Rules of Baccarat
Baccarat is a casino game prominently featured in Ian Fleming's James Bond novels and subsequent 007 movies. It has an air of refined elegance that makes it intimidating to those who haven't played it. The basics are actually simple--similar to Blackjack in some ways. Its unique properties come in the manner in which players bet, forming the basis for much of its appeal.
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Betting
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A game of baccarat takes place between two people, the banker, or banco, and a player, or punto. They compete against each other, and other players at the table bet on the outcome. They may bet banco, punto or standoff (a tie). Two hands are dealt for each player, then play proceeds to the next player, who then faces off against the banker for two hands and so on around the table.
The Third Card
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In certain circumstances, a player may be given a third card, which is given face up. The player must take a third card if his total count is 5 or less and must stand if his total is 6 or more.
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Banker's Draw
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The banker is governed by more complex rules than the player for receiving a third card. If the player doesn't draw a third card, the banker takes a third if he has a total of 5 or lower and stands if he has a total of 6 or higher. If the player does take a third card, that card determines whether the banker takes a third card. He draws a third card if his total is 2 or less. If his total is 3, he draws a third card unless the player's third card is an 8. At 4, he draws if the player's third card is an 8, 9, ace, 10 or face card. At 5, he draws a third card if the player is showing a 4, 5, 6 or 7. At 6, he draws a third card if the player is showing a 6 or 7. At 7 or higher, he stands.
Odds
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The odds payoff in baccarat is even money. However, the house typically charges a 5 percent commission when you bet on the banker. With an eight-deck shoe, the banker tends to win a few more hands than the player.
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References
- Photo Credit John Howard/Photodisc/Getty Images
