Baccarat, a game that has its origins in Italy and France, has become the casino game of choice for many high rollers. Whether at home or on the road, this elegant table game is easy to learn, and it delivers a sophisticated James Bond feel that is perfect for the high-roller.
In a Baccarat game, six decks of cards are shuffled together and dealt to the players. The table is set up in a circular or oval shape and players are seated in order around it, facing the croupier (dealer). The first player to the right of the dealer begins by saying “go bank” and sets the initial banker bet. Then, the players place their own bets against this amount in counterclockwise order. After each round, the players can add more bets to the original banker bet as long as the total doesn’t exceed the initial amount.
When all bets have been placed, the dealer or a computer software program compares the Banker hand and the Player hand for a winner. The hand that has a final total closest to nine wins the round and pays all those who bet on it. A tie is the exception, and when this happens, all bettors lose their money.
While the rules are simple, a novice might not be immediately familiar with terms such as “player,” “banker” and “tie.” This is where a casino online’s educational resources come in handy. The best casinos offer detailed explanations of the game’s rules, including how to make a bet and what the different outcomes mean for your bankroll.
In addition to the game’s basic rules, a player needs to be aware of the odds and house edge. Essentially, the game’s goal is to correctly predict which hand will win – the Banker Hand, the Player Hand or a Tie. Each hand has a value that is determined by adding the digits of the individual cards. Tens and face cards count as zero, while aces count as one.
The simplest way to determine the best bet size is to start small and increase it after each loss. This strategy works because it reduces the risk of large losses and minimizes the chance of a large loss that will wipe out your entire bankroll. This is called “scaling up,” and it can be employed in most table games, not just baccarat.
Baccarat is an exciting and easy game to play, but a player’s success is ultimately dependent on luck. Responsible gambling is key and players should always consider baccarat as a form of entertainment, not an assured method for profit. Nevertheless, with the right knowledge and strategy, a person can become a master of the game. So, grab a drink, enjoy the cigar smoke and prepare to see if you can beat the house!
