Dragon Tiger, also known as Dragon Tiger Baccarat, is the great casino live dealer game of Cambodian descent that was played first only in live casinos and has new Asian and online markets.
This live dealer casino game is a card game of chance whose origins lie in Cambodia, but it quickly saw the Internet and many Asian countries where it is getting more and more popular. It only seems like that at first sight indeed, when you just need to decide which hand, the dragon or the tiger, will be the winner.
How Dragon Tiger Games Work
Dragon Tiger games at SkyCrown Online Casino are played with a standard 52 card deck dealt from a shoe. For each round, three cards are dealt – one for the dragon, one for the tiger, and one that remains unseen in the shoe. The goal is to predict whether the dragon or tiger card will be higher. If they tie, the round is a push.
Some key rules:
- Numbered cards are worth their pip value. Face cards are worth zero. Aces are worth one.
- Wagers must be placed before cards are dealt for the round.
- The dragon and tiger hand wins with the higher card. Ties go to the house.
- After the three cards are dealt, wagers are settled. Then the cards are discarded, and a new round begins.
It’s an incredibly fast game, with each round lasting about 20–30 seconds before new bets can be placed. The simplicity gives it widespread appeal, but there are some additional facets that help shift the odds.
Side Bets and Additional Wagers
While the base game is straightforward, most Dragon Tiger games also offer additional side bets to give players more ways to win (or lose):
- Big/Small – Wagering whether the sum of the dragon and tiger cards will total 4 or less (small) or 5 or more (big). Pays even money (1:1).
- Odd/Even – Betting on whether the sum of the two cards will be odd or even. Also pays 1:1.
- Suits – Choosing whether the dragon or tiger card will be hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades. Pays 3:1.
- Perfect Pair – Getting a dragon and tiger card of matching rank. Pays 25:1.
- Either Pair – Matching dragon or tiger card with the unused third card. Pays 10:1.
These side bets add some excitement, but the house edge is quite high at around 10% or more. They should be used sparingly. The main game offers much better odds.
Dragon Tiger Odds, Payouts and House Edge
The simplicity of Dragon Tiger’s core gameplay leads many players to assume the odds are 50/50. However, this isn’t the case once you dig deeper:
| Outcome | Payout | Probability | House Edge |
| Dragon Wins | 1:1 | 48.65% | 1.85% |
| Tiger Wins | 1:1 | 48.65% | 1.85% |
| Tie | Push | 2.70% | – |
With only a 1.85% house edge on the main dragon/tiger wagers, the odds are quite good for players. This compares very favorably to Baccarat (1.24%) and beats popular table games like blackjack (0.5% to 2%) and craps (1.4%).
The key takeaway – avoid the side bets and focus solely on the dragon and tiger wagers to get the best odds.
Dragon Tiger Strategy and Tips
Given the nearly even odds on the core game, Dragon Tiger strategy mostly comes down to bankroll management rather than gameplay decisions. However, there are a few tips to optimize your experience:
- Manage your bankroll – Set betting unit sizes of just 1-5% of your total bankroll. This allows you to endure normal variance without going broke.
- Avoid side bets – With a ~10% house edge, these are pure sucker bets. Stick to the main dragon/tiger outcomes.
- Play for fun – Dragon Tiger is one of the most fast-paced casino games. The non-stop action makes it enormously entertaining. Have fun!
- Take advantage of bonuses – Many online casinos offer bonuses specifically for live dealer games that can offset the house edge. Seek them out!
While no strategy can overcome the small house edge, keeping your wagers reasonable and avoiding side bets gives you the best chance to walk away a winner in Dragon Tiger games.
Appeal of Playing Live Dragon Tiger
Part of what makes Dragon Tiger so popular at live casinos in Asia and at online sites across the world is the lively atmosphere and social experience that you don’t find in RNG games. Players can chat with the dealer and other players, congratulating big wins and commiserating losses.
Seeing the rituals like shuffling cards between shoe changes and the physical act of uncovering the dragon and tiger cards builds suspense and draws you into this simple but wildly entertaining game. The community and energy of playing live brings Dragon Tiger fully to life.
For newcomers, checking the table limits and practicing for free first is recommended. But once you’ve learned the basic rules and strategy, Dragon Tiger’s lightning quick action makes for an addictively fun experience that keeps players coming back again and again. The social atmosphere and favorable odds are a winning combination.
So next time you see a Dragon Tiger table at your favorite live casino, take a seat and be prepared for non-stop entertainment! Just keep your wagers under control and see if the dragon or tiger prevails for you.