Baccarat is one of those classic casino games that has withstood time’s test. With roots going back to 15th-century Italy, it has traveled through centuries and across continents, finding its way into the hearts of gamblers everywhere.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Baccarat and break down the rules that make it tick. We’ll also share potential extra bets to help you get the most out of your favorite baccarat games. Whether new to the game or a seasoned player, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy.
Rolling Back the History Book: How Did Baccarat Come to Be?
Baccarat started in Italy in the 15th century and was called ‘baccara,’ the Italian word for ‘zero.’ This name comes from the fact that all the face cards and tens are worth zero points in the game.
The game soon made its way over to France, where it became a big hit among the French nobility. Now known as Chemin de Fer, this version involved players taking turns being the banker.
In the 19th century, Baccarat crossed the English Channel and found a new home in England. The English came up with their version, ‘Punto Banco,’ simplifying the rules to make it more accessible to a broader audience. Punto Banco eventually spread to South America and the Caribbean.
The United States had to wait until the mid-20th century to know about this invention, but it quickly became popular upon its introduction to Las Vegas casinos. High rollers liked its elegance and simplicity, fitting ideally with the glamorous Vegas environment.
Today, this title is enjoyed by players all over the world, both in land-based casinos and online ones with legitimate roots, such as GGBET. It has retained its elegance and charm, and its simple rules mean anyone can quickly master the mechanics and start playing in no time.
Understanding the Canonical Rules of Baccarat
While there are variations, baccarat has standard rules for all areas of its operations. These are the basic commandments that every variant must build on to be accepted. We’ve broken down the laws below.
Card Values and Their Significance
Like any card or table game, the card’s value plays a crucial role in determining baccarat results. Aces are worth 1 point, which might seem insignificant but may be the deciding factor in a close game. Cards 2 through 9 are valued at their face value, making them straightforward to count. The face cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are worth 0 points.
The Objective and Betting Options
The primary objective in Baccarat is to bet on the hand that you believe will have a total value closest to nine. You have three betting options:
- The player’s hand
- The banker’s hand
- A Tie
Betting on the Player’s hand means you are wagering that the player will win. Similarly, selecting the Banker’s hand means you believe the banker has a better hand. A Tie is a wager that both hands will have the same total value, which is a rare but high-paying outcome.
Dealing the Cards and Initial Hands
The game begins with the dealer dealing two cards to the player and banker. Each hand receives two cards initially, and both are dealt face-to-face. The simplicity of this initial deal is part of what makes this title so easy for new players. However, the game can quickly become more complex with the introduction of the third card rule.
Natural Win and Its Impact
A ‘Natural’ win occurs when the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9 with the first two cards. This is an automatic win, and no further cards are drawn. If both hands have a Natural, the total wins are higher. But it’s a tie if both have the same total.
The Intricacies of the Third Card Rule
The third card rule is where this game becomes more strategic and complex. The rules for drawing a third card may vary according to the totals of the player’s and banker’s hands.
For the former:
- If the total is 0-5, a third card is drawn.
- If the total is 6 or 7, the Player stands (no third card is drawn).
For the Banker’s hand, the decision to draw a third card depends on the Player’s third card (if drawn) and the Banker’s total:
- If the Banker’s total is 0-2, they draw a third card.
- If their hand total is 3, they get a third card unless the Player’s third card is an 8.
- If the total is 4, a third draw follows if the Player’s third card is 2-7.
- If they have a total of 5, a third card is drawn if the Player’s third card is 4-7.
- If their cards are valued at 6, a third card is drawn if the Player’s third card is 6 or 7.
- If the total is 7, the Banker stands (no third card is drawn).
These rules might seem complicated at first, but they ensure a fair and balanced game. By understanding this rule, you have an edge that can help you predict possible outcomes and make more informed bets.
Winning and Payouts
The hand with a total value closest to nine wins. If you bet on the Player, and it wins, you receive a 1:1 payout. It’s the same payout (less 5% commission) when your bet on the banker wins. This commission is due to the Banker’s slight statistical advantage.
If your Tie wager wins, the payout is typically 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino. The high payout for this stake reflects the lower probability of this outcome.
Additional Bets and Variations
Apart from the standard options, you can also bet on other possible outcomes in baccarat. They include:
- Player Pair: Betting that the Player’s first two cards will form a pair (e.g., two Kings).
- Banker Pair: Wagering that the Banker’s first two cards will form a pair.
- Perfect Pair: Staking that either the Player or Banker will have a pair with the same suit (e.g., two Hearts).
- Big: Betting on the total number of cards dealt in the game being five or six.
- Small: Betting on the total number of cards dealt in the game, being four.
Baccarat is a Classical Game for Everyone
Having been enjoyed across various civilizations and countries, it’s fair to say baccarat welcomes everyone who wants to play. The rules are also easy for beginners to grab, although the third card rule may require more focus. Regardless, this is a game you’ll enjoy immensely whenever you take a seat at the table!
Before playing Baccarat, please check if local laws allow it.
