How to Play the Elegant Game of Baccarat
How to Play the Elegant Game of Baccarat
Baccarat is a classic casino card game adored for its simplicity and elegance. Originating in Italy and France, it rose to prominence amongst European nobility in the 19th century before spreading across the world. While not as widely played as blackjack or roulette, baccarat enjoys enduring popularity today.
With straightforward rules and fast-paced gameplay, baccarat offers an engaging experience for newcomers and veterans alike. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about playing baccarat in the UK, from game basics to betting strategies.
How Baccarat is Played
Baccarat uses eight standard 52-card decks shuffled together and dealt from a box called a “shoe”. Only two hands are dealt each round – one for the “Player” and one for the “Banker”.
The objective is to bet on which hand will be closer to 9. All face cards and 10s are worth zero, while Aces are worth 1. The cards 2 to 9 retain their pip values. If the total goes over 9, the first digit is dropped, so a 7 and 9 would equal 6.
Play begins with two cards dealt to the Player and Banker. If either is dealt an 8 or 9 (a “natural”) no further cards are drawn. Otherwise, the Player acts first – either drawing a third card or standing pat. The Banker then acts according to fixed drawing rules. Whichever hand is closest to 9 wins.
Baccarat is a game of chance, with no skill involved. The set drawing rules remove any decision-making, making baccarat popular amongst casual players.
Baccarat Betting
There are only three bets in baccarat: Player, Banker or Tie. You’re betting on which hand will win each round.
- Player: Pays even money (1:1) minus a 5% commission on winning bets. This compensates for the statistical Player edge.
- Banker: Pays even money but attracts a 5% commission on wins. Banker has a slight edge over Player.
- Tie: Pays 8:1 but has a high house edge of around 14%. Ties are rare.
The commissions ensure the house maintains an edge on every bet. When betting, consider the odds – Banker is most likely to win, followed by Player. Avoid Tie bets.
You can bet on either hand regardless of which you are dealt. It is also possible to bet on both Player and Banker. Other popular bets include Banker/Player pairs and side bets like “Perfect Pair” which pays 25:1.
While placing chips on the Player or Banker spaces is the classic way to bet, UK casinos also allow verbal bets by simply stating “Player” or “Banker” as desired.
Baccarat Table Layout
Baccarat is played at an oval table with place markings for up to 12 or 14 players. There will be three betting areas – one each for Player, Banker and Tie. The shoe holding the cards sits in the centre.
Numbers are printed on the table marking the position of each player, 1 to 12 or 1 to 14. This aids with settling up bets.
In front of the dealer will be a tray holding commission chips and a box for discarded cards. The chip tray reminds players that a 5% commission applies on Banker bets. Discarded cards are placed in the box after each coup.
Baccarat Game Play
At UK casinos, one player is usually designated the “banker” – dealing the cards from the shoe throughout the game. In informal games, players take turns dealing.
To begin, the banker deals one card face up to the Player space and another to the Banker space. The next card for each hand is dealt face down. If the rules call for a third card, this is dealt face up.
Once dealt, the hand closest to 9 wins. All losing bets go to the house while winners are paid out immediately. The dealer collects 5% commission on winning Banker bets. Tie bets push – no one wins or loses.
The shoe then passes clockwise to the next designated banker for the next coup. In the UK the shoe typically holds 6 or 8 decks, with around 50-80 coups dealt per shoe.
Baccarat Strategy and Tips
While baccarat offers some of the lowest house edges in casino games, the random nature of the deal means results are wholly unpredictable. No betting strategy can alter the probability or consistently beat the house edge. Some tips for beginners:
- Stick to betting Player or Banker. Avoid Ties.
- Be aware of the commissions on Banker bets lowering returns.
- Manage your bankroll and bet within your means.
- Feel free to bet on both Player and Banker.
- Accept that results are down to chance – don’t chase losses.
- Play for enjoyment as much as profits. Baccarat can be hugely exciting when luck goes your way.
Baccarat is ideal for those seeking a refined but compelling casino experience. Its blend of elegance and simplicity has cemented its legacy as one of the world’s greatest card games.
To put it all together, Baccarat is an elegant casino card game with roots in Italy and France. Play revolves around betting on which of two hands – Player or Banker – will come closest to a point total of 9. Drawing rules remove any skill, making baccarat a game of pure chance. Bettors can back Player, Banker or a Tie, with Player and Banker paying even money minus a 5% commission. Ties pay 8:1 but have a high house edge. Table layouts seat up to 14 players who take turns being the banker. No betting strategy can overcome the randomness, so manage your bankroll and enjoy baccarat for the thrill of its fast action. Ultimately skill plays no part – both newcomers and veterans must accept that fate decides all results.