A Guide to Baccarat

Baccarat is a relatively easy card game to play, similar in some ways to blackjack. For some reason, it has acquired a reputation as an "upper class" or "luxury" casino game, but these days that no longer makes much sense. The game does not require expensive buy-ins, and can be played in a traditional casino or online. Read on for a guide to the basic rules.

A Betting Game

Baccarat does require that you place a bet, but the strategies are not quite so intricate or complicated as they are in other games. Basically, all you need to do is either bet that you have a card value that is closest to nine, or that the banker has the card value that is closest to nine. What makes the process even simpler is that in baccarat, you make even money wagers, meaning your winnings will match what you put in.

The Process

When you sit down to play baccarat, you will be dealt two cards, and the banker will be dealt two cards. You can then opt to receive a third card if the total value of your hand is low. If you get a value of exactly eight or nine, you have what's called a "natural win." If you get a hand that equals ten or more, the second digit of your value is automatically dropped, and you have a 'busting hand."

Baccarat is, for the most part, a game of chance. Since there are only two players involved, much of your decision will be guesswork. If you have a great hand of eight or nine, it's a good idea to bet on yourself.