Baccarat is one of the world’s most popular casino games. It is often associated with James Bond movies and has a long history, beginning in Europe and spreading through Asia. While casinos may have different rules and payouts, there are some basic rules that everyone should understand before betting cash.
There are two opposing sides to the game, a player hand and a banker hand. Players bet on which of these hands will have a total closest to nine. The dealer deals two cards for each hand, face up and visible to all players at the table. If the hand of the player or the banker has a total closer to nine, the winning bet is paid out. Otherwise, a commission is paid to the casino. This varies by casino but is generally 5-10% of the total winnings.
Unlike blackjack, where players can control the cards they receive and their side-bets, in baccarat you are dealt two cards that will be a part of your overall score. Each card has a value, determined by adding the numbers and subtracting the tens digit from the total. The values of picture cards and tens are worth zero, while all other cards have their face value. The best possible score is 9 when dealing a 7 and a 6 (called a “natural”).
While the exact origin of baccarat is unclear, it is believed to have been invented in 1500s Rome, Italy by Felix Falguiere. The name ‘baccarat’ is derived from the Italian word for zero. This is because the ace and 10 are counted as zero points in the game, while all other cards are worth their face value.
The baccarat game is played on a large, rectangular table with anywhere from seven to 14 seats for players and a dealer area. The croupier deals the cards from a shoe, which contains a multi-deck. After all bets are placed, the dealer will reveal a card in the Player box and another card in the Banker box. Depending on the result of these two cards, a third card might be drawn.
If either the Player or Banker has a total of eight or nine on the first two cards, the game is over and all bets are paid. If the first two cards are a 7 and 8, a tie is declared.
Since Macau dethroned Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world, baccarat has become one of the most popular casino games in America. It has evolved from its elegant European origins to a sleek game that looks more like blackjack and is a staple in many US casino restaurants. While it is still available at high-limit tables in the main gaming rooms, baccarat has also made its way to the regular casino floor, where you can find smaller tables with lower minimum bets. It is currently the second biggest casino game worldwide, generating more revenue than even blackjack. Despite its popularity, the game is not as well known to American gamblers as it is in Asia and Europe.