Poker and baccarat are two of the most popular and enduring casino and card games of all time. Poker, with its intensive, long-play setup and social aspects, and baccarat, with its quick-play setup and unique rules, appeal to different audiences and players. Therefore, have you ever thought about which of the two games might appeal to you the most?
At Tonybet, we have lots of different online and live casino tables for you to explore. However, before you dive in and start picking up cards, it’s important to get a feel for how each game works, what’s expected from you, and what you can expect from their outcomes.
In this guide, we give you a rundown of how poker and baccarat work, what the main differences are between the games, and which of the two is most likely to match your playing style.
Explore stacks of table games at Tonybet!
Understanding poker
Poker is a popular but often complex casino game that’s played between multiple players at once. The aim of poker, ultimately, is to beat all other players with the strongest possible hand, or to convince everyone that you’ve got a stronger hand than theirs.
As well as keeping a keen eye out for the different card combinations available, you’ll need to:
- Learn how to bluff and when to pretend you have a strong hand.
- Understand when to fold (surrender your bet) and when to keep playing.
- Appreciate the different movements in the game and the parts they have to play in the endgame.
It’s entirely possible to win a game of poker with a weaker hand than most. However, many players will aim to hold flushes (cards in the same suit) or straights (cards in order) to try to win the game. There are stronger hands, of course, but these tend to be popular!
By the final round, you’ll need to reveal your cards – if you think you’ll get called out for bluffing along the way, it might not be worth carrying a weak hand along for too long!
Poker can be an incredibly varied game with lots of different play styles available, but that doesn’t make it difficult to get into. Learning the different card combinations and game points is crucial – just be willing to put some time aside to build up knowledge.
Of course, there are variations on poker that just boil down to you and the dealer – take a look around Tonybet and see for yourself!
Understanding baccarat
Baccarat is a simple two-person game played between you and the dealer. The aim is to bet on whether you think your hand, or the dealer’s hand, will get closer to a total of nine as they are drawn.
While there are different twists to the game, such as rules regarding when the dealer can take another card, this really is the crux of how baccarat works. You do not necessarily bet on whether you get closer to the total of nine, but on which of you will do so. You can even bet on tie games in some cases.
This means that baccarat, as a game, is:
- Often fast-paced.
- Well-liked by casino-goers who prefer quick wagers.
- Open to lots of different twists and versions.
And, if you’re following along so far, you’ll probably realise that there are some pretty major differences between poker and baccarat. So, let’s break those down.
Key differences between poker and baccarat
Here’s a quick table to help break down the key differences between poker and baccarat, and to help you understand which game is most likely to suit your play style the best.
| Poker | Baccarat |
| It’s a game of skill and cunning, not just luck | It’s a game of luck and chance |
| Some games can go on for long periods with enough players | Games are over in minutes, if not seconds |
| There are many different bets, moves and hands to keep track of | There are only three bets to remember – player, dealer and tie |
| It can take time to master, though it isn’t as difficult to learn as many assume | It’s simple to pick up in minutes, though there are plenty of different variations |
| You’ll often play with lots of others – it’s a multiplayer speciality | You’ll play one vs. one against a dealer |
| There are lots of different rules regarding raises, folding and different stages of the game | The dealer is bound to certain card drawing rules, but otherwise, the rules are straightforward |
| The house edge can vary depending on the type and table | It’s one of the lowest-edge games in most online and offline casino lounges |
Which game matches your style?
On the face of things, poker may seem more appealing because its prizes can often be higher than what you’d expect through a quick game of baccarat. However, this comes with the caveat of the game being much longer on average, and with there being plenty more rules to keep in mind.
That said, lots of players prefer poker because of the added challenge! The layers of bluffing and the social aspects of the game also help to elevate it from other card games for some casino-goers, and some even like to get better at the game gradually, learning new tricks and ways to bluff more discreetly.
Baccarat, meanwhile, is a game that’s largely preferred by people who enjoy quick, instant play. They’re the casual mobile gamers of the casino world, who might not have the time, interest or inclination to dive into longer play.
However, there are some players who even like both! Poker is an endurance game that takes a lot of stamina and brainpower. Sometimes, baccarat is a break in the routine for poker players who are looking for something that, while still engaging, offers less in the way of ongoing challenge.
It’s perfectly reasonable to jump between both games – and at Tonybet, you can! Remember, there are also simpler variations on poker that keep the core gameplay in place while slimming down its classic marathon runtime.
Tips for choosing your game
If you’re still unsure which game appeals to your play style the best, here’s a quick run-through of things to keep in mind:
Consider choosing poker if you:
- Like playing games with others.
- Enjoy challenges as well as games of luck and chance.
- Want to learn how to play a complex game from scratch.
- Have the time and interest to learn terms and strategies.
- Like the bluffing aspect of poker, and want to know how to get better at it.
Consider choosing baccarat if you:
- Prefer simpler games, usually with a maximum of two players.
- Want to play games that are quick to get into.
- Don’t have time to get into poker.
- Prefer games of chance over skill-based challenges.
- Are a casual player who keeps a close eye on their bankroll and playtime.
Of course, you might not fall into either of these categories! Just keep these checklists in mind if you’re having difficulty narrowing down your options. Otherwise, get out there and explore new live games and different twists on baccarat and poker!
Dive into baccarat and poker with Tonybet’s ever-growing games collection.
