From sticky-floor California card rooms to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, Baccarat is one of the world’s biggest casino games. Its reputation as a high-end, high-octane game for the wealthy is well established, but a number of online operators have discovered that there’s healthy mass business at a range of price points for this game of chance.
The game itself is simple. Bets are placed on either the player or banker hand, and whichever is closest to nine wins. The players and the banker each receive two cards, which are dealt face up so everyone can see them. The value of the cards is determined by adding up their pips (the dots on a card that represent clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades): 9s are worth zero, 10s count as 10, while cards numbered 1 to 8 have their respective values and the ace counts as one.
If the total is above 9, a third card is drawn to determine the winner. If the first two hands produce a “natural” of equal value, a tie is declared. A score sheet is kept at the table, and the payout for winning bets varies by game and casino.
Its rich history dates back to medieval Italy, where it was a favorite pastime of the upper class and aristocrats. After moving to France, where it became known as Chemin de Fer (‘Chemmy’), Baccarat quickly caught on with the royal court and other nobles, becoming an enduringly popular game throughout Europe and beyond.
In the 19th century, Baccarat spread to Asia, where it was played by the royalty and nobility. It’s since become an internationally beloved game, attracting many celebrities, athletes and other prominent figures who have enjoyed its high-end appeal and sophisticated charm.
For most people, though, a visit to a live baccarat table is the only opportunity they’ll ever get to play this game. And it’s no wonder: Baccarat offers some of the best odds in a casino, with the house edge lower than that of most other table games.
While the game’s rules vary slightly depending on whether it is played as punto banco, chemmy or baccarat banque, the basic principles are identical. Players wager against the house, placing bets on a hand, either Player or Banker, that will have a total closer to nine than the other. The game is usually played with eight decks, but some variants use different numbers of cards.
Aside from the simple betting options, baccarat is one of very few casino games in which skill can make a difference. Using an advanced strategy, such as card counting, can help players reduce the game’s house edge by a significant amount. However, this requires a lot of practice and is not for the clueless copycat. But if you are willing to work hard, a little luck and some determination can turn Baccarat into a winning machine for you. So what are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at six tips for playing this game.
