What Is Baccarat?

In Baccarat, the objective is straightforward: players bet on which hand, either the “player” or the “banker,” will have a total closest to 9. The game is typically played with six to eight decks of cards shuffled and placed in a shoe.

Here’s how the scoring works:

• Aces are worth 1 point.
• Cards 2 through 9 hold their face value.
• 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are valued at zero points.

When the cards are dealt, each hand receives two cards. If the total of the hands exceeds 9, only the second digit is considered. For example, if a hand totals 15, it’s counted as 5.

While the basic rules remain consistent, there are various versions of Baccarat, including Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque, each with its own unique features and variations in gameplay.

Baccarat’s popularity lies not only in its simplicity but also in its rapid pace. Unlike many other card games, Baccarat doesn’t require players to make complex decisions or use elaborate strategies. It’s a game of chance, where luck plays a significant role.