Baccarat Basics

 

Baccarat (pronounced bah-ka-rah) has long been among the most popular casino games in Europe and Latin America, and, contrary to its appearance, is probably the simplest game to play.

Baccarat Overview

The object of Baccarat is to bet on one of two hands, the one you think will come closest to nine. Nine is the highest hand. Ten value cards have zero value. Aces always count as one. If the cards dealt total more than nine on either hand, they acquire the value of the second digit.

Example: 10=0 17=7 20=0 23=3.

The shoe holds eight decks of cards. It is passed around the table from player to player, counterclockwise, every time a player hand wins. This encourages each player to take an active part in dealing the game. Before cards are dealt from the shoe, everyone places their bet on the side they think will win (banker or player). The player with the shoe then deals four cards alternately. Two are designated player cards; two are designated banker cards. The croupier announces the total of each hand and, if the rules require, will call for a possible third card for either side (see chart). The winning side is announced, losing bets are collected and winning bets are paid even money.

All winning bets on the bank side are assessed a 5% commission. The dealer will keep a running account of your commission, which must be paid at the completion of the shoe (you may pay your commission anytime during the game).

There are two other bets called “pairs” and “tie.” On the “Pairs” bet, you are betting the first two cards on either the Banker or Player hands are a pair. If they are, you will be paid 12 for 1. On the “Tie” bet, you are betting that both the player and banker hands will tie. If they tie, you will be paid 9 for 1. There is also an additional proposition wager called Lucky 6. Should you choose to wager on the Lucky 6, you win 13 for 1 on any winning two card Banker hand totaling 6 and 21 for 1 on any three card Banker hand totaling 6.카지노사이트