Baccarat, a classic casino game with Italian and French roots, has been popular for centuries. Known as Punto Banco in some parts of the world, this easy-to-learn card game’s objective is to get a hand as close to 9 as possible. Despite its reputation as a game for the wealthy, Baccarat is accessible to players of all levels.
The Basics of Baccarat
In Baccarat, cards retain their numerical values, with face cards and 10s valued at 0 and aces worth 1. A player is responsible for one hand, and players can wager on either the player or the banker’s hand. A tie can also be bet on, which means that the player and banker hands will be the same.
A game of Baccarat begins with all players betting on the player, banker, or a tie. The dealer then deals two cards for the player and two cards for the banker. The goal is to get as close to 9 as possible with any two-card hand adding to 9 called a Natural. Hands can’t total more than 9 and simply drop 10 when going over. A Natural 9 is an automatic winner, and the next best hand is an 8 (also called a Natural).
If neither of the two hands total 8 or 9, a third card can be drawn based on predetermined Baccarat rules. There’s no decision to make; these rules dictate what happens next and whether a third card is given. Many casinos also offer a Mini Baccarat version on the main casino floor, which usually features lower odds and a table for fewer players.
History of Baccarat
Baccarat is believed to have been derived in Italy and France. French soldiers are believed to have brought the game to France after returning from battle in the Italian Wars during the reign of Charles VIII. The game is thought to have first been introduced to the French in 1490. In Italy, the game was known as baccara and later surged in popularity during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715).
When French gambling laws were relaxed in the early 20th Century, the game saw a resurgence in the casinos along the French Riviera. The game remained popular among the properties’ wealthier customers and also helped cut into the profits of more traditional casino markets like those seen in Monaco.
Baccarat has been enjoyed by people for over five centuries. Its origins can be traced back to Italy in the 1400s, where it was played by aristocrats. The game eventually made its way to France, where it gained popularity among the French nobility.
During this time, Baccarat also saw growth into other countries as well. King Edward VII introduced the game to Great Britain, and it first reached the U.S. in 1911, played mostly in underground gambling clubs in New York. Chemin de fer also saw some interest from American gamblers.
The American introduction to Baccarat didn’t last long, and the game didn’t reach serious prominence again for American gamblers until the 1950s in Nevada. The birth of Sin City gambling began bringing in players from around the world, and the banker-versus-player action appealed to many of these well-heeled players.
Modern Baccarat in Casinos
Most modern casinos offer some form of Baccarat and now feature games that cater to a broader range of gamblers. While higher stakes traditional Baccarat can be found in high-limit areas and salons, mini Baccarat can be found on the traditional casino floor.
The game remains very popular and still attracts players to back the player or banker more than five centuries after the game debuted in Europe. Online players can also regularly find some action, with virtual casinos offering numerous options and stakes.
That includes the option to play various stakes that may not be found in a traditional casino. So for those looking to live a little like James Bond or just wanting to simply try something new, grab a seat at the Baccarat table.
In recent years, the game even garnered some major headlines thanks to an interesting turn of events involving one of the biggest names in poker. Card-playing legend Phil Ivey was embroiled in controversy for winning millions in a form of the game called punto banco. He was charged with using an assistant to engage in edge sorting.
This practice involves finding tiny irregularities on the backs of cards, a long-term statistical advantage for the player over the house. Court appearances for Ivey and his associate followed. They ultimately lost their cases and the vast majority of their winnings.
The hype kept this historic game in the news for a few years and may have drawn even more players to the tables. Maybe you’ll experience a nice win befitting one of those 16th Century aristocrats – with plenty of dollars heading your way.