What is Baccarat

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History
The term "card" comes from Greek, but card games date back over 2,000 years,
predating paper. Historians haven't pinpointed their exact origin, but there are
records from ancient China, India, and Egypt. Like dice, Crusaders introduced
card games to Europe in the 14th century. Despite early opposition from the
church, Johann Gutenberg printed playing cards in 1440, the same year as his
famous Bible.
The original deck of 78 cards, called "Tarots," evolved into the modern deck. The
four suits represented feudal society: nobility (spades), merchants (diamonds),
serfs (clubs), and the church (hearts). The face cards were based on real figures:
Charlemagne as the king of hearts, King David as the king of spades, and Julius
Caesar as the king of diamonds. By 1492, the deck we recognise today had been
established and was brought to America by Columbus and his crew.
Around this time, baccarat also emerged. According to legend, it was inspired by
an Etruscan ritual involving a nine-sided die and the fate of a priestess. Baccarat
shares this numerical system, but with less dramatic outcomes. Felix Falguiere, an
Italian gambler, is credited with introducing the game to France during Charles
VIII’s reign around 1490.
Types of Baccarat
• European Baccarat: Known for its soft "a"s and silent "t," European
Baccarat was exclusive to French nobility for years. In this version, players
may choose to stand or draw on a 5. The dealer, who runs the casino's
permanent bank, can also decide whether to stand or draw. However, in most
cases, the banker follows the same rules as in American Baccarat. Players
betting with the bank must pay a 5% commission on winnings.
• Baccarat en Banque: This variation deals one bank hand and two player
hands. Often, a casino leases the bank to a syndicate that splits winnings with
the casino but absorbs all losses. Players may bet on one or both player
hands, but never the bank hand. The dealer (banker) can stand or draw freely,
though usually, they follow the standard American rules.
• Chemin de Fer: This French version, meaning "railroad," is named for the
shoe, which moves around the table like a train. In this game, the bank rotates
among players, while the house takes a fee from the winnings, without

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 risking any money. The banker can’t draw from the original bank unless the
players don’t cover the full bank or if they decide to pass the bank. Like
European Baccarat, players can stand or draw on 5, while the banker has full
discretion on their moves.
Although baccarat originated in Italy, France made it a noble pastime. Today,
various forms exist, including American versions that closely resemble European
Baccarat. Understanding each game’s rules is crucial to improving your odds in
the casino, but always remember, the house retains its edge.

Today's Baccarat
In the U.S., the current version of baccarat combines features of both European
baccarat and chemin de fer. Players can bet on either the banker or player hand.
Although players take turns handling the banker hand, the casino covers all bets,
subject to a maximum limit. Originating from South America and played
worldwide as "punto banco," this version was brought to the U.S. in the late 1950s
by Tommy Renzoni after Cuban casinos closed under Castro's government.
Players
Baccarat appeals primarily to high rollers, offering a glamorous atmosphere with
a touch of old-world charm. Typically, well-dressed, wealthy, and older gamblers
frequent the tables. Baccarat is played in a luxurious, roped-off area, with
tuxedoed croupiers dealing cards. Stakes are higher than other games, with Lady
Luck playing the biggest role. Whether a player wins or loses often hinges on a
single card, with no strategy involved.
Most casinos have minimum bets starting at $5 or $20, though they can reach up
to $100 at peak times. Maximum bets range from $1,000 to $2,000, but larger
casinos may raise limits for high rollers. The tables feature special yellow $20
chips, exclusive to baccarat, and $500 chips for bigger bets. Since the betting
amounts are relatively high, baccarat isn’t as popular as other casino games, with
only a few tables available in most casinos.
Despite its reputation, baccarat is actually the easiest casino game to learn. No
skill is required, and players can pick it up quickly. Even if you're asked to deal,
the croupiers guide you through every step, including how and when to deal. They
also announce the winning hand, so there's no guesswork. The game moves fast,
averaging two hands per minute, but this shouldn't intimidate newcomers. The

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fixed rules determine every action, with no decision-making involved beyond
placing your bets on either the player or banker hand.
Casino
Baccarat tables are manned by two croupiers who manage both sides of the table.
Each handles chips, pays out winners, and collects losses for their section. In front
of them, numbered boxes keep track of player commissions. Sitting across from
them is the caller, who controls the flow of the game.
The caller directs when the player with the shoe should deal and announces the
winning hand. After a shuffle, the caller removes the first card and uses its value
to determine how many cards will be "burned" (removed from play). The cards
are then discarded into a slot at the table's center. This process continues until the
cut card appears, signalling it's time for a new shuffle.
Baccarat Betting Strategies
Many players search for baccarat systems that promise guaranteed wins every
time. If you find one, it’s probably too good to be true. The truth is, no strategy
can ensure you always walk away a winner. Baccarat's straightforward rules and
elegant math often trick people into thinking they can outsmart the game. But this
isn’t poker, and a sharp mind won't help you beat the house edge.
A common baccarat strategy is the martingale system. It involves doubling your
bet after every loss (or win, depending on the variation). Here’s how it works: You
start with a $5 bet and lose, so your next bet is $10. If you lose again, your next
bet increases to $20. When you win that $20 bet, you've recouped your previous
losses and made a $5 profit.
In theory, this system sounds foolproof. But in reality, table limits can quickly
work against you. On a $5 table, after losing six hands in a row, you’ll need to bet
$640. Most tables have a $500 maximum, so you'd be stuck. Even if you win that
$320 bet, you'd have wagered $635 total, only to win $640—a mere $5 profit.
The martingale system is risky and unreliable. With the potential for huge losses,
it’s best avoided altogether. No system can overcome the house edge or guarantee
long-term success in baccarat. Instead, enjoy the game for its simplicity, and
gamble responsibly.

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Rules for Baccarat Player’s Third Card
When the player stands on the first two cards, the caller announces the total (e.g.,
"Player stands with [point total]"). However, if the player needs to draw, the
croupier says, "Card for the player." The banker then deals one face-up card to the
croupier, who places it next to the original two and announces the new total.
The player's decisions are straightforward: draw a third card if the first two total 5
or less; otherwise, stand. Once the player hand is complete, the banker’s hand
follows a similar process, but with slightly more complex rules for drawing.
Rules for Baccarat Banker’s Third Card
If the banker’s initial two cards total 2 or less, they always draw. Beyond that,
decisions depend on the player's third card. The banker can only draw one card,
and they follow these specific rules:
• Draw on a total of 3 if the player stands or draws 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, or 10.
• Draw on a total of 4 if the player stands or draws 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
• Draw on a total of 5 if the player stands or draws 4, 5, 6, or 7.
• Draw on a total of 6 if the player draws 6 or 7.
• The banker stands if the player stands.

Interestingly, the banker may have to draw even if their two-card total beats the
player’s final hand. In some cases, drawing a third card could result in a loss.
Once both hands are complete, the caller announces the winner and their total
points. The banker’s hand has a slight edge over the player’s, so casinos charge a
5% commission on winning banker bets to maintain balance. The house edge is
around 1.06% for banker bets and 1.23% for player bets.
Handling Commissions
Players don’t need to track their commissions—dealers manage that. Every time
you win a bet on the banker, the dealer places tokens in your numbered
commission box. These are collected when the cards are shuffled or when you
leave the table. It’s important to settle your commission before cashing out, so
always be mindful of your owed amount.
House Edge in Baccarat

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 • Banker's hand: 1.06%
• Player's hand: 1.23%
• Tie bet: 14.05%

The casino pays even money on winning bets, and the commission ensures the
house maintains its edge.
The Mathematics of Baccarat
Understanding the basic mathematics behind baccarat is straightforward. A $100
bet on the player hand wins $100 when successful. However, the same bet on the
banker hand only pays $95, due to the 5% commission.
Let's break it down based on baccarat’s fixed rules for drawing and standing.
According to Allan N. Wilson’s The Casino Gambler’s Guide, over the long term,
results follow this pattern:
• Banker hand wins: 45.84% of hands (50.68% when ties are excluded).
• Player hand wins: 44.61% of hands (49.32% when ties are excluded).
• Ties: 9.55% of hands.

For a $100 bet on the banker:

• You lose $100 on 45.84% of hands, resulting in a loss of $45.84.
• You win $95 on 45.84% of hands, earning $43.55.
• 9.55% of the time, the hand ties.

The casino advantage on banker bets is 1.06%.

For a $100 bet on the player:

• You lose $100 on 45.84% of hands, which results in a loss of $45.84.
• You win $100 on 44.61% of hands, giving a profit of $44.61.
• Ties happen 9.55% of the time.

The casino advantage on player bets is 1.23%.

The Risk of Betting on a Tie

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Baccarat offers one additional betting option: wagering on a tie, which pays 8-
to-1. Although ties happen 9.55% of the time, the odds make this a risky bet.
Here’s why:
• 90.45% of the time, a $100 bet on a tie will lose, costing you $90.45.
• 9.55% of the time, the bet wins, giving you $800, which equals $76.40 after
losses.

The house edge on tie bets is a staggering 14.05%.

In conclusion, consistently betting on a tie will make you lose money much faster.
At one point, Las Vegas casinos offered bets on natural 8s and 9s, but these were
removed after Edward O. Thorp developed a card-counting strategy for baccarat,
which was published in Life Magazine in 1964. Since then, no card-counting
method has significantly impacted the house edge.
Baccarat: A Game of Pure Luck
Baccarat offers a relaxed yet thrilling experience without the need for complex
strategies. The rules are simple, with only two primary betting choices: banker or
player. The croupiers handle the cards, so your main decision is how much to
wager.
Unless you bet on a tie, mistakes are rare in baccarat. The game relies heavily on
luck, making it a perfect choice for players seeking excitement without deep
strategy.
Baccarat Table and Layout Explained
The typical baccarat table, shaped like a kidney, allows easy access for dealers to
manage both bets and cards. The table measures around twelve feet long and three
to four feet wide. Covered in green felt, it features a layout with numbered boxes
for placing bets on either the banker or player hand. Interestingly, seats are
numbered from one to fifteen, but the number thirteen is always skipped due to its
unlucky reputation.
Baccarat, an ancient game with modern flair, is usually played with six or eight
decks. After shuffling, the caller inserts a cut card to signal the last hand before
placing the decks into a "shoe." The first player at seat number one gets to act as
the banker, but they can bet on either hand. The shoe moves counterclockwise

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when the bank hand loses, allowing different players to take the banker role. Any
player can pass the shoe if they wish, but to remain eligible, they must have a bet
placed on either the banker or player hand.
After all bets are set, the banker deals four cards, alternating between the player
and banker hands. The dealer hands two cards to a player, often the one with the
largest bet for that hand. This player reveals the cards to the caller, who
announces the hand total. Next, the banker reveals the banker's two cards. In
baccarat, card suits hold no significance, and tens and face cards are valued at
zero. The remaining cards count at face value. Importantly, if a hand's total
exceeds 9, only the second digit is counted. For example, a total of 14 becomes 4.
If either hand totals 8 or 9 from the initial cards, it's called a "natural" and
automatically wins, although a natural 9 always beats a natural 8. When the player
hand adds up to 6 or 7, or if the banker totals 7, 8, or 9, no additional cards are
dealt. The hand closest to a total of 9 wins, and all bets are paid out accordingly. If
there’s a tie, no money changes hands, and players can adjust their next bets
freely.
Often, the totals require a third card to be drawn for the player, banker, or both.
Players and bankers have no choice in this; the rules strictly dictate these draws.
While strategy exists for different card combinations, neither player nor banker
can draw against a natural 8 or 9. This ensures smooth gameplay, avoiding
disputes about poor decisions.
Baccarat’s elegance lies in its simplicity, making it a favourite among high rollers
and casual players alike. With strict rules and no choices after the bet, it’s a pure
game of chance that combines excitement with sophistication.

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