A Deep Dive into Baccarat: The Elegant Casino Game

Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it’s actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. The game’s low house advantage and simple gameplay make it a fantastic choice for anyone visiting a casino.

How to Play Baccarat

The game involves a simple comparison between two hands, the “Player” and the “Banker”. Your goal is to correctly predict which of the two hands will get a point total nearer to 9. There are three possible bets: Player, Banker, or Tie.

Scoring the Hands

• Cards 2-9: These cards hold their pip value.
• 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): Are worth zero points.
• Aces: Count as one.

Hand totals are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total is a two-digit number, only the second digit is used. A 7 and an 8 would total 15, so the hand’s value is 5. A starting hand of 8 or 9 is a “natural” and the best possible hand.

Which Bet is Best?

After you make your wager, the rest of the game is on autopilot. The dealer handles everything according to strict “tableau” rules. Understanding these three bets is key to playing smart.

If you want to play with the best possible odds, your strategy should be to bet on the Banker every time. It might seem repetitive, but it is the mathematically soundest way to play the game. It is this mix of easy rules, great odds, casino and thrilling gameplay that has made baccarat a casino favorite for casino generations.