Baccarat Basics For High Rollers
Baccarat is a casino game with an impressive history of luxury and prestige, dating back to European aristocracy and the Rat Pack. It’s the dominant game in Asian VIP rooms and at international properties that cater to premium-segment play. Yet, the game’s reputation as a high-end offering can lead to a significant level of volatility for operators.
As with any other game of chance, it’s important for high rollers to enter baccarat with a plan. Set loss and win limits, and stick to them. Baccarat offers some of the lowest house edges in all of casino gaming, and it’s a game that can be very profitable for serious players who follow a few simple rules.
The game involves betting on two opposing hands: the player hand and the banker’s hand. Both are dealt two cards, and the hand with a total closest to nine wins. Each card has a value: 9 is worth ten points, cards numbered one to eight are worth their face value, and the ace is valued at one point. The values of each hand are added together, and the second digit of the sum is used as the total. If the total is greater than 9, only the first digit is counted.
Once all bets are placed, the dealer will deal the cards. One card is dealt to the Player box, and another to the Banker box. If either hand totals 8 or 9, the game is over and all bets are paid out. Otherwise, a third card is drawn. If the third card is a 8, the banker must stand. If it is a nine, the player must draw.
The Banker bet is the most popular option in baccarat, and offers a slightly lower house edge than the Player bet. It pays out 1:1 minus a five percent commission when it wins. The Player bet, on the other hand, has a higher house edge and pays out less money.
In addition to the banker and player bets, players can also place a bet on a tie. A tie is a very rare outcome, and the payout for a tied hand is 8 to 1. The game’s popularity among high rollers has also helped it become a staple of the world-famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Las Vegas Sands’ Macau casinos.
As the world of gaming evolves, baccarat is a game with a lot of staying power, and a growing interest from casual players. It’s not as complicated or time-consuming as many of its rivals, and it’s a game that’s easy to learn and fun to play.
The game is a great fit for new or casual casino-goers, as the only decision to make is whether to bet on the player or banker. It’s quick, the decision is almost a coinflip (1%-1.5% house edge) and players’ bets do not affect other people’s results screens. The game is also incredibly simple, and players can be up and playing in seconds.