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Baccarat

Baccarat Basics

Baccarat is one of the most famous card games. It can also be referred to as Punto Banco, Macau, or Niners. But under any name you can find baccarat in any casino. It is particularly popular in the USA and Macau, but is slowly spreading to other countries. Gambling enthusiasts like the speed of the games, as well as the simple rules. In Baccarat, players not only have to calculate different strategies, but also rely on their luck.

History of Baccarat

According to some sources, baccarat was first played around 500 years ago. It is believed to be from France to Italy. But the latter is favoured. It is believed that it was an Italian Falguere invented the game. And in the 15th century, during the war between France and Italy, the French soldiers were introduced to baccarat.

In those days the rules were a little different from what they are today. The game used a Tarot deck, and participated in it mostly members of the higher class. Nowadays, however, baccarat can be found in every casino, allowing anyone interested in playing it.

The basic rules of Baccarat

Simple rules are one of the main reasons for the popularity of baccarat. There are two players in the game: the player and the dealer. The aim of both is to score 9 points or close to it. The game takes place at a table marked in a special way. There can be up to 14 people around the table at a time. However, only two people always participate in the hand: the player and the dealer. The others can only place bets.

Baccarat Rules

Different types of bets

There are three types of bets, as far as baccarat is concerned:

  1. On the player. The payout is 1 to 1.
  2. On the dealer. Paid out in the same ratio, but an additional 5% commission is taken into account.
  3. On Draws. The most unlikely, but also the most profitable bet. It pays out in the ratio of 8 to 1 or 9 to 1.

The bet is won on the one who scores 9 points or as close to that value as possible. In this case, party members may place more than one bet at a time. In addition, some casinos offer additional betting options. Among them we can mention the most common:

  1. Pair. Two cards of the same value are in hand.
  2. A perfect pair. Completely identical cards in value and suit.
  3. A high hand. Adds up to 5 or 6 points.
  4. A small hand – 4 points.

The maximum and minimum bets are usually shown on a sign on the table.

The main game variations

Originally there was one type of baccarat. Over time, however, several versions of the game have been invented. They all differ in the following ways:

  1. Number of decks. There can be from one to eight of them.
  2. Participants. There are two tables. A small table can seat 7, a large ¬- 14 participants.
  3. Hand. Cards can be dealt by a croupier or one of the players.
  4. Features of the payout and betting odds.

This variety allows players to choose the version of baccarat that best suits them. Either way, the card game will give unforgettable emotions and the opportunity to get money for winning.