Baccarat is the kind of game that conjures up images of tuxedo-clad high rollers in opulent casinos. It is an exciting game that requires little skill, but it still exudes a certain mystique that makes it the choice of many players. But don’t let the game’s mystique intimidate you – it’s easy to learn and fun to play.
Before the cards are dealt, players place bets on either the Player or Banker hand. Then, the dealer hands out two cards to each gaming spot. The card rankings are as follows: 9 is the highest, 8 is next, and 7 and 6 follow with a tie scoring 10. A third card can be drawn for the player hand if the first two totals are close to 9. The dealer will then call “No More Bets” and reveal the Player and Banker hands.
Then, the banker chooses whether to draw a third card or stand. The decision is based on the available information and the Banker must make a choice that will best suit his or her bankroll, taking into account all of the bets on both hands. The banker can choose to stand on a total of 6 or 7, but will draw a card on a score of 0-5; the Player hand must also choose whether to stand or ask for a third card.
Once the Player and Banker hands are determined, the wagers on them are settled. The player’s bet is paid out if the hand wins; the Banker’s bet pays out if the hand loses, but the House takes a commission on winning Banker bets. The Tie bet is a side bet that pays out if the player and banker hand have the same value. The odds of a Tie bet are typically 8 to 1 and may be slightly better in some locations.
When you’re playing Baccarat, it’s important to have a strategy. Set your bankroll before you begin, and decide how much you’re willing to spend in a single round. It’s also a good idea to know your limits before you start, so that you can stop when you hit them. Finally, never be tempted to use the Martingale system, which is a betting system that suggests you double your bets every time you lose. This is not a smart strategy in any casino game, but it can be especially risky when playing Baccarat.