Baccarat Strategy Guide – How to Win Big at Baccarat
Baccarat traces its roots to 15th century Italy. Its inventor was a man named Felix Falguiere. His game is said to have derived its name from the fact that the face cards and tens are worth nothing.
The simplicity of betting and the quick resolution of hands attract high rollers. Bets on the Player and Banker pay 1:1 minus a 5 percent commission while ties pay 8 to 1.
Origins
Despite its snobbish reputation, baccarat was once very popular with the British royal family. In 1890, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) was involved in a slander case linked to a baccarat game with friends, where he was accused of cheating.
The history of baccarat is a little hazy, but it has its roots in medieval Italy. The game is believed to be based on a legend from the Etruscans about a maiden who was tasked with throwing a nine-sided die to determine her fate. If she rolled a high number, she was elevated to priestess status; a middle number meant she could continue to live; and a low number meant she was banished to the sea.
The game gained popularity in France in the 19th century, when it was commonly played by French nobility in private gaming rooms. It also featured in Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, Casino Royal, which further boosted its appeal among the elite.
Rules
Baccarat is a card game in which players place bets on either the Player hand or the Banker’s hand. The winner is the hand that is closest to nine points. The values of each hand are determined by adding up the cards in the hand, with Aces counting as one and all other non-face cards having their own value. Tens and picture cards are worth zero.
A round of baccarat is begun when the dealer slides out two cards in each of the Player and Banker boxes. The Player box is marked P and the Banker box BANK. When the total for both hands is 8 or 9 (a “natural”), all placed bets are paid. If neither hand is a natural, the Banker must draw a third card.
Bets
Baccarat is a game of chance and requires little skill, but there are several betting systems that can increase your odds. One popular system is the Martingale, where players double their bet amounts after each loss, hoping to recover all losses with one win. However, this strategy is high-risk and can lead to bankroll ruin.
Another betting system is the Fibonacci system, which raises bets based on the number of consecutive wins or losses. This method is more conservative than the Martingale, but it still does not change the game’s odds. There are also side bets in baccarat that pay based on the poker value of the first two cards. These include the ‘Tiger’, ‘Big Tiger’ and ‘Small Tiger’ bets. These bets are available in most casinos.
Payouts
The dealer deals two cards to each of the two player spots at the baccarat table. The banker then draws on a score of 0 to 5 unless the Player’s first two cards are equal to an 8 or 9. This is referred to as a natural and ends the hand.
The payouts for a winning Player and Banker bet vary, depending on the rules of your specific game. The banker’s bet offers the best return, with a house edge of 1.06 percent. However, this bet is subject to a 5% commission on Banker wins. This makes it less profitable over time than the Player bet. Several side bets, including the Dragon Bonus, are available with different payouts. These bets are based on the poker values of the Banker and Player’s first two cards.
Strategy
Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in the world, thanks to its straightforward rules and fast-paced play. It also features a variety of betting options, including Player and Banker bets, and the chance to win a Player/Banker Pair bet that awards a 1:1 payout. Using a baccarat strategy guide can help you maximize your winning potential.
There are many different baccarat betting systems to choose from, such as the Martingale and D’Alembert systems. These strategies are designed to improve your chances of winning by analyzing past results and adjusting your bet size accordingly. However, they are not foolproof. If Lady Luck is not on your side, you could end up losing several hands in a row and going into massive debt.