Baccarat is one of the most exclusive games on the casino floor, set apart by a sense of sophistication. But, as Zender explains, it’s not for the wealthy only: The game has an average house edge of just 1.2 percent on player and banker bets, and is easy to play.
The basics of the game are simple: There are seven to 14 seats for players, and a spot for the dealer; only two hands of cards are dealt out. Players place bets on which hand will come closest to nine when all of the pips (the dots that make up clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) are added up. Picture cards and tens count as zero, while aces are worth one point. The winner is the hand that totals closer to nine.
Baccarat has long been popular among high rollers because of its elegance and enduring prestige. However, it has also gained popularity among less affluent casino patrons who appreciate its simplicity and low house edge.
In fact, some experts claim that the game is a better option than roulette and black jack, as it has the lowest house edge of any casino game. Additionally, it is easy to understand and follow, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
Traditionally, six decks of cards are used, and the croupier deals them to the players in random order. The table is round, and the action begins to the right of the croupier. A number of rules are followed during the game, including those that govern how the croupier determines whether a bet on the Player or Banker wins.
After each hand is dealt, the players and croupier take turns betting. A bet on the Player pays 1:1, while a bet on the Banker pays even money, minus a 5% commission. A third bet, called a Tie, pays eight to one, but it is a risky bet and most serious players stick with either Player or Banker.
Once all of the bets are placed, the croupier will reveal each of the hands. The first card will be dealt to the Player box, then a second to the Banker box. If the Player hand is higher than the Banker’s, a winner is declared. If neither hand is a winner, the bets are returned.
Many baccarat players use the Martingale strategy, which involves betting more and more after each loss in the hope that a win will eventually recoup all previous losses. However, this strategy is not for everyone and only works if you have a large enough bankroll and the discipline to adhere to it. In addition, some players also employ a technique known as edge sorting to reduce the game’s house edge by about 0.05%. This is particularly effective when paired with the Martingale strategy.