Baccarat is a simple game with only three possible results - 'Player', 'Banker' and 'Tie'. The term 'Player' does not refer to the customer and the term 'Banker' does not refer to the house. They are just options on which the customer can bet.
Valuation of Hands
In Baccarat, cards 2-9 are worth face value, 10's and face cards (J, Q, K) are worth zero, and Aces are worth 1 point. Players calculate their score by taking the sum of all cards "modulo" 10, meaning that after adding the value of the cards the tens digit is ignored.
For example :
A hand consisting of 2 and 3 is worth 5 (2 + 3 = 5).
A hand consisting of 6 and 7 is worth 3 (6 + 7 = 13 = 3) - the first digit is dropped because the total is higher than 10.
A hand consisting of 4 and 6 is worth zero, or Baccarat (4 + 6 = 10 = 0).
The name "Baccarat" is unusual in that the game is named after the worst hand, worth 0.
The highest score that can be achieved is 9 (from a 4 and 5, 10 and 9, or A and 8, etc).
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Variations of Baccarat
Be sure to read more details on these variations before attempting to play either live or online.
Punto Banco
In the United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden, and Macau, a variation of baccarat is played in which the casino banks the game at all times. Players may bet on either the player or the banker, which are merely designations for the two hands dealt in each game. Punto Banco has it's own modified variations including Mini-baccarat and Makccarat.
If either the Player or the Banker achieves a total of 8 or 9 on the initial deal (known as a 'natural'), no further cards are drawn. If not, play proceeds as follows :
If the Player has an initial total of 0-5, the Player draws a single card.
If the Player has an initial total of 6 or 7, he stands.
The Banker's play depends on the Banker's hand, on whether the Player drew a card, and on what card the Player drew :
If the Player did not draw a card, the Banker draws if he has 0-5, and stands if he has 6-7.
If the Player drew a 2 or 3, the Banker draws if he has 0-4, and stands if he has 5-7.
If the Player drew a 4 or 5, the Banker draws if he has 0-5, and stands if he has 6-7.
If the Player drew a 6 or 7, the Banker draws if he has 0-6, and stands if he has 7.
If the Player drew an 8, the Banker draws if he has 0-2, and stands if he has 3-7.
If the Player drew an ace, 9, 10, or face-card, the Banker draws if he has 0-3, and stands if he has 4-7.
Baccarat Chemin de Fer
Six full packs of cards of the same pattern are used, shuffled together. The players seat themselves around the table. In the center is a basket for the reception of the used cards. If there is any question as to the relative positions of the players, it is decided by lot. The person who draws the first place seats himself next on the right hand of the croupier, and the rest follow in succession.
The croupier shuffles the cards, and then passes them on, each player having the right to shuffle in turn. When they have made the circuit of the table, the croupier again shuffles, and, having done so, offers the cards to the player on his left, who cuts. The croupier places the cards before him, and, taking a manageable quantity from the top, hands it to the player on his right, who for the time being is dealer, or "banker." The other players are punters.
Baccarat Banque
In Baccarat Chemin de Fer, a given bank only continues so long as the banker wins. As soon as he loses, it passes to another player. In Baccarat Banque the position of banker is much more permanent. Three packs of cards are shuffled together. (The number is not absolute, sometimes four packs, sometimes two only, being used; but three is the more usual number.) The banker (unless he retires either of his own free will or by reason of the exhaustion of his finances) holds office until all these cards have been dealt.
The bank is at the outset put up to auction, i.e. belongs to the player who will undertake to risk the largest amount. In some circles, the person who has first set down his name on the list of players has the right to hold the first bank, risking such amount as he may think proper ...top
| Source material on Baccarat taken from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia |
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