Baccarat is a game that holds a special place in the hearts of many casino players. It has a long history that dates back to Italy and France and is still popular centuries after it was introduced in European gambling salons.
Some people love poker for its strategy, blackjack for the constant decision-making and roulette for its timeless agony of waiting. Others love baccarat because of its simplicity and elegance.
Origins
The origins of baccarat are not very clear. Many books claim that it is the ancestor of Blackjack, Pontoon and Vingt-et-un but no one knows exactly how it came into existence.
The game is viewed as high-class and sophisticated, a reputation that is enhanced by the fact that it is often played in roped off areas in casinos with only the highest stakes being wagered. It has also enjoyed the patronage of celebrities such as James Bond et al.
The name baccarat has its roots in Italy or France, but it gained its greatest fame in nineteenth century France. It became so popular that it managed to maintain a high profile even after public gambling was made illegal in the country. The use of the number nine in the name baccarat is a reference to an ancient legend about vestal virgins having to roll a nine-sided die to determine their fate. If they rolled an eight or a nine, they would become high priestesses. If they rolled anything lower, they would be thrown into the sea to drown.
Rules
Although the game of baccarat is very simple and most players can bet without even knowing the rules, it is important to understand some of the betting rules to maximize your enjoyment. In addition, there are some rules that can affect the payouts on certain bets.
In the case of a hand totalling 8 or 9, the player and banker hands are compared right away, and the winning hand is paid out. However, if either of the hands has an initial total of 5 or less, a third card is drawn.
Players who correctly predict the winning player or banker hand can qualify for a 1 to 1 payout. However, those who wager on a Tie can expect a payout of 8 to 1. The odds of a winning tie bet are slim, but the higher payout makes it worth trying.
Bets
There are many ways to wager in baccarat, and the payouts vary depending on which bets you make. It is a good idea to set a budget for how much you want to spend and stick to it, even if it’s just for one round. This will help you avoid large losses.
Using betting systems is an effective way to manage your bankroll. Some of these systems are positive progression strategies, which increase your bet size after every win and decrease it after a loss. Others are negative progression strategies, which encourage you to chase your losses and may quickly deplete your account.
Another useful strategy is the 1-3-2-6 System. This is a simple progression system that helps you control your bets while managing your potential winnings.
Payouts
Baccarat side bets can offer some of the highest payouts in casino games, but they also come with low odds and a high house edge. Players should be sure to understand the payouts and house edge of these bets before they make them.
In a standard game, the player and banker hands are compared to determine which hand has the closest value to nine. The winning wager is paid out before the next round begins.
There are also side bets like the Mini Royal, which pays based on the poker values of the first two cards for both the Banker and Player. This bet is popular in commission-free baccarat. U.S. Patent No. 7,789,801 to Snow provides for a bonus type side bet that can pay out in the event of a player or banker natural 9. This wager is similar to blackjack’s insurance side bets.
Variations
Since baccarat is a game of chance, there are many variations that have emerged over the years. While most of them weren’t enthralling enough to keep gamblers interested, some of them managed to endure.
The standard baccarat rules remain the same but some of these variations have their own set of unique features. For example, EZ baccarat is one of the most popular variants as it allows the player and banker to win even money in case of a tie.
Another variation is Chemin de Fer, which is the most common version of baccarat played in France. The word translates to “iron road” or railway in French, which is a reference to the way the cards are held in iron boxes. The croupier sets out the stake in this variation and players can make bets until the banker’s total is matched.