The history of baccarat can be traced back to Europe and a great story involving a blond virgin who wanted to be a priestess. It is the most popular card game in Europe and South America and has often been considered the game of the rich. However, it is also a good game for beginner gamblers because the play is slow. Mini baccarat is the casual version of baccarat and tables have seats for seven while some regular baccarat tables can accommodate up to 12 players.
Where: In the table games area of the casino near the Pai Gow tables. High limit baccarat games often have their own salons.
Goal: To win a coup. This means you need to hold a combination of two or three cards totaling 9, as close to 9 as possible, or to a two-digit number ending in 9. You can win by either betting on the bank or on the player.
Play: The player is not dealt any cards. Rather, players place their bet on either the player or bank, depending on who they think will win. Four cards are dealt: Two to the player side of the felt, two to the bank side. If the player cards total 0 through 5, player must draw. If player has 6, 7, 8 or 9, the player must stay. The bank must draw cards based not only on what is in its hand, but also based on what the player draws. You can also make a bet that the cards will have the same sum, or will be a tie.
Count: Aces are worth 1. Kings, queens, and jacks all have a value of 0. All other cards are counted at their face value.
Win: Player automatically wins with a 9. After that, the hand closest to 9 wins. If you bet on the player and the player has the best hand, you win. If you bet on the bank and the bank has the highest card, you win. The house takes a small percentage of the win by the bank. They call this commission and it can be paid immediately or later at the end of the shoe.
Book: Frank Scoblete has written a book for the beginner player, Best The Baccarat Battle Book: How to Attack the Game of Baccarat. This book offers the basics including a discussion of advantages and card-counting techniques, as well as how to get the best odds.
Photo credit: mcmrbt
