Table of Contents
📌 History of Baccarat
The origin of Bacarrat dates back to medieval Italy. Although the origin of this card game is not clearly known, most people believe that it was created in the 1400s by Felix Falguiere. He named it baccara, which means zero because all face cards and tens were valued at zero.
From Italy, the game moved to France where it became popular with the French aristocracy for many years. It was later introduced into England. The author Ian Fleming learned how to play it He later created James Bond who is the most famous baccarat player in the world to date.
As time went on, the game found its way to the Caribbean and America and adapted to local culture under the name Punto Banco. There were a few changes in how the game was played. They included the banker role being reserved for the casino alone, and players playing only against the house. This variant is what is referred to as American Baccarat.
📌 The Objective
The objective of baccarat is to create a 2 or 3 card hand. To win, the total of the cards held must be closer to the number 9 than the hand of cards held by the banker. All cards in the game usually maintain their face value with the only exceptions being royal cards that are worth zero and the ace which is worth one or zero.
As a player, you will have to bet which of the sides – the player or the banker – will be closest to 9 or whether the two sides will tie. Baccarat does not involve much beyond betting, thus you can easily sit and enjoy the game.
📌 Baccarat Variations
There are several variations of baccarat that you can access and play at online casinos. All the variations are unique in different ways and any online gambler will enjoy playing. Here are some of them:
📌 3 Card Baccarat
The 3 Card Baccarat is a popular variation in Macau casinos. It features a single 52-card deck with each round starting with dealers distributing 3 cards to themselves as well as to the players. The scoring rules are just the same as those of regular baccarat. Two face cards are usually worth zero while other cards are worth their numerical value.
A hand with three face cards is normally worth the most and a score with nine will be the second-best hand. If the player and the banker tie, the hand with more face cards will be the winner.
📌 Chemin de Fer
Chemin de Fer is popular in Europe, especially in France. It is a baccarat variation that will let you act as the bank. When given the option, and if you accept the banker role, then you will have to play against other gamblers. The game is played on a large table that can seat up to 14 players and is normally available at European casinos in the VIP sections.
📌 Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is very common in Europe and uses three decks. It is played the same way as Chemin de Fer. The game will also give you an option to act as a banker. Other players, for the most part, only gamble on the side of the player. However, they can as well challenge the banker if they bet against the banker with a matching wager. When a player wins, he will act in the next round as the bank.
📌 Mini Baccarat
This is the most popular version of baccarat. The does not give other players a chance to handle the bank but instead handles all the action. The game involves a small table that can accommodate up to seven players. Most players enjoy playing it because of its fast-paced action and simplicity.
📌 Punto Banco
Punto Banco is a real money baccarat variation that is very like mini baccarat. In this game, players will simply make bets while the dealer handles everything. The only difference between the two is that Punto Banco uses three dealers. The mini version, on the other hand, features a single dealer only.
📌 Conclusion
Baccarat offers several variations that differ based on the number of decks, the number of dealers, whether players get, or do not get, to hold the bank, and the scoring rules. All the variations are easy to play and can win you money.
📌 FAQ
You can play baccarat at real money online casinos
It is not possible to count cards in a free baccarat game online.
The best strategy when playing baccarat is to avoid a Tie bet.