The Basics of Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in Las Vegas. It is a simple game with only three possible outcomes: a player win, a banker win or a tie. This game is a great option for players who want to enjoy the James Bond pageantry of tuxedoed dealers and double tables, but don’t want to play a complicated card game that requires a lot of memorizing rules.
In baccarat, two cards are dealt to the Player hand and a banker hand. A third card may be dealt to either hand, depending on the total of the first two cards and the drawing rules. The winning hand is the one closest to nine points. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. All 10s equal nine, picture or face cards equal 0 points and Aces equal one point.
Baccarat has a long history and was developed in Italy and France. It was once a high-roller’s game, but has become more mainstream. It is popular in casinos across the world. Its popularity has also generated variations and side bets on the game.
While the game is easy to learn, some players shy away from it because of the rules governing when a third card must be drawn. These decisions are not based on player strategy and are determined by a series of rules – known as the drawing rules – that are decided by the dealer.
A dealer’s duties in baccarat involve dealing and tracking bets on the Banker’s hand. In addition, the dealer must collect winning bets and pay out losing bets. The dealer is also responsible for paying out the 5% commission on winning bets on the Banker’s Hand.
The Banker’s hand is dealt from a shoe that contains six or eight standard playing cards. A third card is sometimes drawn for the Banker’s hand depending on the value of the first two cards. The goal of the Banker’s hand is to beat the Player’s hand.
When the Player’s or Banker’s hands total 8 or 9 on the first two cards, this is called a “natural” and all bets are paid out. The Player’s and Banker’s hands are then compared and the hand with the higher total wins.
The Player’s and Banker’s hands are compared according to strict rules. The Banker’s hand must have a total of 8 or 9. A total of 7 is not acceptable and must be re-drawn. The Player’s hand must stand on a total of 6 or lower. If the Player’s hand totals 6, then the Banker must also stand and no third card is drawn. If the Player’s hand has a total of 6 and the Banker has a 7, then a tie results and bets on the Player’s Hand and the Tie Bet are paid out.