Baccarat is one of the most popular casino table games in the world, and for good reason. It’s simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. Plus, the game offers some of the best odds in the casino (along with a few interesting side bets).
The dealer hands out two cards for each gaming space at the Baccarat table—the player’s spot and the banker’s spot—and players place their bets before the cards are dealt. Then, whoever’s hand totals closest to 9 wins! The game is played with a fixed number of decks—usually eight, but some casinos use only six. Players can bet on either the player’s or banker’s hand, but if they choose to bet on the banker’s, they pay a commission (which varies by casino) because the banker is expected to win more often than the player’s hand.
Some believe that baccarat was first invented in the 1500s in Rome, Italy, by Felix Falguiere. Falguiere named the game “baccara,” which means zero in Italian, in reference to the fact that tens, jacks, and queens are worth nothing. Later, the game made its way to France and became a favorite pastime for royalty and high-end society.
As the game spread across Europe and Asia, baccarat made its way into the United States in the 19th century and quickly became a hit. The American version of the game, known as punto banco or chemin de fer, is a little different from its European predecessors, but the rules are still the same: Bet on the Player or Banker’s hand to win, and hope that the final digit of the combined pips on their cards comes closest to nine.
There are a few things to keep in mind when playing baccarat: First, don’t be afraid to go for the big bets. It is not uncommon to see high rollers betting $100,000 per hand in Macau or Singapore. But don’t get too carried away; there are some very low limits available for those who prefer a lower risk/reward ratio.
Most baccarat players aren’t counting cards, but some do track outcomes on small cheat sheets. This isn’t foolproof and it does have some disadvantages, but it can help them learn patterns in the game, which can lead to better betting decisions.
In addition to betting on a player, a banker, or a tie, baccarat allows players to bet on a “Player Pair,” which is a wager that the player will receive identical cards on the deal. This wager pays 11:1 odds. Depending on the establishment or platform, there are also other side bets that can be placed in baccarat. These bets vary by location and have varying odds, but generally include the Player Pair, Banker Pair, and Tie.