The origin of the baccarat is connected to the Italian history of 200 years ago and it’s derived from an awful religious tradition. The ancient version of the game was more of a life or death situation. Today it is completely a different story.
The game has transformed into a fun game. It is not only entertaining to play, but very straightforward as well. Interestingly, baccarat is still relatively new in America and struggling to compete with the popularity of roulette and blackjack.
There are multiple reasons for baccarat not making its name in the U.S. market. It could be because of a high betting limit or high house edges. However, this does not mean that baccarat is redundant. In many parts of the world, the game is popular, and since its online availability, many new enthusiasts like to play this game.
What is baccarat?
Baccarat is a card game also known as a game of chance. In this game, you receive only 2 or 3 cards, and the one with the highest score wins.
Its simplicity makes the game easy to learn and fun to play. As there are only three bets, that gives a 33% chance of winning. Especially for new players who are learning how to play online casino games, baccarat is the best place to start.
The object of the game is to guess the winning hand. There are two hands, the banker and the player. The hand with the highest points out of 9 is called a winning hand.
Elements of the game
Table: depending on the version, there are 7 to 14 seats. Only two hands are distributed, one for the banker and the other for the player. Players don’t get the cards as their only aim is to bet.
Betting area: each player gets a betting area with three options only: Tie, Banker, and Player.
Dealer: there is a dealer in this game, who starts the game by distributing cards.
Commission box: the dealer takes a 5% commission on the banker’s hand. The dealer keeps a check on the players who owe a commission to the dealer.
The point system
In baccarat, the points differ from most games. The nine is the highest score irrespective of a card. Also, the value of a hand cannot be higher than nine.
The face and ten cards are valued at zero. While the cards valuing 2-9 are worth their face value, and the aces are worth one.
How the points are added up?
As mentioned, the highest score is 9. So, the points are sorted in essence to that. When you receive a hand, upon adding, the points will be in double digits. For example, if the total is 10, 15, or 16, you simply remove the first digit, and the second digit will be your score. In this case, your total would be 0, 5, and 6. The hand closest to 9 wins the bet.
How to play baccarat?
1. Start with a game plan
- Budget
Before starting the play, you need to set a budget. It may be one of the easiest casino games, but you do not want to get carried away. Decide the money you’re willing to spend. Consider it as an expense and play the game without expectations of winning.
- Cash only
It may sound cliché, but play baccarat with cash only. Never use your credit card because, in the end, it is a game of chance.
- Winning limit
The luck can change in a jiff. Set your winning limit and once it hits the limit, walk away. Do not prolong in greed of doubling or tripling your money. It is no fun when you start losing.
2. Make a bet
The bets are made before the cards are dealt. It is a guessing game, and you have only three options to choose from.
- Banker’s hand
If you think the banker’s hand would win, place your bet on it. It pays evenly. If you bet $20 and win, you will receive $20 after deducting the dealer’s commission.
- Player’s hand
It also pays evenly, similar to the banker’s hand. But there is no commission, and you get the entire amount.
- Tie
It is the worst of them all. No one recommends betting on a tie. The odds are unfavorable, and the house wins the most. However, a winning bet on a tie pays 8:1.
How is the round played?
After all the bets are placed, the dealer deals with four cards in total. The first card is placed in the player’s box then the next card is placed in the banker’s box. It is repeated until both boxes have two cards each.
When the total of two cards is 8 or 9 on either player’s or banker’s hand, it is called a natural win. The closest to 9 wins, the round is over, and all bets are paid.
If the total is not closest to 8 or 9, then a third card is drawn. The conditions vary for both the player and the banker. The baccarat rules are clear on drawing the third card. The player always goes first.