Baccarat is that enigmatic card game you see high-rollers in tuxedos playing in opulent casinos. It is an exciting and easy-to-learn game that exudes refinement. But don’t be intimidated by its mystique; it’s just as fun for beginners as it is for seasoned players.
Its mystique is partially a result of its history as an elite pastime for the nobility and wealthy. Its origin is not entirely clear, but it was originally played in Italy, where it became a favorite among King Charles VIII and his nobles. From there, it made its way to France, where it became the rage with the French aristocracy.
A game of baccarat begins with the dealer dealing two cards to each hand (a player and a banker) face up in full view of everyone at the table. The object is to bet on which hand total will come closest to nine. Points are awarded to the winner of each hand. Aces are worth 1 point, cards numbered 2-9 are valued at their face value, and 10s count as zero. When the points total exceeds 9, only the second digit is used to determine the winner.
Players bet on either the banker or the player hand and can also bet on a tie. When betting on the banker, a small commission is paid to the casino (the amount varies by casino). This money helps offset the house edge, which is slightly higher than the player’s bet.
The game is simple and fast-paced. After the two initial hands are dealt, a third card may be drawn if the first two hand totals are 8 or 9. This is called a “natural win” and all bets on this outcome are paid. In the event that neither of the hands has an 8, a fourth card is drawn to determine a winner.
As with any game, it’s important to set a spending limit ahead of time and stick to it. Baccarat is an exciting game that’s easy to get carried away with, and you don’t want to end up spending more than you can afford to lose. It’s also a good idea to set a win limit, so that you know when to stop playing and leave the tables.
It’s also helpful to look for trends and patterns when you play baccarat. If the banker or player is winning often, try to place bets on these sides in order to maximize your profits. Keeping an eye out for these signs will help you stay in control of your spending, and it will make the game even more enjoyable. If you’re looking to add a little extra excitement, DraftKings offers specialty baccarat games like Lunar New Year Baccarat, which changes the feel of the game by changing the rules based on the lunar calendar.