Baccarat is one of the oldest card games in existence and, despite being associated with high stakes and shady dealings in pop culture, it remains a game that offers some of the best odds in a casino. It is a favorite of high rollers and has been featured in countless movies including the iconic scene where Sean Connery plays Bond in the first movie in the series.
While the history of the game is obscure, historians have ventured into the subject and some say that the game spun off from pai gow, the ancient Chinese tile game. In any event, the game is now played in casinos around the world.
It is a table game where players place their bets on either the Player or Banker hands to win. The dealer shuffles the decks of cards and then deals them from a box or shoe. The game has from seven to 14 seats with a clear area for the dealer. The Player and Banker boxes have betting areas clearly marked with numbers. The cards are numbered from 2-9, with picture cards and Tens worth zero points, while the Ace is worth one point.
In addition to placing bets, the players must decide which hand is the best. A natural win occurs when the Player or Banker hands have a total of 8 or 9. A draw is when neither hand has a total of 8 or 9. If either of these happens, all placed bets are paid. Then the game is over.
While the game may seem simple, it can be complex when a player employs a strategy. In fact, a strategy can decrease the house edge to less than 1%. Card counting is an effective strategy and, if paired with other techniques like edge sorting, can give the player a significant advantage.
Many baccarat players use various strategies to improve their chances of winning, such as the Paroli system. This system is similar to the Martingale, but doesn’t require chasing losses because it only increases bets with winnings and caps progression at three increases. The system is also popular in baccarat tournaments where bankroll management is vital.
Unlike most other casino games, baccarat has no table minimums, so players can start with as little as $100 and play for as long as they want. Regardless, it is important to understand the game’s rules before you begin playing.
Baccarat’s heritage stretches back to Europe and spread throughout Asia before landing in the US. Now the game is a mainstay at casino properties worldwide and attracts Asian high rollers. But does baccarat have staying power as casino patrons shift their preferences? Bill Zender, a former Nevada Gaming Control Agent and casino executive who literally wrote the book on managing casino games, believes it does.