Baccarat is one of the world’s most popular casino games. It’s a simple card game that compares the Banker’s hand and the Player’s hand to determine who will win. It appeals to players because it’s a team game, where punters are betting on the collective success of the two hands rather than their individual fates. It is also believed to appeal to a Chinese preference for consensus and collective action, as opposed to the individualism of games such as poker or blackjack where punters are dealt their own cards.
The goal of the game is to bet on a hand that will have a total closest to nine points. Only two cards are dealt to each hand, and the value of those cards is determined by adding the values of each card (picture and ten value cards count as zero, while all other cards have their number value with aces counting as one). Once the total on either hand reaches a double digit, that digit becomes the hand’s point value.
The first step is to place your bet. Once that’s done, the croupier will deal the cards. One card will be dealt to the player’s box, and another to the banker’s box. If the player or banker’s total is 8 or 9, then that hand wins and all placed bets are paid. If the total is 9 but the second card is a 7, then that hand loses, and any bets on it are lost as well.
While baccarat is played in casinos around the world, it’s particularly popular in Macao. There are many theories as to why. Some speculate that it originated in Italy around 700 years ago, based on a game created by Felix Falguiere, who was a tarot card enthusiast. Others believe that baccarat is a spin-off of the ancient Chinese tile game Pai Gow, which translates to “make nine.”
Whatever the true origins of baccarat, the fact remains that the game is one of the most popular in the world. Its popularity has generated additional variants on the original game, including side bets and Mini Baccarat, which is played on a smaller table with lower minimum stakes.
In addition, the emergence of baccarat on American casinos’ high-end floors has created new opportunities for players. The game is not quite as upscale as its European and Asian predecessors, with fewer tuxedo-clad dealers and tables, but it’s an increasingly common sight. As more gamblers are attracted to the low house edge and the team aspect of the game, baccarat is sure to continue its steady rise in popularity.