The popular casino card game baccarat is known for its simple gameplay and low house edge, though side bets can add an extra layer to the game’s mechanics.
The Super 6 side bet falls into that category and is an option found in many live and online casino games, particularly in commission-free variants of baccarat.
In this article, we’ll explain the Super 6 baccarat rules, the typical payouts you can expect, how it compares to other side bets, and whether it might be a worthwhile addition to your baccarat strategy.
Baccarat Super 6 Explained
So, what is Super 6 in baccarat? In straightforward terms, the Super 6 side bet is a wager that baccarat players can make in addition to their main bet on the Player, Banker or Tie.
This optional side bet specifically predicts that the Banker will hit exactly six points, hence the name Super 6.
The Super 6 side bet is most commonly found in No Commission games, which are versions of baccarat where the usual 5% commission rate on Banker wins has been removed.
The side bet effectively compensates for that missing 5% commission by offering a separate payout when this rare outcome lands.
Standard Banker bets have a 1:1 payout – however, the Super 6 pays 1:12 due to its high-risk status, with the house edge set at a whopping 29.98%.
How to Play Super 6 Baccarat
Playing a Super 6 side bet in baccarat is relatively simple:
First, place your regular baccarat bet on Player, Banker or Tie. At the same time, you can choose to place a Super 6 side bet. The side bet only wins if the Banker wins the hand with exactly six points. If any other outcome occurs – Player wins, Tie, or Banker wins with a different total – the Super 6 bet loses. Other standard bets pay as usual in the meantime.
Super 6 Payout and House Edge
You’ll find that the Super 6 payout can vary from casino to casino, but as a basic rule of thumb, the most common pay structures usually work as follows:
12:1 (more common) 15:1 (less common, but potentially more rewarding)
Although it tends to vary depending on the variant, the Super 6 house edge usually hovers just over 7%, while the odds of a Banker landing a 6 to win sit at around 5%.
In standard baccarat, the house edge is just 1.06% for the Banker’s hand and only 1.24% for the Player’s hand. These are some of the lowest house edges in casino gaming – figures that bring into full focus just how risky the Super 6 side bet is in comparison.
Super 6 vs Dragon Bonus
The Super 6 and Dragon Bonus are both popular baccarat side bets, though there are key differences between the two.
The Super 6 side bet only pays when the Banker wins with exactly 6, while the Dragon Bonus, which applies to both Player and Banker hands, pays when a hand wins by large margins, big points spreads, or naturally (with 8 or 9).
When it comes to higher risk and potential return, Super 6 sets the bar. It’s more restrictive and has fewer winning scenarios, though when it lands, it lands big thanks to its 12:1 and 15:1 payouts.
The Dragon Bonus, meanwhile, offers players a greater degree of flexibility with higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages in many cases. Payouts for different Dragon Bonus side bets usually range anywhere between 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 and even 30:1 for wins secured by 9 points.
If you’re looking for more frequent payouts and a lower house edge, the Dragon Bonus may suit your tastes better than the Super 6.
Conclusion
The Super 6 side bet in baccarat can be an addition to your gaming strategy when used in the right way, but it comes with plenty of risk.
It gives players a chance to reap big rewards when the Banker wins with a 6. However, the side bet’s specific winning conditions and the lofty house edge of over 7% mean that this risky wager should be used sparingly.
Players who aren’t afraid of the variance will like the extra level of fun that the Super 6 adds to traditional baccarat. However, if strategic thinking and risk aversion are your thing, you might want to explore other side bets with better odds.