Baccarat is an enjoyable casino game that’s simple to pick up and play, boasting one of the lowest house edges at only 1.2% on both Banker and Player bets. Though complex at first, players can employ various strategies to increase their odds of success and boost their winning chances.
Baccarat boasts an expansive history. Originating in Italy and popular among aristocrats who used cards instead of dice to gamble, baccarat eventually moved to France under its original name of Chemin de Fer, where it quickly gained favor with French monarchs before quickly becoming popular with European aristocrats as a favorite pastime.
Basically, the rules of baccarat are straightforward, with only minor variances between online and live versions of the game. One key distinction is that in an online game, the dealer deals each hand without player involvement – this helps reduce potential for cheating on public tables.
Live games typically involve either the dealer or caller handling the cards, with face down cards being dealt and then bettors selecting one of three possible outcomes: Player, Banker or Tie. Ultimately, your objective should be for your hand (be it Player or Banker) to come closest to nine when all pips (clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades) have been added together.
Players in baccarat can also place side bets, which don’t affect which hand wins but instead predict whether either Player or Banker hands will have certain values. Examples of side bets include all red/all black (betting that a hand will draw only black or red cards), Double 8 (wagering that both Banker and Player hands add up to eight), all red/all black, Double 8, etc. These side bets typically offer high returns but tend to be riskier.
As a beginner, flat betting should be your starting point. This will enable you to identify which pattern trends are the most successful and allow you to adjust your strategy accordingly. Once you’ve mastered flat betting, try expanding to using other strategies such as zigzag and streak patterns.
Baccarat may be difficult for newcomers to master, but the effort will certainly pay off. While the game has an intimidating reputation, with proper strategy you can quickly get going and win big. Just set yourself limits and don’t chase losses! Good luck!