Baccarat is the number one casino game in the world and traces its history to gambling salons in Italy and France. Over the past thirty years it has become a popular choice for casino managers and gamblers alike.
The basic game is a simple two-player affair, where players choose to bet on their hand or the banker’s. The house pays out a payout of 1:1 on winning Player or Banker bets and a smaller payout on a Tie bet. The house takes a commission on the Banker bets (about 5%) and has a house edge of 1.24% on player bets.
In the first deal, the Player and Banker each receive two cards. They stand for a natural hand of 8 or 9, and draw a third card when they don’t have a natural. The total of the Player and Banker hands is compared to determine the winner. If the total is closer to nine than the opposite, the person who scored closest wins.
There are from seven to fourteen seats at a table, depending on the version and the dealer’s area. The dealer deals the cards and places a small chip in each player’s betting area. After the cards are dealt, players must place a bet on either the Player or Banker’s hand and wait for the dealer to complete the hand.
After the initial hand, the Player and Banker play each other’s cards according to the rules of Baccarat. The Player stands if his or her hand is a natural and the Banker draws a third card unless their total is less than 2. If the Player’s or Banker’s hand totals more than nine, the first digit is dropped from the score and the points value is reset. This rule applies to 10-count cards (tens, jacks, queens, and kings) as well as aces.
Baccarat is a high-limit casino game, typically found in high limit areas or in the casinos of Asia. It is a popular game for Asian high rollers because it combines the elegance of European games with the simplicity of American games and gives high-rolling casino customers an opportunity to make decisions on their hands.
The game is played on a single table, although some casinos have a double table. A table minimum is often required, and the games in high-limit areas can be expensive.
There are two main variations of the game: Chemin de fer and Baccarat a un tableau. In ‘Chemin de fer’, the dealer’s position is more permanent, whereas in Baccarat a un tableau, each coup is contested by all punters until a ‘banker’ wins or loses.
When the dealer’s hand wins, he or she becomes the “Banker”. He or she then puts down a stake of an amount equal to their half of the table and continues to play for that amount until the next hand is dealt.
A new player can get started with a free account at a reputable online casino. They offer up to EUR300 in bonus money, as well as 5 no deposit free spins. This is a great way to build up your bankroll and start playing real money Baccarat at home or on the go.