From sticky-floor California card rooms to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, Baccarat is one of Vegas’ most recognizable table games. And with good reason: The simplest of all casino games, this high-stakes game of chance has a regal feel to it, with its long history and tuxedo-clad dealers. But beyond the glitz, Baccarat is a game of strategy and precision.
Players sit at a table in the casino or on an online platform and place bets on either the Player hand, Banker hand, or predicting a tie between the two. The dealer then deals each hand according to a set of preset guidelines, which determine whether the Banker will draw a third card or not. This adds to the game’s majesty and adds to the excitement when a Player or Banker hand wins.
The objective is to get as close to nine points as possible. To do so, the Player and Banker hands are tallied up; the higher the number, the closer to nine the hand is. Picture cards and tens count zero points, and aces are worth one point. Then, if the hand reaches a double digit, the second digit becomes the score.
Baccarat has a reputation for being high-stakes, and while there are many theories as to why high rollers play it, the most important reason is that it has the best odds of any casino game. Its house edge is just 1.2 percent for those who use basic strategy, second only to blackjack. Moreover, the banker bet pays off eight to one, while the player and tie bets pay out only 8 to 1.
Aside from its low house edge, another reason why high rollers like Baccarat is that it’s a simple game to understand. Unlike poker, where complex rules and a multitude of betting options make the game difficult to learn, baccarat is simple and straightforward. The game is a great choice for beginners who want to experience a taste of the casino’s high-end atmosphere without getting overwhelmed by information and betting options.
While professional gamblers have been known to use strategies such as edge sorting to gain an advantage in Baccarat, such methods are not allowed by most casinos and can lead to disputes with the casino. Therefore, it’s important for all players to know their limits and stick to them.
If you’re ready to give baccarat a try, look for a live dealer table at a Las Vegas casino. Then, join the other players at the table and watch as the game unfolds. In no time, you’ll be betting like a pro. And if you’re really serious, you can always avoid the Tie bet – it has a 14 percent house edge and is unlikely to pay off.
