Baccarat is a casino game that is played on the same type of tables as blackjack and roulette. It is a high stakes game and is played in the big money sections of casinos around the world.
The origins of baccarat can be traced back to medieval Italy where it was a popular game among the upper class and aristocrats. It was based on an old Etruscan legend of a virgin throwing a die that determined her fate.
In the early 19th century it spread to France and quickly became a rage for the French aristocracy. The original game was played by four dealers, each player had an opportunity to be the banker and bets were placed against both the banker and other players.
Today the game is played by one dealer and bets are placed against the house. The goal of the game is to bet on the hand that you believe will be closest to or equal to nine.
There are three main bets in baccarat; the Banker’s bet, the Player’s bet and the Tie bet. The Banker’s bet pays 95% of your stake and the Player’s bet pays a much lower percentage, typically 6% to 10%.
Baccarat has become popular worldwide, especially in Macau and Singapore, where it is a major draw for high rollers. Its low house edge and the fact that it can be played in any room makes it a hit with casinos.
Some of the most famous baccarat movies include the 2007 movie Rush Hour 3 and the 1956 film Bob le flambeur, where the main characters play chemin de fer (railway baccarat). Both of these films have the same premise: a person gets into trouble while playing a high-stakes card game, and needs to cover for his loss.
The rules of baccarat are simple, and you can learn it in no time at all. However, there are some things that you should know about the game before you start betting.
1. The Banker’s bet is the best bet in baccarat and has the lowest house advantage, 1.2 percent.
2. The Player’s bet is the second best bet in baccarat and also has the lowest house advantage, 1.7 percent.
3. The Tie bet is the third bet in baccarat and has a much higher house edge than the Banker’s bet or the Player’s bet.
4. The highest possible score in baccarat is 9 and the lowest is 6.
5. There are no rules that determine when a third card can be drawn in baccarat, but it’s always wise to keep your options open.
If you’re not sure about the rules, check the casino’s website for instructions or ask a friendly dealer.
The minimum bets for baccarat vary from casino to casino, but it’s generally a fairly low $20-$25. It’s also a good idea to keep track of your past hands so that you can adjust your bets accordingly. Most live baccarat tables will have score sheets that you can use to keep track of your past winnings and losses.
