like with a “natural” 9, a round with a “natural” 8 will come to an immediate end if one is drawn.

How Do Player and Banker Hands Compare?

Remember, in baccarat, you’re not playing against the dealer, even though the terminology used would suggest otherwise. All you’re doing is predicting whether the “Player” or the “Banker” hand will win by finishing the closest to 9.

Each hand is dealt face-up, so you can see what’s happening in real-time. The two hands will have their values calculated, and the winner will be the one with the higher value. Remember, it’s possible to bet “Tie” if you think this outcome may happen.

What Happens on a Tie?

Betting on Tie is when you believe the Player and Banker will have hands that have identical totals. If this happens, bets on the other options will typically be returned as a push, meaning you receive your stake back without any winnings/losses.

A Tie is less frequent to happen in baccarat, but if it does and you correctly bet on this outcome, you can receive an enhanced payout because of its rarity.

How Much Does Baccarat Pay?

Baccarat payouts are straightforward:

• Player bet: Pays even money (1 to 1)
• Banker bet: Pays even money, typically with a small commission deducted from winning bets
• Tie bet: Pays at a much higher rate, commonly 8 to 1 depending on the table

Winning Banker bets typically incur a small commission, which raises a question most new players ask right away. The commission on Banker bets exists because the Banker hand statistically wins more often than the Player hand.

It is possible to find no-commission variants online.

Is Baccarat Actually 50/50?

If you’re wondering how fair baccarat is, it’s almost at a 50/50 split, though baccarat odds still favor the Banker slightly.

The Banker bet statistically wins more than the Player hand, which is why there is a commission deducted from winnings. This is due to the third-card rules that are involved, as the Banker gets to react to the third card of the Player hand, meaning they have a slight edge.

As a result, the Banker bet has become the most popular option for many bettors at the baccarat table and a common focus of basic baccarat strategy, despite having to pay a small fee. If you don’t want to pay a commission, you can find no-commission variants, but these will see payouts reduced in half if the Banker scores a 6.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baccarat Hand Values

What Can You Actually Control in Online Slots?

In terms of the slot’s gameplay, there’s nothing that you can actually control. You cannot influence the result of any individual spin. However, you can control the decisions you make, which can help you to better your chances of success. These include:

• Game selection: the RTP, volatility, and features of the slot you choose
• Bet size: how much you wager per spin
• Session length: how long you play
• Bankroll: the total amount you’ve set aside for the session

What Is RTP and Why Does It Matter?

One of the most important aspects of a slot game to know about before you even start playing it is the RTP rate. Standing for return to player, it’s the theoretical percentage of all wagers a slot is designed to pay back over a very long run of play. For example, a slot that has an RTP rate of 96% is theoretically designed to pay back 96% of all wagers over millions of spins.

However, this rate is theoretical, not a guarantee. For example, if you were to wager $100, it suggests you would receive $96 back. That ratio has been determined based on millions of spins, not just 100. Many players forget this and expect to lose just $4 over the course of 100 spins.

You should think of RTP as a way of comparing slots. Choosing a slot with a higher RTP gives you more theoretical value over extended play, and the number is almost always listed in the game’s info or paytable panel. Most popular online slots land between 96% and 97%, with some titles climbing close to 99%.

It’s a key number and one that you must know about before playing, as there are other games that offer a better RTP compared to slots, but perhaps aren’t as fun as they are to play for extended periods.

What Is Slot Volatility?

Another component you may have heard or read about when looking at online slots is volatility. Sometimes known as variance, this is a measure of how often the slot pays out and the size of its wins. There are three main categories, although slots can border on two different volatility levels:

How Do You Manage Your Bankroll Playing Slots?

Playing slot games requires strong bankroll management skills. If you can pace yourself and play conservatively, you can enjoy a much better session than those where you spend your entire bankroll within minutes.

At an online casino like Hard Rock Bet, you can play with smaller minimum bets than elsewhere, which helps prolong sessions further. Remember, you don’t have to bet big to win big.

How Do You Set a Session Budget?

You must decide on a fixed amount before playing slots, as these games can often be driven by emotional betting. If you have set an amount beforehand, it’s much easier to stick to it and know what you can afford to lose. It will also help you understand what your bet size should be and keep things fun.

What Is a Smart Bet Size per Spin?

Speaking of bet sizes, everyone has a different take on what the best size is. Some will set their bet size as a percentage of their bankroll at the start. For example, if you bet with $100, placing a bet of $1 on each spin guarantees you’ll place at least 100 spins (plus any that can be added because of wins returned).

It’s also recommended to aim to play between 100 and 200 spins per session, as this will help to keep things fun and give you a prolonged gaming session. High volatility games especially call for smaller per-spin bets, since you need to stay in long enough to reach the bigger payouts.

What Are Win and Loss Limits?

A win limit is a predetermined profit amount that triggers you to cash out, while a loss limit is the point at which you’ve decided the session is over. Setting both before you spin takes emotion out of the equation: you’re following a plan made with a clear head, not a decision made mid-session when you’re excited or frustrated.

How Do You Pick a Slot to Play?

Game selection is where strategy really begins. Before you commit to a slot, run it through a few quick filters:

Hard Rock Bet Casino offers more than 4,300 online slots, so there’s plenty of room to find a game that fits your style and budget.

What Does the Paytable Tell You?

The paytable is one of the most important parts of the slot game that you should look at immediately. It’s the instruction manual, showing how the slot works, what the payouts are for each symbol, and how special ones work when activated. The paytable will also provide information about the RTP rate.

What Are Paylines?

Paylines are the sequences or patterns that produce the wins that are triggered when you match symbols in multiples. Some games only need two to match to trigger a win, while most will require a minimum of three. 

Paylines can come in many forms: they can be straightforward left-to-right lines (or both ways), diagonally, or in other ways. Most games will allow you to click on the payline to the side of the grid to identify what they are, although you can also check these out in the paytable.

Newer games are becoming more innovative, with some skipping paylines entirely. These may use ways-to-win or cluster pays mechanics instead. Games with the Megaways mechanic are perhaps the most notable, as they can offer hundreds of thousands of ways to win from a single spin.

What Do Wilds, Scatters, and Multipliers Do?

Most slots will feature special symbols that can further enhance the overall game experience, with each often maximizing the win potential offered. It’s possible to find bonus buy slots at Hard Rock Bet Casino, where these games allow you to jump straight into the bonus round at a cost, instead of having to try and trigger these special symbols naturally.

So what are the special symbols?

• Wilds: substitute for other symbols to help complete a winning combination
• Scatters: trigger bonus rounds or free spins when enough land on the reels, regardless of position
• Multipliers: boost a win by a set amount – 2x, 5x, sometimes much higher

While some games will have these special symbols appear as part of the base game, many are often triggered during a bonus round.

Should You Play Progressive Jackpot Slots?

Progressive jackpots are hugely popular slot games, but they aren’t for everybody.

These types of games see a percentage of each bet made across a network being added to a jackpot that continues to increase until it is won. Once it has been won (usually on a random spin by anyone playing), it will restart. The top prize can climb into the hundreds of thousands or even the millions.

The problem for some players is that the base game can be quieter in terms of rewards. These games are typically of a high volatility level, meaning there can be lengthy sessions where wins aren’t earned.

You must decide whether the risk is worth the reward before playing. If it is, you should then aim to protect yourself by remaining disciplined with your bankroll and not chasing each bet because of the allure of winning the jackpot prize.

What Slot Myths Should You Ignore?

Unfortunately, there are many slot myths on the internet. Many of them sound convincing and are believable to those who haven’t played slots before, but it’s important you don’t fall into this trap.

Does the 5 Spin Rule Work?

The 5 spin rule says to bet small for five spins on a new slot and move on if it doesn’t pay. Since every spin is independent, five spins tell you nothing about what comes next. Using spin counts to structure your session is a fine personal habit, just don’t treat it as a predictor of future results.

Does the $20 Method Work on Slots?

The $20 method involves loading $20, trying to double it, and walking away if you don’t. The underlying idea of setting a hard stop is genuinely useful. Apply it with flexible numbers that match your actual bankroll rather than treating $20 as a magic number.

Are Slots Ever Due to Hit?

No slot is ever “due.” A game that hasn’t paid in a while is no more likely to hit on the next spin than one that just did. What feels like a pattern is recency bias; our brains are wired to find meaning in streaks, even random ones.

Do Betting Systems Work on Slots?

Betting systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after every loss) were designed for even-money table games, not slots. On a slot, that kind of escalation can drain a bankroll fast. Flat betting, or small adjustments tied to clear bankroll milestones you set in advance, is a far more sustainable approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Slots Strategy

Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Higher Reward

Inside bets are the bets that you make on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.

In essence, they involve the numbers directly, meaning you place a bet on the numbered grid. Although much riskier as they require the ball to land in the pocket you’ve wagered on, they offer the biggest returns. Still, the payoff is that they come with the lowest probability of success.

Outside Bets: Better Odds, Smaller Payouts

For a “safer” betting experience where risk is slightly reduced, you can place outside bets. These are the betting options on the edge of the numbered grid and cover a larger group of numbers in various guises.

These are bets that can win more often than inside bets, but as the probability of this happening is greater, the rewards are lower. Still, they’re worth incorporating into your roulette sessions, especially if you’re learning how to play.

Roulette Payouts and Odds Explained

You should aim to understand roulette odds and payouts to help enhance your playing sessions. If you know the maths behind the payouts and odds being offered, you can make “safer” bets more often, which can help you to preserve and protect your bankroll.

Here’s how the math works in practical terms:

Naturally, the higher payouts have the lowest chances of winning. On the flip side, the smallest payouts have a better chance of winning. At Hard Rock Bet Casino, you can enjoy flexible betting limits that allow you to experiment with your bet size and find the one that suits your gaming preferences.

Remember, not all roulette variants are the same. American roulette features 38 total numbers (1-36 plus 0 and 00), while European roulette has 37 numbers (1-36 plus a single 0). American and European roulette wheels are slightly different. Although there is one fewer number in European roulette, it alters the odds of an outcome significantly compared to the American version.

What Are the Best Roulette Bets?

The “best” roulette bets depend entirely on what you’re trying to accomplish and how much risk you’re comfortable taking.

For beginners and conservative players, outside bets are the way to go:

• Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): Hit close to half the time and are perfect for learning the game
• Dozens and columns: Offer 2 to 1 payouts with good portions of the wheel covered
• Combination approach: Mix even-money bets with occasional dozens/columns for variety

Experienced players and thrill-seekers often prefer inside bets:

• Corner and six-line bets: Provide good coverage with respectable payouts
• Split and street bets: A perfect mix of risk/reward
• Straight up bets: For players who want maximum payout potential

Hard Rock Bet Casino’s mobile platform makes it easy to switch between bet types and keep on top of your results in real time. You can start conservatively with outside bets and gradually work in some inside action as you learn how to play the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roulette Bets

Roulette gets a lot easier once you know how the small details work. These quick answers clear up a few common questions so you can place your bets with more confidence and less guesswork.

How Does Basic Strategy Change With Different Deck Numbers?

Basic strategy is a mathematically proven set of decisions that tells you the best move for every possible hand combination. While the core strategy remains similar between single and multi-deck games, certain borderline decisions change based on how many decks are in play.

The biggest differences show up in hands where the correct play is very close between two options. These situations happen because card removal effects are stronger in single-deck games, making certain plays slightly more or less favorable than in multi-deck versions.

When to Double Down

Doubling down lets you double your original bet in exchange for receiving one more card. The strategy for when to double varies between single- and multi-deck games, especially with soft hands.

Soft hands contain an Ace that can count as either 1 or 11. In single‑deck blackjack, basic strategy tends to be slightly more aggressive with some soft doubles because card removal effects are stronger, but the exact plays depend on the table rules (H17 vs. S17, DAS vs. NDAS). For example, with common rules, it’s often correct to double soft 18 against certain weak dealer cards (like 3-6), but whether you do this in single‑deck or multi‑deck depends more on the table rules than just the deck count.

• Soft 13-16: In many single‑deck charts, you double a bit more often against dealer 4-6 than you do in some multi‑deck charts, especially when doubling after splitting can’t happen, but the exact spots depend on whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
• Soft 17 and 18: These are classic ‘borderline’ hands. Some rulesets call for doubling vs. dealer 3-6, others only vs. 4-6, and some never double soft 17 at all in multi‑deck. Always match your soft‑hand doubles to a strategy chart built for your exact rules.

When to Split Pairs

Splitting pairs means turning one hand into two hands, matching your original bet. The decision to split certain pairs varies between single- and multi-deck games due to card-composition effects.

Some pairs that you should split in single-deck games become less favorable splits in multi-deck versions. This happens because the removal of your pair cards has a bigger impact in single-deck play, changing the math for what cards you’re likely to receive. 

Exact pair‑splitting strategy is reliant on whether doubling after split (DAS) is allowed and on H17 vs. S17, not just on deck count, so think of the following as general ideas rather than a universal chart.

• Pair of 2s: With stricter rules (like no doubling after split), many single‑deck charts split 2s a bit more aggressively (vs. dealer 3-7) than comparable multi‑deck charts (often 4-7), but with DAS, you frequently split 2s vs. more dealer upcards in both formats.
• Pair of 3s: Pairs like 3s show the same pattern: some single‑deck charts split them slightly more often against weak dealer cards than multi‑deck charts do under the same rules, but DAS can expand the correct splits in both games.
• Pair of 6s: For 6s, single‑deck strategy is often a bit more willing to split against a dealer 3 than multi‑deck strategy with the same rules.

Where Can You Play Single-Deck vs. Multi-Deck Blackjack?

Finding true single‑deck blackjack with good rules has become much harder, especially in retail casinos, and many remaining single‑deck games use 6:5 payouts or other rules that erase the edge from having fewer decks.

Online casinos offer more variety in deck numbers, including single-deck options that are rare in physical locations. Hard Rock Bet Casino provides multiple blackjack variations with different deck counts, all optimized for mobile play with lower minimum bets than you’ll typically find at retail locations. You can easily switch between single-deck and multi-deck games.

When you do find single-deck games, look at the rules as they can differ, as some tables may have different payout structures, such as paying 6:5 on blackjacks instead of the standard 3:2.

• Online availability: Much easier to find single-deck games online than in retail casinos.
• Rule variations: Single-deck games sometimes come with modified rules.
• Minimum bets: Online single-deck games typically have lower minimums than their retail counterparts.

Which Blackjack Game Is Right for You?

Your choice between single-deck and multi-deck blackjack should depend on how knowledgeable of the game you are about the game and how much enjoyment you want. You may find multi-deck games less intimidating because the strategy is more straightforward, and you don’t need to worry as much about tracking cards.

Multi-deck blackjack offers more consistent gameplay since the way the deck changes is slower. This makes it easier to stick to basic blackjack strategy without getting distracted by card counting considerations. The games also tend to have consistent, easy-to-follow rules, which makes them perfect for practicing basic strategy.

Experienced players who enjoy the mental challenge might prefer single-deck blackjack. These games reward players who alter strategies based on the hands dealt. Those who wish to use card counting may prefer single-deck, though even basic card awareness can help improve your results.

Single vs. Multi-Deck Blackjack: Differences at a Glance

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how single-deck and multi-deck blackjack compare:

Frequently Asked Questions About Single-Deck vs. Multi-Deck Blackjack

French Roulette Bet Types and Payouts

French roulette offers the same betting options as other roulette variants, organized into three main categories. Each category offers different risk levels and payout amounts, allowing you to customize your strategy based on your comfort level and bankroll size.

Understanding these bet types helps you make informed decisions about where to place your chips. The key is knowing which roulette bets offer the best balance of winning probability and payout potential for your playing style.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main betting grid. These bets offer the highest payouts but cover fewer numbers, making them riskier but more rewarding when they hit.

• Straight up: Betting on a single number pays 35 to 1.
• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers pays 17 to 1.
• Street: Betting on three numbers in a row pays 11 to 1.
• Corner: Betting on four numbers that form a square pays 8 to 1.
• Six Line: Betting on six numbers across two rows pays 5 to 1.

These bets appeal to players who enjoy the thrill of big wins and do not mind taking calculated risks. You can place multiple inside bets in a single round to cover more numbers while still aiming for a significant return.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger sections of the roulette wheel and offer better winning odds with smaller payouts. These bets are perfect for beginners or players who prefer more consistent action over big jackpot-style wins.

The even-money bets include red or black, odd or even, and high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers. Each of these pays 1 to 1, meaning you double your money when you win. The dozens bets (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) and column bets each pay 2 to 1, covering twelve numbers at once.

Outside bets become even more attractive in French roulette because of the special zero rules. When zero hits, you do not automatically lose your even-money bets as you would in American or European roulette online.

Announced Bets

Announced bets are special wagers that cover specific sections of the roulette wheel rather than the table layout. These sophisticated betting options add depth to your strategy and are easily accessible through Hard Rock Bet’s advanced interface. These wagers are made on the racetrack behind the felt’s main bets. At online casinos, these are made by clicking. At a live game, the dealer must place them.

• Voisins du Zero: Covers the 17 numbers surrounding zero on the wheel.
• Tiers du Cylindre: Covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero.
• Orphelins: Covers the 8 remaining numbers not included in the other two bets.
• Neighbours: Bets a number and two connecting ones on either side.

These bets require multiple chips and follow predetermined patterns that experienced players use to cover large wheel sections efficiently. They are particularly popular among players who want to bet like high-rollers without needing massive bankrolls.

La Partage and En Prison Rules Explained

La Partage and En Prison are the two special rules that make French roulette superior to other versions. These rules only apply to even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and activate when the ball lands on zero.

La Partage means “the divide” in French. When zero hits, and you have an even-money bet, you get half your wager back instead of losing it all. This rule cuts your potential losses in half on these bets, making French roulette much more player-friendly than American or European roulette.

En Prison means “in prison” and offers an alternative to La Partage at some tables. Instead of getting half your bet back when zero hits, your entire bet stays on the table for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, you get your original stake back with no additional winnings. If it loses, you forfeit the entire amount.

Smart Betting Strategies for French Roulette

Successful French roulette play starts with proper bankroll management rather than trying to predict where the ball will land. Set a specific amount you are comfortable losing before you start playing, and never chase losses by increasing your bet sizes dramatically, following responsible gaming principles.

Keep your individual bets between 1-5% of your total session budget to ensure you can weather both winning and losing streaks. This approach lets you enjoy longer playing sessions and manage the natural ups and downs of the game.

Consider focusing on even-money outside bets when starting out, especially in French roulette, where the La Partage rule protects half your stake when zero hits. You can gradually incorporate inside bets as you become more comfortable with the game’s rhythm and your bankroll allows for higher-risk wagers.

Why French Roulette Beats American Roulette

French roulette offers significantly better playing conditions than American roulette, primarily because of its single zero wheel. American roulette’s double zero creates an additional losing outcome that does not exist in the French version, giving you better odds on every single bet you make.

The La Partage and En Prison rules provide additional value that you simply can’t find in American roulette. These rules provide an extra layer of protection on even-money bets, creating a more favorable experience for players.

When you combine the single zero wheel with the special zero rules, French roulette becomes the clear choice for players looking for the best possible playing conditions. The game maintains all the excitement of traditional roulette while offering unique advantages and player protections.

Why French Roulette Beats European Roulette

While French roulette and European roulette both only have one zero, only French roulette has La Partage or En Prison. This means even money bets have half the house edge of the same wager on a European felt. All other bets are identical between these two games.

Comparing the House Advantages of Roulette Types

The three most common online roulette games are French, European, and American. The house edge for each game and specific bets is below:

Some Physical Casinos Have La Partage

You can find La Partage at some traditional casinos. All Atlantic City double zero tables have La Partage. The single zero games there do not. If you only play even money bets, you should choose double zero games when in Atlantic City.

In Las Vegas, European roulette tables are single zero games with La Partage, as the term French roulette does not exist there. Ensure the table is European before playing, as some single zero tables do not have this rule. It can be confusing if you are used to playing online, but all it takes is one question to the dealer about La Partage and you will understand the house rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Roulette

Ready to take your French roulette game to the next level? Here are some quick answers to the most common questions players have before they hit the table.