Baccarat is one of the world’s top casino games. It has long dominated the gambling salons of Europe and Asia, and it’s now beginning to make its way into casinos in the United States as well. But it remains a mystery to many American players. This article takes a closer look at the game’s rules and explains how to play baccarat.
In a nutshell, the rules are very simple. There are only three possible outcomes to the game: player wins, banker wins, or tie. The dealer deals two cards to each hand, visible to everyone at the table, and whoever has the hand with a total closest to nine wins. The game’s other bet, a bet on the tie, pays off eight to one but has a much higher house edge of more than 14 percent, so most serious gamblers stick to either the player or the banker hand.
The game’s origins are a little murky, but it’s believed that it was based on an Etruscan legend about a virgin who had to throw a nine-sided die to determine her fate. If she threw an 8 or 9, she would be elevated to the status of a priestess. If she threw a lower number, she would be banished to the sea to drown. If she threw a 7, she was allowed to live but would not be permitted to participate in any religious or community events, and if she threw a six, she would be condemned to death.
Today, the rules of baccarat are very different from those described above. The game is played on a specialized baccarat table, with from seven to 14 seats for players and a dedicated area for the dealer’s cards. The dealer deals two cards to the player’s hand and two to the banker’s hand. Picture cards and the tens are worth zero points; the jacks, queens, kings, and princes have varying values depending on the card. Then the point value is determined by adding the values of the individual cards and subtracting the tens digit.
Bill Zender, who has been a Nevada Gaming Control Agent, casino dealer, executive, and consultant for over 40 years, literally wrote the book on managing casino games, and he says that over the past twenty or so years, Asian high rollers have made baccarat their game of choice because it is uniquely suited to their cultural preferences. In addition, he notes, baccarat is one of the few casino games that doesn’t require a large bankroll and offers very low house edges compared to other bets like slots or roulette. Baccarat rounds typically last only a few minutes, making it an ideal game for those with limited time. Read the full article on Forbes Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world. Sign up to receive Forbes Passport by email. 2018 Forbes. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.