It's easy to play. In fact, readers will pick up the rules of baccarat and be ready to give it a go by the end of this blog.
From the game's variations to basic rules and lingo, this beginner's guide details everything you need to know to get started.
All About the Game
Baccarat (pronounced: baa-kuh-rah) has a highly debated origin story. No one can agree whether it is French or Italian, but the game has been around since the early 19th century, at least.
Since then, it's popularity has only grown. Baccarat is now one of the most played card games both in online and inside casinos.
But it's important to …show more content…
Punto Banco is the most common version played in North America, and it's the version covered in this beginner's guide.
Understanding the Baccarat Basics
Both physical and virtual baccarat tables seat 12 to 14 players. The irony? There is no number 13. This decision was based purely on superstition, as the number is considered unlucky.
Is that silly?
Perhaps. But then again, baccarat is a game based entirely on luck.
Each game is played using 6 to 8 standard 52-card decks, which are placed in a shoe.
No, not a literal shoe.
It's a term for a device commonly used in casinos. It eliminates manual dealing in order to prevent common mistakes and keep the game fair.
Sixteen cards from the end of this shoe, the dealer places a cut-card. It signifies the last …show more content…
If the value exceeds ten, then you simply subtract ten from the total sum in order to expose the hand's value.
For example, if your cards are 8 and 5, then your total sum would be 13. Subtract 10 from 13, and you reveal your hand's true value, which is 3.
If any of the hands total between 6 and 9, those players stand and no cards are drawn. If no one stands, third cards are drawn.
You can place one of three bets. Either you bet on the Player's Hand, the Banker's Hand, or a Tie.
If a player has a hand that totals 8 or 9, it becomes a natural win unless the banker has 8 or 9.
If the total between the banker and the player is equal, it becomes a tie.
The objective of this game is simple. Both the player and the banker try to get their hand as close to 9 as possible, and then the winner must guess which hand is closest: the player's or the banker's.
Now It's Time to Take it to the Bank
Unlike other casino or card games where strategy is a heavy component, baccarat is a pretty even gamble.
The banker is the only one with a slight advantage, as he or she always acts last. However, bets are placed before the cards are even dealt, making this game pretty close to 50-50