Baccarat is the enigmatic card game that evokes images of high-rollers and glitzy casinos. But the glamorous game is more than just an image—it’s also a thrilling and easy-to-play game that’s perfect for anyone. In fact, baccarat is one of the easiest casino games to learn and offers players a chance to win big money in a short amount of time.
The game is played with anywhere from six to eight standard 52-card decks that have been shuffled together. Each card has a specific value. Cards numbered 2 through 9 are worth their pip denomination, while picture cards and tens carry a value of zero. The ace, on the other hand, is worth one point. Whether you play in person at a casino or online, you will be dealt two hands of cards—one to the player and the other to the banker.
After the deal, the total of each hand is calculated by adding up the points on all nines and eights. If either the player or the banker has a total of eight or nine, this is known as a natural and the game ends. If neither side has a natural, the game continues.
Unlike blackjack and roulette, which have numerous wager options, Baccarat has only three bets. Players place chips based on whether they think the Player hand, Banker hand or tie will win. If they bet on the Player hand, they receive a 1:1 payout. If they bet on the Banker hand, however, they will pay a 5% commission to the house. This is how the casino makes its money in the game.
Players place their bets in a designated betting area at the table, with from seven to 14 seats available. Once the players have placed their bets, the dealer will deal each of them a pair of cards. The game is then played between the Player and the Banker, with the winner determined whichever hand is closest to a nine-point total.
Once the hand has been dealt, there are only a few things that need to be done. If the Player hand or the Banker hand has a total of eight or nine on the deal, it is a natural and the winning bet is paid out. If neither the Player or Banker hand has a total of eight, it’s a tie and the bets are collected.
There are also a few side bets that can be placed on the deal, including the Player Pair, which wagers that the player will get identical cards on the deal. This bet pays out at 11:1 odds. Another option is the Banker Pair, which is similar to the Player Pair but offers lower payouts of 5:1 odds. These bets can be placed before the start of each round and are subject to the same rules as the main bets. Depending on the establishment or platform, additional side bets may be available as well.