Originally from Europe, baccarat has received a fresh lease of life in Asia. Its popularity has grown in recent years, making it more accessible to American gamblers. Because it has a solid track record around the globe, local casinos may also add more tables to cater to the growing popularity of the game. This game is one of the few in which a high-stakes player can actually hurt the casino! As a result, baccarat is a game that is particularly popular with high-rollers and deep-pocketed players.
Game’s etymology
There are many legends surrounding the game of baccarat’s origin. One implausible theory suggests that it came from Italy during the fifteenth century. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, which makes the game much more likely to be an 18th-century creation. In fact, the game’s name, ‘Baccara,’ is an ancient Italian and French word meaning ‘nothing.’ The zero value of the face cards and tens of the game is one of the reasons the game is considered to be ancient.
Variations
Baccarat has many varieties. Chemin de Fer, for instance, is a French version of the game. This offshoot of Italian baccarat is played with six decks of cards rather than seven. The game is played with players sitting in an oval grid on a table. Each player lays down one card, which is distributed face down. The banker is the player who initiates the game. The punter may then call ‘Banco,’ which involves going all-in against the banker.
Rules
There are a few basic Rules of Baccarat. Generally speaking, the aim of the game is to build a hand that is as close to nine as possible. Aces count as one while the face cards are worth zero. Unlike poker, eight and nine do not equal eight and sixteen. In a game of baccarat, the player is always “playing first”.
House edge
The House edge in Baccarat is a factor to consider when playing. While the payout percentage is important to understand, the house edge can have an even greater impact on your bankroll. This is due to the fact that the Banker will always have an advantage in the game due to the extra piece of information they have. The payout percentage is important, as well, but it’s not everything. There are many additional factors to consider when determining the House edge in Baccarat.
Side bets
The side bets in Baccarat include the win by 9 side bet, which pays out if both the player and banker have the same number of cards. The house edge for this side bet is 4.20%. The house edge for the other side bets is 3.95%. Another side bet is the egalite side bet, which pays out on the exact value of a tie. There are several sections for this side bet, and a player can place multiple ones.
