Baccarat is one of the oldest and most popular casino games. The exact birthplace is up for debate – some say France in the 1400s, others point to Italy a few hundred years later – but there’s no doubting that this game has become an institution. From the buzzing Las Vegas floors to quaint Monte Carlo tables, to a plethora of baccarat card games online, this classic is timeless.
Baccarat’s simple rules make it easy to learn, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some intricacies to the game. The objective is to win by betting on the hand whose total value is closest to nine. Two cards are dealt to each hand, and the value is determined by adding up their values: number cards keep their face value, 10s and picture cards are worth zero, and aces count as one. A third card may be drawn depending on the total of the first two. If the total is higher than nine, the second digit is subtracted to get the final score.
There are three variations of the game, including punto banco, baccarat chemin de fer, and baccarat banque. Punto banco is the most common version in North America, while baccarat chemin de fer and baccarat banque are more traditional forms of the game. Regardless of which variation you choose to play, the most important thing is to stay focused on the basics. Forget chasing myths like card counting and miracle strategies; stick with the Banker bet if you want to maximize your chances of winning, set limits for yourself, and enjoy the thrill of a big win.
Despite its reputation as one of the fairer and more balanced casino table games, baccarat still has a house edge compared to other games such as blackjack or Pai Gow Poker. The edge varies based on player decisions, but optimal strategy results in a lower edge than other games.
While the house edge is slightly higher than other casino games, it’s a low percentage that doesn’t change over time, making baccarat a great choice for casual players and high rollers alike. It’s also the favorite game of James Bond, the fictional British secret agent created by Ian Fleming. The game has been featured in numerous films of the series, including Dr. No; Thunderball; On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; For Your Eyes Only; and GoldenEye. Baccarat’s popularity continues to grow, and it is now available in several online casinos and in the comfort of your home.
