Basic Baccarat

The game of baccarat is very simple. There is a little skill and a lot of luck involved. However, there is also ample time for conversation while playing and the overall payout isn't that bad compared to roulette or slots.

The Object of the Game of Baccarat

In a nutshell, the game of baccarat is all about the number nine. Both the player and the banker are playing to get their hand as close to nine as possible. However, the player doesn't need his hand to be the closest to nine in order to win.

How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat starts out with a bet. The player must lay bets on the "player," "tie," or "banker" spots on the table. He can bet on one square, two squares, or all three. All of this betting is done prior to the first card being dealt. This is where the luck comes in. Unless you are a serious card counter there is no way to know what the chances of the any of the squares being true at the end of the hand.

After the bets are made the banker gives the player two face up cards and then gives himself two face up cards too. If the banker's or the player's hand is an eight or a nine then no more cards are dealt. However, if the banker gets a hand of zero through seven then the player can play one more card on their hand to try to get to nine. Then the banker gets the chance to play his hand.

Counting and Scoring in Baccarat

The cards in the game of baccarat are counted with different values then many other card games. For instance, tens and all the face cards have a value of zero. The ace has a value of one. Then the rest of the numbered cards all have the value that they show.

It is difficult to count cards in baccarat because there are usually between six and eight decks of fifty two cards each being used. The jokers are removed for play, however. In baccarat the card holder is called a shoe.

Some Baccarat Strategies

Because you can bet that your hand will lose, it is important to play your third card right: it is one of basic baccarat strategies. Of course, the first two cards are simply dealt to you and whether you win or lose then is up to chance. However, after you get two cards that add up to less than seven you can play your strategy.

Even though it seems counterintuitive to try to get yourself to lose the cards, you can win the money that way. That is just one of the reasons for the popularity of the game of baccarat.