Let’s go over some history before I get into the Baccarat game. It dates back to 15th Century. The 1962 James Bond movie Dr. No gave Americans their first glimpse of the casino game. Bond was playing in Monte Carlo and winning. Chemin de Fer.
Phase I – Chemin de fer
This original version allowed players to wager among themselves, winning or losing with their own money. After each hand, the dealer’s shoe moved counterclockwise around the table. Players could choose to decline the bank or pass the shoes to the next player. To cover overhead costs, the bank paid a 5% commission to win bank hands ion casino.
Phase II – Punto Banco
Punto Banco, which means Player, Banker, was brought to Nevada from Cuba in late 1950’s. It was extremely popular there until Castro closed the mob-run casinos. The only difference to the French version of Punto Banco is that the house bank the game. To increase the house edge, a tie betting was added. The 5% house commission for winning bank bets remains in effect. Baccarat was eventually created,Italian meaning zero. Baccarat can be played today in high limit rooms around the globe where millions of dollars are won and lost every day.
Phase III Mini-Baccarat
Baccarat was eventually a profitable game for gaming establishments. However, it had to be attractive enough to appeal to average players. Mini Baccarat was created. The rules are identical to Punto Bank except that one house dealer can control the game for up seven players. Minimum table stakes can be as low as $5 to $10. To increase the house edge, there are many side bets.
How to Play Baccarat
Baccarat’s objective is to get as close as possible to the number 9. Aces count for one, 2’s to 9’s have face value, and 10’s to K’s count for zero.
The dealer deals only two hands regardless of how many players are present. Before the deal can be completed, players must place one wager on the bank hand, the player hand, or the tie. Croupiers pass the shoes so that players can have their turn at dealing the cards. Mini-Baccarat is where the shoe stays in place, and the dealer controls all of the action.
A hand cannot be more than 9. The total of two cards cannot exceed 9. The total is the second digit. Ex: 7,8=15. Total = 5,8 (the 1 is dropped).
Baccarat is easy to play. The only thing a player has to do before they deal is to place one bet. To determine whether a third or final card should be drawn, the dealer will examine both hands. This is done according to a set of rules. These are the rules:
Rules for Player Bet
The banker’s natural 8 or 9 is not allowed to draw on the player position. The player always stands at 6,7,8, or 9. The game ends when the play-bet has a natural 8, or 9.
Rules for Banker Bet
The banker position draws on a 0, 1, or 2 unless the player has natural 8s or 9. The banker stands at 7,8, and 9. The game is over if a banker has a natural 8, or 9.
Strategy
There is no need to play a strategy. Bet on the bank with the lowest house edge, 1.06%. This includes the 5% commission due to the house. The house edge for a player bet is 1.24%, while the house edge for a tie bet pays 8 to 1, which has a staggering 14% house edge! This bet should not be taken. There are many side bets that can be made at the mini tables. They have house edges ranging from 2 to 13%. These are not recommended.
Best of luck!
