The game of Baccarat derives from an Italian game called Baccara, and it was introduced in France sometime towards the end of the 15th century. It immediately became a favorite of the French nobility. It is undoubtedly due to this background that baccarat has evolved in modern times to be considered a game of the “elite” or high-rollers. In casinos it is generally played in a separate room or in a roped off section, and the players are given special VIP treatment. The minimum bets are usually set at high levels by the house which is why it is considered a game for “high-rollers”. Of course, online baccarat can be played by anyone and minimum bets can be found as low as ten dollars.
In Baccarat face cards count as “0”, Ace is one, and all other cards count at their face value. However, when adding up points, if the hand value is two digits, the first digit is dropped. For example: an 8 and 5 has a value of 3, not 13.
Only two hands are dealt: one to the “banker” and one to the “player”. However, all participants at the table may bet on either of these hands. Each hand is dealt two cards to begin with. If the hand count with these two cards is less than eight or nine, the player may “stand” or draw one more card. The player must stand on six or seven, and he must draw on four or less. The hand closest to the count of nine (without overreaching it) wins.
Standard baccarat is played with up to six decks of cards. But there is also a “Mini-Baccarat” which is very popular and is played with only one deck of cards. Mini-Baccarat is essentially the same game. It is played at a smaller table and the pace is usually faster. Also betting minimums and maximums are generally lower which is why Mini-Baccarat is so popular.
How to Win at Baccarat There is no strategy to Baccarat. In that respect it is not like blackjack at all. There is no card counting or shuffle tracking. It is just a matter of betting on the hand with the total nearest to nine and then waiting to see what the third card drawn will do. But as what they always say, practice makes perfect. So if you want to practice playing Baccarat, you can check some of the reliable casino sites such as Judi Bola Online to help you out.
House advantages in Baccarat are traditionally low which is why players generally feel that they have good chances of winning. However, there are players who will say that the house makes millions and not many participants come out winning.
Baccarat players claim that the game is simple and fast, but when reading about it, it sounds complicated and confusing. The best way to learn Baccarat is to find one on line which offers free games. It is a great chance to learn the rules and find out if Baccarat appeals to you.
