Baccarat is the casino game of choice for high rollers. It’s a game of elegance that conjures up images of men in tuxedos and women in cocktail dresses laying down chips on the opulent table. But don’t let its mystique intimidate you – it is an easy game to play and has a lot of fun to offer players.
The simplest way to explain the rules of baccarat is that the goal is to have a hand total that is closest to 9. A hand that ends in 9 or higher wins; this is why baccarat is often referred to as “the game of nines.” Players bet on either the Player hand, the Banker hand, or the Tie. After the bets are placed, two cards are dealt to each player & the Banker. The dealer is not a participant in the actual game – they only deal out the cards and collect the winning bets.
To make the most accurate bets, players need to understand the value of each card. All cards are worth their pip value, which is a number equivalent to the denomination of the card. Pip values for cards range from 2 to 9, with aces being worth 1 point, and picture cards like queens & kings being worth zero points. The ace of spades, tens, and nines are all worth one point each. The cards are then added together to get the total of each hand.
There are some exceptions to the rules of baccarat, which are determined by house rules. The most notable of these is when one or both hands require a third card. The Caller will usually decide when the Player Hand needs a third card, and when the Banker Hand needs one.
A third card is drawn when the sum of the first two cards is less than ten, or when the first two cards add up to a number that is less than nine. The rules of baccarat require the player and the banker to draw a third card only when it is necessary to do so.
Baccarat was originally played with the Player and Banker’s hands concealed, with only their third cards being exposed. The Banker’s decision must be made based on this information and on the table below, which represents the best basic strategy for both the Player and Banker hands.
If you’re looking to try out baccarat for yourself, be sure to set a limit on how much you can lose or win. This will help you stay in control of your bankroll and will prevent you from making irrational decisions. Especially avoid betting on the Tie, which has a house advantage of 14.4%. And always remember to walk away when you’ve reached your limit! Have you ever played baccarat before? Have you had any big wins or losses? Let us know in the comments below!
