Baccarat Game Biz

Meet Mystical Gods With Thunderstruck

Microgaming has brought the world of the ancient gods to the screens for online slots fans with Thunderstruck, a slot themed according to the Nordic god of storms, Thor. Released in 2004, but still a firm favourite in today’s slot scene, players can enjoy thunder, lightning and powerful thrills on this five reel, nine-payline slot. The legend of Thor is brought to screens with detailed symbols like great bolts of lightning, drinking horns, a stormy sinister castle, rams, Thor’s hammer and fist and not forgetting the legend himself.

Special Features To Enjoy

From free spins and wilds to multipliers, Thunderstruck has a few special features to enjoy. Although there are only a limited amount of features to help with those winning combinations, this video slot provides good slot odds and a 96 per cent RTP. In the Thunderstruck slot, the wild symbol in the game is the Thor character. Thor replaces all other reel symbols except for the scatter symbol, which is the Ram symbol. If players get a winning combination while Thor makes his appearance on the reels than players’ winnings are doubled.

If players get three or more ram scatters on the reel, then they activate the entertaining free spins feature. Although players can enjoy free spins on most online slots on the market, this one comes with an added bonus with a 3x multiplier, which means payouts are tripled.  If a player only gets three rams across the reels, then a total of 15 free spins are awarded. The more scatters land on the reels at one time on Thunderstruck, the more spins are awarded.

Play Different Options Available

Players can experience this slot masterpiece at many of the online casino sites that have partnered up with Microgaming. If you become a member of the online site, you first have to download the casino software and then the game software onto a compatible device. You can enjoy it at home on your PC desktop or on the go on your mobile phone. If you’re not a member of an online casino site and do not want to download any software, Thunderstruck is available in instant play mode where you can enjoy spinning the reels in browser or by using Flash.

Players can enjoy this game in real money mode or free play mode, each one offering hours of online fun. If you’re new to slots and want to improve or create your own gaming strategies, want to explore and try this game out for the first time, or just be entertained hour after hour without spending a cent, then opt for the free play mode. If you’re a high roller and want to bet with real money, try out one of the real money versions. Even if you’re penny-wise but still want to experience all the thrills that come with betting for real money, then Thunderstruck slot is the perfect slot for you as can choose how many paylines you would like to bet on as well as the perfect wager amount according to your budget.

What To Look For With Thunder King Slot Alternatives

When looking for Thunder King Slot alternatives, players need to look for slots that boast the same, or similar, betting and payout structures, look and feel, and similar theme done to the same standards one has come to expect from Aristocrat. In particular, you’re looking for other online slot games that boast the ancient Greek theme and all that go with it, including Mount Olympus, Greek Gods and basically a slot that immerses players into this ancient mythology.

Players need to see the main character, as in the actual Thunder King himself. When it comes to the in-game thrills and rewards, these alternative need to feature in-game bonuses or free games and spins, much like the Thunder King slot. Alternatives to this slot can be played in free play mode or real money mode and can be found at many reputable online casinos.

Microgaming’s Thunderstruck 2

Created by Microgaming, Thunderstruck 2 is one of the best Thunder King Slot Alternatives as it boasts a mythology theme, but instead of being Greek, this theme is based on Norse. Just like Thunder King, this slot also has 30 paylines, but what makes this alternative even better is that it has 243 ways to win. Like Thunder King, Thunderstruck 2 also has fun in-game money boosters like free spins. While the Thunder King online slot uses thunder and lightning in its animations, in Thunderstruck 2 slot, lightning and thunder also influences gameplay.

Similar Historical Fiction

While Avalon 2 is based more along the lines of King Arthur and its knights instead of Greek gods, this slot certainly packs a mythology punch. Another recommended pick from the selection of Thunder King Slot alternatives, this slot from Microgaming has a similar betting strategy to that of Thunder King slot, as well as similar bonus rounds.

Some More Options

If you’re looking for fun and entertaining alternatives, why not try the Hall of Gods online slot game that returns players to a mythological world. One of the main similarities between this slot and Thunder King is the animated action players experience during the bonus rounds, when the main characters of each slot smash symbols to reward players. When looking through the plethora of Thunder King Slot alternatives, another option is the Pandora’s Box online slot which incorporates the exact same theme as the slot in question. Created by Net Entertainment, this slot features the same ancient Greek theme in all its graphical glory.  Although the themes are similar, Pandora’s Box is more focused on actual war and conflict rather than Greek gods and goddesses. This slot also features the same betting strategy as well as free spins.

Although sporting a different theme, Wild Rockets online slot can be considered one of the best Thunder King Slot alternatives.  Wild Rockets online slot is similar to Thunder King in that it also features many animations and explosions. Most importantly, it also features complete wild reels just as in the Thunder King slot.

Thunder King Aristocrat Slot

The popular developer, Aristocrat, has many popular and innovate online slot games under its belt and one such epically-themed slot is the Thunder King Aristocrat Slot. Offered at reputable Aristocrat partner casinos, as well as many brick and mortar casinos, players of all kinds can journey to the virtual land of Ancient Greece. Beautifully themed with Greek-like reel symbols, bolstered by streamline animations and stunning sound effects, against a vibrant blue background, this game is as immersive as it is rewarding.

Generic Theme Carried Out In Unique Form

Although ancient Greece may be seen on many online slots out there today, the Thunder King Aristocrat Slot was created in such a unique way that it stands apart from other slots within the same genre.  Not only do you get themed reel symbols, but when players hit a winning combination, animations come into play like thunder bolts sent flying across the screen, as well as tornadoes and lighting, among other animated in-game features. When to comes to reel symbols, expect to see the famous Zeus, gold helmets, winged horses, Greek princesses, Mount Olympus and a copper-haired Greek goddess. Even the common symbols like the Queens, Jacks and Aces are shown in a detailed and colourful fashion.

Massive Winning Potential

With five reels and 30 paylines, players can experience a multitude of winning combinations and payouts on Thunder King Aristocrat Slot. As a penny slot, with wager amounts suitable for those with a budget, and larger wager amounts suitable for high rollers, the payouts are determined by the wager amounts and paylines chosen. The paylines and bets are adjustable so players can choose anything from one payline to all 30.

This game has massive winning potential as it boasts a scatter symbol in the form of Mount Olympus. These scatter symbols award players with free spins, with the number of scatters on the reels determining how many free spins are awarded. If players get three scatters at one time across the reels, then he or she is awarded with 10 free spins, while getting four scatter symbols on the reels rewards the player with 15 free spins. Five scatters appearing on all five reels at one time awards the player with 20 free spins.

When five scatters appear on Thunder King Aristocrat Slot, this is when Zeus comes to life and uses his animated bolts to hit one of the scatters, which turns it into a wild and offers an even bigger reward.

Massive winning potential also comes in the form of the Tornado bonus, when Zeus turns one symbol into a wild and keeps it in place as the reels spin again, making for another winning combination. Sometimes, at any given time, Zeus will hand out a prize according to the initial bet placed.

Another feature making for fantastic winning potential is the Lightening Bonus game and the Snow Bonus game. The Lightening Bonus is activated when Zeus randomly appears on the screen and waits for the Thunder King symbol to magically appear on the screen, and awards players with a lightening reel. The lightening reel takes the purpose of an expanding wild. During the free spins round, if you get Thunder King symbols, then you activate the Snow Bonus game that gives a multiplier, ranging from 1 to 100.

Super 6 or Punto 2000 Baccarat

Baccarat is a card game that can be found at almost every online and land-based casino. The game requires a small amount of skill and a great deal of concentration for players who join the table. The most commonly played version of the game is called Punto banco. In this version, the casino takes the role of the banker at all times. Punto banco has also spawned a number of variations including Midi and Mini Punto. The latest variation of Punto banco is called Super 6 or Punto 2000. In this variation, the only difference to game comes into play with the betting and the payout structure.

How the Game Works

With Super 6 or Punto 2000 baccarat, the game is played in exactly the same way as you would play a standard game of Punto banco. Each player around the table places their bet on the table. In standard baccarat, there are three betting options. The first is a bet on the player to win, the second is a bet on the banker to win and the third is a bet on a tie. In Punto banco, the payout for a player win is 1:1, the payout for a banker win is 0.95:1 and the payout for a tie is 8:1. In this version of the game, the payouts and betting is a little different.

Higher Payouts for Banker Bets

In Super 6 and Punto 2000 baccarat, the three betting options remain the same. The difference comes in with the payouts. In this version, the player bet pays out 1:1 as well as the banker bet. This means that when players bet on the banker, no commission bet is taken off. The one exception is when the banker wins on a 6. When the banker wins the hand on a 6, the banker bets are paid out at 0.5:1. This means that players only get half of what they bet. The payout for a tie remains the same at 8:1.

Card Points

In all other aspects, Super 6 and Punto 2000 is played in exactly the same way as a standard game of Punto banco baccarat. Players bet on themselves, on the banker or on a tie. The croupier then deals each player two cards facing down and the banker two cards facing down. Players must use their cards to get the highest number of points possible with 9 being the maximum. Each card from 2 to 10 is worth its face value with the face cards worth 10 points and the ace worth one point.

Winning Hands

Players then total up their points by adding the two numbers and dropping the first digit. If either of the players or the banker has a natural hand the round is over and the bets are paid. In Super 6 and Punto 2000, a natural hand is a two card hand that totals 8 or 9. If no one has a natural hand, each player can request a third card in accordance with the standard third card rules. The banker also gets a chance to request a third card. The cards are then shown and the croupier will pay out the bets accordingly.

Punto Banco Odds and Strategy

In the world of casino games, online and land-based casino card games are usually reserved for players who want to test their skills. As opposed to slots, card games require a great deal of concentration and strategy in order to come out ahead. Baccarat is certainly one game where knowing the odds and having a strategy is beneficial. The dynamic nature of the game is perfectly suited for players with a cool head and sticking to a winning strategy. The most popular type of baccarat played online and in land based casinos is Punto Banco. In the notes below we are going to look at Punto banco odds and strategy when playing online and live.

The Three Main Baccarat Bets

For anyone who has not played baccarat, the game may seem a bit confusing with a lot of strange bets. The truth is that the betting in baccarat is actually quite simple. In Punto banco, there are basically only three bets that can be played in any round. In order to understand the Punto banco odds and strategy, the first step is knowing the bets. The aim of baccarat is to try and get the highest number of points with the cards that you have been dealt. In Punto banco, the game is played against the dealer similar to blackjack. However in baccarat payers do not necessarily have to bet on themselves.

Punto Banco Odds

The three main bets in baccarat are the player bet, the dealer bet and the tie bet. If players bet on themselves the approximate odds of winning are 5/4. The payout for a player bet is 100% of the stake. Dealer bets are slightly different. The Punto banco odds and strategy suggest that the banker bets are more favourable with approximate odds of 6/5. Banker wins payout 95% of the stake. The lowest odds in the game is a tie. The approximate odds of a tie is 9/1. With the lowest odds, a tie bet pays out 8x the stake.

Strategies for New Players

When a player knows all the types of bets and the odds of each bets, the Punto banco odds and strategy becomes a lot clearer. There are a number of ways players can reduce the house edge in Punto banco. If you are new to the game, the best way to get started is to play online for free and hone your skills before playing live or for real money. The golden rule for new players is never bet on a tie. As this is the bet with the worst odds, the chances of winning a tie bet are so extreme it is not worth looking at for any new player.

Reducing the House Edge

The Punto banco odds and strategy suggest that although the banker takes a cut, the best bet to place is a banker bet. The house edge in baccarat is one of the lowest of any casino card game. Players should also start out betting small until they get a handle on how the game is played and how the bets are paid out. One of the universal casino strategies that can certainly be used in baccarat is quit while you are ahead. Because the game is largely based on chance, being ahead is not always guaranteed. Players should always know when to leave the table.

Punto Banco Baccarat

For most casino enthusiasts, casino games can be broken down into two categories, card/table games and slots. Slot machines do not require any skill to play and can vary in their payouts. Card games on the other hand usually require a bit of skill and a great deal of patients in order to win. Baccarat is certainly one game where a player’s skill and mental fortitude determines the outcome of the game. Today the most popular type of baccarat games found at land based and online casinos is Punto banco. This exciting game is played in a similar way to blackjack where the player faces off against the dealer.

How Punto Banco is played

Punto banco is played at a classic baccarat table and has a space reserved for the dealer’s cards and a space for the player’s cards. In the online version of the game, the player’s chips are located at the bottom of the screen. Unlike Chemin de fer, in this version of baccarat, the player places his or her bet directly against the dealer on an individual basis. The game begins with each player at the table placing their bet in the designated spot. In the online version of the game, this can be done by clicking on the chips and placing then in the betting area.

Betting Options

In Punto banco, there are three types of betting options. Firstly players can bet on themselves to win, alternatively players can bet on the dealer to win, or players can bet on a tie. If player’s bet on the dealer to win, the dealer will take a cut of the winnings. Once the bets have been placed, the dealer will deal the player two cards facing down. The dealer will also deal himself two cards facing down. The aim of baccarat is to get the highest number of points with the cards you have been dealt, the highest being 9 points. In baccarat, each card 2 through to 10 is worth its face value. The Jack, Queen and king are worth 10 points with the ace worth 1 point.

Totalling your Points

In Punto banco baccarat, totalling up your points can get complicated. In order to determine your point number, players must total the number of the two cards and drop the first digit. For example if the player is dealt a 6 and an 8, the total is 14. If you drop the first digit the total point number is 4. In the online version of the game, the computer will display your point number. The first thing the player or the dealer does is check for a natural hand. A natural hand is any two card hand that totals 8 or 9.

Winning a Hand

If either the dealer or the player has a natural hand, the round is over and the payouts are awarded to the person holding the hand. If neither the dealer nor the player has a natural hand, the player can accept a third card. In the online version of Punto banco, the computer will determine if the player or the dealer has a natural hand and pay out accordingly. If the player takes a third card, the dealer also has the option of taking a third card. The cards are then revealed and the bets paid out.

Midi and Mini Punto Banco Baccarat

Baccarat is a card game that most people have heard of. Almost every online and land-based casino will offer baccarat in some form or another. The most popular version of the game found online and in most casinos is Punto Banco. In this version of the game, the casino banks the game at all times. This is in contrast to Chemin de fer where players take turns banking the game. For players just starting out, the easiest way to get started playing Punto banco is to play Midi and Mini Punto banco. These are essentially smaller versions of the game with lower limits and are played in a similar manner.

Smaller Tables with Lower Limits

With Midi and Mini Punto banco, the biggest difference is the size of the baccarat table and who deals the cards. The table size for Midi Punto is a little smaller than a standard baccarat table, with a maximum of 9 players. In the Mini version, the table is not much bigger than a blackjack table and only accommodates a handful of players. Besides the table size and who deals the card, all the standard rules of Punto Banco apply. The game begins with each player placing their bet on the table.

A Faster Game with less Players

As with standard Punto Banco baccarat, the betting in Midi and Mini Punto can be on the player, the dealer or on a tie. In a standard baccarat game, the players themselves deal the cards from the shoe. In the smaller versions of the game, the croupier will deal the cards, making the game a lot faster and a lot more player-friendly. The croupier will deal two cards to each player and two cards to the banker. In Midi Punto, the cards are faced down, in Mini Punto, the cards are faced up.

Calculating the Card Points

The aim of Midi and Mini Punto Banco is the same as standard baccarat. Players must try get the highest number of points with the cards they have been dealt. The points are calculated by adding the two card numbers and dropping the first digit. All of the cards 2 through to 10 have their face value. The Jack, Queen and King are worth 10 points and the ace is worth a single point. If either of the players or the banker has a natural hand, the round ends. A natural hand is a two card hand that totals either 8 or 9.

Midi and Mini Punto Payouts

In Midi and Mini Punto Banco, if none of the players or the banker has a natural hand, the players can then request a third card. The standard baccarat third card rules apply to both the dealer and the players. Once the players have requested a third card, the banker also has the option of requesting a third card. At the end of the play, the banker and the player reveal their hand and the bets are paid out by the croupier. Playing Midi or Mini baccarat gives players a good introduction on how to go about playing full Punto Banco Baccarat.

Chemin de fer Explained

When it comes to casino card games, Baccarat has to be considered one of the most popular of them all. This popular card game can be found in almost every land based and online casino around the world. With the introduction of online casinos, more people could access and play the game both for free and for real money. Today there are many versions of the game that can be played in casinos and online. For most players, the French version, Chemin de fer is perhaps the most unique and the most exciting version to play. The main difference between the French version and modern American version how the bets are placed.

The Table and the Players

With Chemin de fer Baccarat, six standard decks of cards are used in the game with 8 players seated at the table. The cards are shuffled before the game begins. In this game, each player at the table takes turns in being the banker. At the table, the player to the croupier’s right has the option to be the banker first. The game begins with the player acting as the banker setting how much they would be willing to stake on the next hand in alignment with the table minimum or maximum. Starting with the player to the banker’s left, each player around the table is allowed to match any amount of the bankers wager up to 100%.

Banker and Player Bets

In Chemin de fer Baccarat, if the first player wanted to completely match the banker’s bet, he or she declares “banco,” at which point no other players can join the round. If the first player does not cover the banker’s entire bet, the other players in order are allowed to cover any remaining amount. The player with the largest wager plays the round. The banker is then given the shoe and deals two down facing cards to himself and two to the player with the highest wager. This player represents all the bets at the table against the banker.

Card Values

In Chemin de fer, the card values are the same as standard baccarat. All of the low number cards 2 through to 9 are worth their face value in points. The 10, Jack, Queen and King are all worth 10 points and the ace is worth a single point. A natural hand is a hand of 8 or 9 with two cards. If the player or the banker has natural hand, they declare so and turn their cards for the tablet to see. If the player or banker does not have a natural hand, the player can then choose to take a third card.

Chemin de fer Payouts

After the player has taken a third card in Chemin de fer, the banker also has the option to take a third card. When the two hands are compared, the hand with the highest number of points wins the round. The croupier will then distribute the chips to the banker or the player depending on who wins. If the banker wins or the round is a tie, the banker stays the same, if the banker loses the round, the role gets passed onto the next player at the table.

Baccarat Rules

The game of Baccarat is popularly believed to have been invented in France. The casino game gained worldwide popularity and jet-entry into mainstream casinos after 1953 when it made several notable appearances in the first edition of the James Bond movie, Casino Royale. Further Bond movies and the Beatles Hard Day’s Night set baccarat up as a game for high rollers. Baccarat has a fascinating set of rules and betting options, making it popular today as an action packed online casino game available at every respectable casino site.

Rules and Regulations of Baccarat

Baccarat is a card comparing game. Unlike poker or blackjack, players have no influence on their hand when playing the most popular version of the game, Punto Banco. In baccarat players compare the face value of their cards to those of the banker, and during the course of the game only need to choose where to wager and the size of the wager. This means that, because baccarat rules are so simple, the game is thrilling and fast-paced. It also means baccarat is quick to learn and easy to play.

The game of baccarat has three possible outcomes. Either the player wins, or the banker wins, or there is a tie. The ‘banker’ in baccarat does not mean the ‘house’ as it does in other table games. The result of this is that during game of baccarat, players can wager on any of the three outcomes. Effectively much like betting on Black or Red at roulette. The payoff the same and is even money. As per baccarat rules, however, a win on the banker costs the player 5% commission that is paid to the casino, and constitutes the house advantage. The odds on the banker winning are slightly better than the player winning.

Comparing the Cards

With respect to learning the baccarat rules, the only part of the game that requires additional knowledge is the way the cards are added up during game play. The cards are added up according to the face value of the cards. The ace, however, is a 1 and all picture cards and tens are 0. The aim of baccarat is for the cards to add up to 9.

When the cards are dealt and added up, and the total goes into double figures, the single digit number, or most right hand number is the total. For instance, a 4 and a 9 add up to 13 and therefore the hand value is 3. In terms of totals, and given that the target is 9, hands with a low total are automatically dealt a further card. Baccarat rules vary slightly from casino to casino and game to game when considering what constitutes a low hand but in Punto Banco is generally considered to be 4. Similar to blackjack, a direct winning hand in baccarat consists of two cards adding up to 8 or 9. This hand in baccarat is known as a ‘natural hand’.

The Odds Favour Baccarat

Baccarat rules have made it possible for high rollers and experts to be able to appreciate the relatively low house advantage in the game. With the speed of the game and ease of game access, it is hardly surprising that baccarat is enjoying a fresh wave of popularity. After all, James Bond plays baccarat.