Baccarat is a casino game that has gained a reputation for elegance and high stakes play, but it is also one of the easiest games to learn. This card game has a simple rule set and the decisions that the player makes are limited to selecting the position of their bet and the amount they wager. There are a few things that players should be aware of before playing Baccarat, however.
First, players must choose to place a bet on either the Banker hand, the Player hand or the Tie. Once the bets are placed, the dealer will deal two cards to each of the hands. The banker will draw a third card when the player’s total is 5 or less, while a standing total of 8 or 9 is considered a “natural,” meaning no more cards will be drawn. In the case of a tie, additional cards are then dealt to decide the winner.
The point of Baccarat is to predict which hand will come closest to a total of nine. The higher the hand, the more points are awarded. Ten and picture or face cards are worth 0 points, while the numbers from 1 to 9 are worth their respective values and the Ace is worth one point.
After all the cards are dealt, the dealer will tots up the totals of both hands and determine the winner. If the Player or Banker hand is closer to a total of 9, that hand wins. Otherwise, the hand with a total of 8 wins. A tied hand results in no win or loss for either the Player or the Banker. The Dealer will pay out the winning bets and collect the losing ones. The dealer will then take a 5% commission on the winning Banker bets, which is how the casino earns its money.
In addition to the main bets, Baccarat also offers a number of other side bets that can enhance your enjoyment of the game. These include the Super Six and Pair bets, which can both earn you a payout of up to 12x your original bet amount.
With its rich history of glamour and intrigue, it’s no wonder that Baccarat is featured in so many of James Bond’s movies and novels. The upcoming 2013 movie The Great Gatsby, for example, features a scene in which a baccarat table is prominently displayed at the party thrown by Jay Gatsby and his friends. The game is also a popular casino choice for high-rollers and those looking to add a touch of class and sophistication to their Las Vegas vacations.