A casino game with roots in Europe and a new life in Asia, baccarat is now accessible to American gamblers at a growing number of land-based casinos as well as online. And according to Bill Zender, a Nevada Gaming Control Agent and the author of the book on managing casino games, baccarat is poised for even bigger growth in the future.
As casinos try to attract high-rollers, many are adding baccarat tables and offering a range of bonuses and rewards for players to enjoy. But before you decide to take your chances at the tables, it’s important to understand how baccarat works. In this article, we’ll take a look at the rules of the game and some tips to help you play baccarat for the best possible results.
The game is played with eight standard decks of cards. Each player and banker receive two cards each. The goal is to correctly predict which hand will win the round or if it will be a tie. The winning hand is that with a total closest to nine. A player or banker can also bet on the game’s ties, which pay out at 8-to-1 odds.
Those who correctly bet on a winning player hand will qualify for a 1 to 1 payout, but they must pay a 5% commission when betting on the banker’s hand, reducing their payout odds to 19 to 20. In addition, a winning player hand that totals more than nine requires the players to drop the first digit of their hand’s total. For example, a hand with a 10 and 6 must subtract ten from its total of 15 to determine the true value of the hand (which is still five).
The banker’s rules are more straightforward, as they only consider their own hands. If the banker’s initial hand has a total of 5 or less, they must draw a third card; however, if their initial hand has a total of 6 or 7, they must stand. In some cases, a 5% commission is paid out of the winnings when the banker bets on a player or tie.
Before you begin playing, calculate how much you’re willing to spend and stick to your budget. Baccarat is an exciting game, but it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make bad decisions. Always remember to set limits for yourself and be prepared to walk away when you have spent the amount you’re comfortable with. If you’re new to the game, it’s a good idea to practice with free baccarat games before betting real money. You can also use online baccarat games to try out strategies and learn the game’s intricacies. Some of the best online casinos offer a wide variety of baccarat games, including live dealer versions. Try them out today!