So how do you play Baccarat?
James Bond’s game of choice is a fairly simple game to play. The object is to correctly guess/bet if the winning hand will belong to the Player, the Banker, or end in a Tie. Either option is a viable bet you can make.
So what makes a winning hand in Baccarat? Whichever hand is closest to a nine is the winner. The funny part is, the actual name of the game – Baccarat – is actually the worst hand, which is equal to zero. So if you have Baccarat you’re a long way from winning.
Keep in mind that variations on game play exist. The croupier may cut the cards or have one of the players do the cutting. You may pull the card out of the shoe or the dealer may perform the action. Players around the table may act as the ceremonial “player” or “Banker” (or perhaps not). Casino staffs are remarkably patient so it’s easy to find your groove and just go with the flow.
Depending on the Baccarat variation, you may have as little as seven available seats or fourteen seats with seven seats on each side. Find an open seat and you’re ready to play! At your seat you’ll see three slightly curved bars.
Tie at the top, Banker in the middle, and Player at the bottom.
The “Croupier” (or Dealer) will pass out four face-up cards. Cards one and three go to the Player area and cards two and four go to the Banker area. At this point it’s possible to have a winner. If any cards are equal to 9 then that hand is a winner. A 9 with two cards is the best possible hand. If another “Natural 9” is dealt the game is a tie. If the game ends in a tie, anyone who bet on the Tie spot wins!
So what happens in Baccarat if you get cards totaling over 9? You’ll never get a total over 9. The first digit is dropped so if you get a 6 and a 9, it’s not 15 but rather a hand equaling 5 (this is also called Modulo ten). Face cards and 10s are equal to 0. Aces are 1s. Depending on the player and or dealers score, this will determine if another player or dealer card is dealt. It’s all automatic.
Now, you may be thinking… “hey, this sounds too easy”. But trust us; it really IS as simple as making one of three bets, and then watching the cards. Neither hand has any say in requesting or refusing another card – it all happens automatically. That “pure luck” aspect basically makes this a slot machine type game with cards.
And you thought this game was tricky… well, now you know different, so the next time you’re at a casino, try your luck at Baccarat. Good luck!
