A game that’s as recognizable as Sean Connery in a sticky floor card room or the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, baccarat is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. But if you’re looking to win, a good strategy is essential.
Baccarat is played on a table with from seven to 14 seats for players and a spot for the dealer. After everyone has made their bets, the dealer will deal two cards to both the Player and Banker hands. The objective is to get a hand with a value closest to nine, with 9 being the best hand. The Player and Banker hands both have a chance to win, but the Banker hand is preferred given that it has a lower house edge.
If either the Player or Banker hands have a total of 8 or 9, no third card will be drawn and placed bets are paid. But if neither hand has that total, a third card may be drawn to determine the winner. This is called a ‘natural’ and only occurs when the first two cards dealt are of equal value.
When a third card is drawn, the winning hand will be determined by adding up the values of the two original cards dealt. For example, a 7 and a 6 make a hand of 16 points. But only the rightmost digit of the total is taken into account. So, a hand of 18 becomes only 6.
As a result, if you want to win, it’s advisable to place your bets on the Banker hand as often as possible. This will ensure that you win more often than losing, but remember to set a limit for your bets before beginning the round. A good rule of thumb is to bet 10 units per wager and only bet as much as you can afford to lose. This will prevent you from making huge bets and potentially ruining your chances of winning big.
