The Basics of Baccarat
While baccarat is often seen as a high-limit game, it’s one of the least intimidating casino games for new or casual players. With only two decisions to make – player or banker – and no impact on other players, baccarat offers an incredibly quick and easy game that requires no skill to play. However, there are a few important things to remember before you sit down to play.
The game is played with a minimum of three cards and a maximum of nine. The aim is to get your hand closer to 9 than the opposing hand. A hand with a number lower than nine will lose. However, a hand with a number higher than nine will win. The first digit is dropped when adding up the total of your cards, so a seven and six will result in a score of 3. Tens count as zero, while ace counts as 1.
Dealing the Cards
The dealer deals two cards face up to the player’s space and the banker’s space. Players place their wagers before the cards are dealt. Players bet on the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a tie. All cards are worth their face value, except for 10s and picture or face cards, which count as 0 points. Any score over nine has 10 subtracted from it, so neither side can bust like in blackjack.
Depending on the establishment or platform, you may be able to place additional side bets in addition to the Player Win, Banker Win, and Tie Bet. These bets usually pay different odds and can increase your winnings. For example, a Super Six bet is an optional bet that wins if the banker’s total card is a 6. The payout for this bet is 12x the original bet amount.
Whether you’re playing baccarat for fun or as a way to improve your betting strategy, it’s important to set your limits before you start. Establish a winning limit before you begin, and stick to it. Also, decide how much you’re willing to lose and leave when you hit that loss limit. If you follow these tips, baccarat can be an exciting and profitable casino game.