With its long ties to the world of high-society Asian culture, Baccarat is not only one of the oldest casino games around, but also one of the most popular. Variations of the game (including punto banco, chemmy and baccarat banque) can be found at casinos and cardrooms across the Bay Area, including Bay 101 in San Jose, Cache Creek in Brooks (Yolo County), Thunder Valley in Lincoln (Placer County) and beyond.
In its simplest form, the table consists of from seven to 14 seats for players and a dealer’s area. Two hands of cards are dealt each round: the Player’s hand and the Banker’s. The aim is to get closer to a total of nine than the other hand. Players can bet on either of these two hands or on a tie. The rules are set and fixed, and the game is simple to understand.
If either the Player or Banker hand totals eight or nine on the first two cards, this is known as a “natural” win and all bets are paid. In some cases, however, a third card is drawn, which can significantly alter the results of the hand. The banker’s hand has a lower house edge than the player’s, so bettors are usually encouraged to place their bets on this hand.
As with any gaming venture, it’s important to come into a baccarat session with a plan. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Set your wins and losses limits, and if you’ve reached your loss limit, stop playing immediately. It’s a simple rule, but it can help keep you from over-extending your bankroll and potentially getting into trouble.
Another helpful tool is a baccarat strategy chart, which is available in many casinos. It lays out the optimal bet size for each situation, giving you a clear idea of what to expect on each round. A good strategy chart will also show you which bets are more profitable and when to make changes in your betting pattern.
A savvy baccarat player will also be aware of the house edge for each bet type, and adjust his or her bet size accordingly. For example, betting on the banker’s hand is statistically the best bet, with a low house edge and a winning frequency that often exceeds the player’s. For this reason, a seasoned player will employ a betting system such as the Labouchere to create a sequence and gradually increase bets after each loss until a target profit is reached.
There are a few other side bets that can be placed on the baccarat table, though their odds vary by establishment and platform. The Super Six bet wagers that the player’s and banker’s hand will receive identical cards on the deal, while the Pair bet is a safe bet at 11:1 odds that the Player or Banker will get a pair on the deal. While these bets aren’t necessary to play the game, they can add to the excitement and make the game more fun.
