EZ Baccarat is a specific and popular brand of No Commission Baccarat. It removes the 5% commission on winning Banker bets, but with a unique catch: if the Banker wins with a three-card total of 7, the Banker bet is a “push” or a tie, and the wager is returned. This version is famous for its two popular side bets, the Dragon 7 (betting on the Banker’s three-card 7 win) and the Panda 8 (betting on the Player’s three-card 8 win).
The Core Concept: Baccarat Without the Hassle
Like other No Commission variants, EZ Baccarat was created to streamline the classic game. By eliminating the 5% commission on Banker wins, the game becomes faster and psychologically simpler for players. There’s no need for the dealer to track owed commission, and payouts on most Banker wins are a clean 1:1. This creates a more fluid and, as the name suggests, “easy” playing experience. However, this simplicity is balanced by a single, crucial rule that defines the game.
The Golden Rule: The Pushing Three-Card Banker 7
The foundation of EZ Baccarat is its unique “catch” that replaces the traditional commission. This rule is very specific:
If the Banker hand wins with a three-card total of 7, all bets on the Banker are a “push.”
A “push” means the bet is neither a win nor a loss. Your original stake is simply returned to you. It’s essential to note the specifics of this rule:
It must be a Banker win. If the Player wins with a 7, the rule does not apply.
It must be a three-card hand. If the Banker wins with a two-card total of 7 (a Natural 7), it is a regular win and pays 1:1.
The total must be exactly 7. A Banker win with any other total pays a standard 1:1.
This single rule is how the house retains its mathematical edge. While seemingly rare, this outcome occurs frequently enough to make the game profitable for the casino over the long term.
The Main Attraction: The Dragon 7 Side Bet
The true heart of EZ Baccarat lies in its exciting and lucrative side bets, which turn the game’s “catch” into a winning opportunity. The most famous of these is the Dragon 7.
How to Win the Dragon 7
A Dragon 7 bet is a wager that the Banker will win the hand with a three-card total of exactly 7. This is the exact same outcome that causes the main Banker bet to push.
The 40:1 Payout
The allure of the Dragon 7 is its massive payout. A winning Dragon 7 bet is typically paid at 40 to 1. This means a $10 bet could return a $400 profit, transforming a potentially frustrating “push” on the main game into a huge win.
The House Edge and Strategy
Like most high-payout side bets, the Dragon 7 carries a significant house edge, typically around 7.61%. This is much higher than the main game’s bets. Strategically, the Dragon 7 should be treated as a high-risk, high-reward wager. It is not a statistically “good” bet for long-term play, but its potential for a massive payout provides a level of excitement that many players seek.
The Second Star: The Panda 8 Side Bet
Complementing the Dragon 7 is another unique side bet that adds winning potential to the Player side of the table: the Panda 8.
How to Win the Panda 8
A Panda 8 bet is a wager that the Player will win the hand with a three-card total of exactly 8.
The 25:1 Payout
While not as high as the Dragon 7, the Panda 8 still offers a very attractive payout, typically 25 to 1. This provides a second, independent opportunity for a large win on any given hand, regardless of what happens with the Banker’s total.
The House Edge and Strategy
The house edge on the Panda 8 is even higher than the Dragon 7, sitting at approximately 10.19%. This places it firmly in the category of a “fun” or “lottery-style” bet. Players are wagering a small amount for the chance at a big return, understanding that the statistical odds are heavily in the casino’s favor.
How EZ Baccarat Compares to Other Versions
Compared to traditional Baccarat, EZ Baccarat is faster and psychologically simpler due to the lack of commission. Compared to other No Commission versions like Super 6 (which pays 0.5:1 on a Banker 6 win), the “push” rule feels less like a loss to many players. The main difference, however, is the focus. While traditional Baccarat is a game of grinding out small advantages, EZ Baccarat is a game defined by the thrill of its high-payout side bets.
Conclusion: A Game of Exciting Side Bets
EZ Baccarat has earned its popularity by offering a streamlined, commission-free Baccarat experience with a thrilling twist. While the “pushing 7” rule is its mechanical foundation, the game’s soul lies in the chase for the Dragon 7 and Panda 8. It successfully transforms the main game’s “catch” into the player’s greatest opportunity for a massive payout. For players who value fast-paced action and the excitement of high-reward side bets, EZ Baccarat is a perfect fit.