Are There Casino Games Similar To Baccarat?

Baccarat is one of the oldest casino games, dating back to the early 18th century. Thought to have originated in France, it was a game of the elite until it became more accessible and widely available. It is fun, exciting and interesting with its many variations. Both luck and skill play a role in baccarat, making it a popular choice for gamblers of all sorts - play here.

However, there are similar games to baccarat that aren’t baccarat. Casinos normally have wide selections of games. If you’re a fan of baccarat but are looking for something new and refreshing, then you could benefit from reading this article. Below, you will find information on some casino games that bear resemblance to baccarat. 

 

BLACKJACK

This classic card game is often referred to as the cousin of baccarat. The popularity of blackjack is a clear indication that the game is relevant, profitable and interesting while bearing resemblance to baccarat.

The objective of Blackjack is to achieve a higher card count than the dealer, but without going over 21. You compete only against the dealer and not against other players. The face cards are valued at 10, the Ace is valued at 1 or 11 (the best fitting number to achieve 21 is assumed) and all the other cards are at their face value. The best hand is Blackjack – when the sum of values of the first two dealt cards is exactly 21. 

•         A good mix of chance and skill. The skill comes in when the player can calculate the odds and possibilities relying on the visible cards. This is also commonly called “card counting”.
•         Blackjack is a relatively fast-paced game, which could be a pro or a con depending on the player.
•         A wide range of bets available online makes this game accessible and enjoyable for beginners and professionals alike.

 

SPANISH 21

This is a relatively new game that has only been available in the casinos for the past 2 decades. Spanish 21 is still gaining popularity but it is often discussed by blackjack and baccarat players. It is a game that deserves recognition and maybe even a play if it sounds like your kind of casino game!

Spanish 21 is heavily based on Blackjack and has a lot of the same rules. However, there are some twists that make Spanish 21 a unique game that puts the player in the advantage.

Here are some quick facts about Spanish 21: 

•     The game is played with 6-8 decks of cards of 48 cards each (Spanish decks);
•     All the 10 point cards are removed from the game! With no 10 value cards present, this rule might seem like a disadvantage for the player. However, a range of other rules compensates for the lack of 10s greatly. For example, the dealer must always draw on 16 or under and stand on 17 and over;
•     The player’s 21 always beats the dealer’s 21; 

The game starts off the same way that blackjack does: the player places a bet before the initial hand is dealt. Then, the normal course of action follows: the player can hit, stand, split or double.

Spanish 21 is gathering quite some following and there are specific strategies for playing this game. Blackjack and baccarat players are most often seen playing Spanish 21, a game that is similar to baccarat but also unique.