If you ask many gamblers what the oldest card game is, their answer would be Baccarat. Aside from being one of the oldest, it’s also one of the most elegant games, although it’s a bit of a mystery to new players and casual gamblers. This was James Bond’s game and is often gambled by high rollers.
Baccarat, pronounced bah-kah-rah, might seem like a sophisticated or intimidating game. But at its core, it’s actually a simple game of chance with clear rules and minimal player decision-making. Although it’s not as popular as other table games, baccarat is attractive to many players with its low house edges and fast-paced action.
Origins of Baccarat
The exact origins of baccarat is still debated, but most historians agree that the game is dated back to the 15th century in Italy. The name is gotten from the Italian word, baccara, which means zero. It refers to the value of the face cards and tens in the game.
The game went from Italy to France, where it was known as Chemin de Fer, and became a popular pastime among French nobility. It eventually spread across Europe, and different versions of the game evolved, including Punto Banco, which are found in online casinos today. Players can check out online casino Canada that feature Baccarat and it’s variants.
Baccarat eventually reached the United States, found widely in Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. Today, the game enjoys immense popularity in Macau, accounting for a lot of the gaming revenue.
How to Play Baccarat: Basic Rules
Despite the fact that baccarat looks complicated, the game is pretty straightforward. It features two hands, the Player and the Banker. The goal is to bet on which hand will have the total value closest to 9. If you believe that the two hands will end up with the same value, you can bet on a Tie. This is a pretty simple gameplay that is based on chance.
Card Values
In baccarat, Aces ware worth one point, cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, and 10s and face cards which are Jack, Queen, and King are worth 0 points.
Dealing the Cards
Two cards are dealt to both the Player and the Banker. The value of the cards is added together. So, if a Player has two cards worth 2 and 5, they get 7. But if the total exceeds 9, only the last digit is used. For instance, a hand with a 7 and an 8 equals 15, but is counted as 5.
Third Card Rule
Depending on the initial totals, a third card may be drawn for either the Player or the Banker. If either hand has a total of 8 or 9, it’s called a natural, then no more cards will be drawn. If the Player’s total is 5 or less, they draw a third card. But the Banker can decide to draw a third card depending on their total and the Player’s third card.
Winning the Game
In baccarat, the hand closest to 9 wins. Winning bets on the Player pay 1:1, and this is the same for the Banker except that it comes with a 5% commission. Winning Tie bets pay 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino or version.
Types of Baccarat
There are diverse variants of baccarat, but the three main versions are Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque. Nowadays, we also have new versions like live dealer baccarat.
Punto Banco is the most common version found in North American and Asian casinos. The casino banks the game at all times, and players make no decisions after betting. Chemin de Fer is the traditional European version, and here, players can act as the banker. It involves more player choice and is often among a group of players rather than against the house.
Finally, Baccarat Banque, where the role of the banker is more permanent and held by one player for the duration of several rounds.
Key Tips and Strategies
Although baccarat is mostly a game of chance, there are some strategies that can be used to improve your odds and decision-making. Some helpful tips to try out include:
- Bet on the Banker: The Banker bet has the lowest house edge around 1.06%. Even after paying the 5% commission, it’s still the best bet.
- Avoid the Time Bet: Although it’s tempting due to its high payout, the Tie bet comes with a high house edge, sometimes over 14%.
- Follow Banker Streaks: Many players like to follow streaks, like when the Banker wins multiple times in a row. Some systems advocate riding the Banker till it loses.
- Manage Your Bankroll: It’s best to set a budget and stick to it. Baccarat has a fast pace which makes it easy to overspend while gambling.
Baccarat in Online Casinos
The rise of online gaming and casinos has brought baccarat to a wider audience than ever before. Online versions of the game, including live dealer baccarat, allow players to experience the glamour of the casino. These platforms usually offer low minimum bets to attract beginners and casual players. Online casinos have more variations of baccarat like Mini Baccarat and No Commission Baccarat.
Conclusion
Baccarat is one of the lesser-known games in the casino, but its simplicity, elegance, and low house edge make it a hidden gem for gamblers. As long as you take the time to understand it, baccarat has something to offer.
