Baccarat 1 Live Review
Introduction
Baccarat 1 is a live baccarat table from Pragmatic Play Live with a 98.94% RTP on the banker bet as deployed at Chips.gg, offering a classic baccarat experience with standard rules. This table provides a straightforward rendition of the popular card game, focusing on the core gameplay without complex side features or rule variations. Players choose to bet on the Banker, Player, or a Tie, aiming to predict which hand will have a total closest to nine.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provider | Pragmatic Play Live |
| Game Type | Live Baccarat |
| RTP | 98.94% on the banker bet (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Decks Used | 8 |
| Commission | 5% on Banker wins |
| Main Bets | Banker, Player, Tie |
| Side Bets | Player Pair, Banker Pair, Either Pair |
Facts verified July 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
How It Plays
Baccarat 1 follows the traditional rules of baccarat, using eight decks of cards. The game begins with players placing their bets on either the "Banker" hand, the "Player" hand, or a "Tie." Once bets are placed, the dealer deals two cards each to the Player and Banker hands. The value of the cards is calculated: Aces are worth one, cards two through nine are worth their face value, and tens and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth zero. The total value of a hand is the rightmost digit of the sum of its cards (e.g., a hand with 7 and 8 totals 15, so its value is 5).
Further cards may be drawn according to a fixed set of rules, known as the "tableau." Neither the player nor the dealer makes decisions on drawing cards; it is an automatic process. The hand closest to a total of nine wins. If the Player hand wins, Player bets are paid at 1:1. If the Banker hand wins, Banker bets are paid at 0.95:1 (due to a 5% commission). If both hands have the same total, the Tie bet wins, paying 8:1.
In addition to the main bets, Baccarat 1 offers several side bets:
Player Pair: Bets on the first two cards dealt to the Player hand forming a pair.
Banker Pair: Bets on the first two cards dealt to the Banker hand forming a pair.
Either Pair: Bets on either the Player or Banker hand forming a pair with their first two cards.
These side bets are optional and resolved independently of the main game outcome.
House Edge by Bet
The house edge in baccarat varies depending on the specific bet placed. The following table outlines the house edge and corresponding Return to Player (RTP) for the main bets and available side bets, based on an 8-deck shoe:
| Bet | Payout | House Edge | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 0.95:1 | 1.06% | 98.94% |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% | 98.76% |
| Tie | 8:1 | 14.36% | 85.64% |
| Player Pair | 11:1 | 10.36% | 89.64% |
| Banker Pair | 11:1 | 10.36% | 89.64% |
| Either Pair | 5:1 | 13.71% | 86.29% |
As shown, the Banker bet offers the lowest house edge, making it the most statistically favorable main bet. The Tie bet, while offering an attractive 8:1 payout, carries a significantly higher house edge, making it a less optimal choice for sustained play. Similarly, the side bets generally have a higher house edge compared to the main Banker and Player bets.
Strategy and Bankroll
Baccarat is largely a game of chance, as player decisions do not influence the card drawing process. The primary strategic consideration is bet selection. Given the house edge figures, consistently betting on the Banker hand is the statistically soundest approach. While the 5% commission on Banker wins might seem unappealing, its lower house edge over time generally leads to better returns compared to the Player or Tie bets.
For bankroll management, it is advisable to set a budget before playing and stick to it. Due to the relatively low house edge on the Banker and Player bets, baccarat can offer extended play sessions for a given bankroll compared to games with higher house edges. Players should consider their risk tolerance when choosing between the main bets and the higher-risk, higher-reward side bets.
Comparison with Similar Tables
Baccarat 1 offers a classic baccarat experience. For players seeking a similar core game with minor variations, several other tables are available:
Baccarat 2: Another standard baccarat table from Pragmatic Play Live, offering an identical ruleset and math, often serving as an overflow table during peak times.
Baccarat A: An Evolution Gaming standard baccarat table, providing the same core gameplay and mathematical probabilities, but with Evolution's distinct studio presentation.
Baccarat Squeeze: This Evolution Gaming variant features the same baccarat rules and math but adds a "squeeze" ritual for certain cards, enhancing the suspense and visual experience without altering the odds.
For those looking for a baccarat experience with additional features, Golden Wealth Baccarat introduces random multipliers to payouts, funded by a 20% fee on all bets, which changes the overall RTP and volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Baccarat 1?
The RTP of Baccarat 1 is 98.94% on the banker bet, as deployed at Chips.gg. It is important to note that RTP can vary by bet type, and game configurations or builds may differ across operators.
Are there any side bets available in Baccarat 1?
Yes, Baccarat 1 offers Player Pair, Banker Pair, and Either Pair side bets, allowing for additional betting options beyond the main Banker, Player, and Tie wagers.
What is the difference between Baccarat 1 and Baccarat 2?
Baccarat 1 and Baccarat 2 are both standard baccarat tables from Pragmatic Play Live with identical rules, payouts, and RTPs. They typically serve as parallel tables to accommodate more players.
Is the 5% commission on Banker bets always applied?
Yes, in Baccarat 1, a 5% commission is applied to all winning Banker bets. This commission is factored into the house edge calculation for the Banker bet.
Does Baccarat 1 use a real dealer and physical cards?
Yes, Baccarat 1 is a live dealer game, featuring a human dealer managing the game in real-time with physical cards, streamed directly to players.
Conclusion
Baccarat 1 from Pragmatic Play Live offers a classic and authentic baccarat experience. With its standard rules, clear payouts, and the statistically favorable Banker bet RTP of 98.94%, it provides a solid option for both new and experienced baccarat enthusiasts. While side bets and the Tie bet offer higher payouts, understanding their higher house edge is key to informed play. This table focuses on the core appeal of baccarat, making it a reliable choice for those who appreciate the traditional game.
