All about Baccarat

So, you think of yourself as a secret agent, or perhaps just a fancy socialite? Or perhaps you are looking for a game you can play when you don't want to think too hard, but don't want to give the casino your checkbook either. Well dear friends, the answer to your gaming prayers is Baccarat, and while James Bond couldnt be here, the Casino Snob will tell you all you ever needed to know about it.

Baccarat is among the simplest casino games to play. It is typically a fancier affair, but we can't for the life of us understand why. It may be so that when the high class get a little tipsy, they don't have to look dumb when they gamble, and neither will you!

You see, Baccarat has only three bets. THREE! As cards are drawn (and for now, lets not worry about how they are drawn) you add up the values of the cards (ace-9 are worth 1-9, everything else is worth 0) and then you determine the rightmost digit of the total as the score. For example, if you have a 8 and a 3, the total is 11, so your score is 1. The dealer and the player both receive cards, and when the drawing is over (again.. not someting you control, so dont worry about it), either the player wins, the dealer wins, or you tie. Thats the three bets. Its LIKE BETTING ON A COIN TOSS! Well, a coin toss with 3 sides. And the best part... the house edge is 1.06% on the banker bet, 1.24% on the player bet, and 14.36% on the tie. So if you just sit there and bet on the banker all night, you can drink your martini, and see how your luck holds out!

Still dont get it? Head over to these links to read the full skinny:

How Stuff Works -- always a favorite site, with plenty to educate you.

The Wizard of Odds -- The venerable wizard. Just click your ruby slippers three times!

And for more in depth strategies, check out these books:

The Baccarat Battle Book -- Frank Scoblete has anoter nice book on his hands here, and he keeps things very straightforward. We're not talking about making a killing, but we are talking about how to enjoy a night in style.

Lyle Stuart on Baccarat -- From the Baccarat professional and great Lyle Stuart. As much for the stories, as for the gaming, this book does not give away any particular secrets, but its a great read, and it does have good tips.

And when you're finally ready to take the game to your home casino, you know where YOU have the edge, you can play on this sweet mat

And where to play this fine game?

Nothing but style we say:
Caesar's Palace, Bellagio, Luxor, Foxwoods, or any other classy location will have Baccarat. You will want to avoid the low-brow places this time. Baccarat bets for $1 are sort of missing the point. What you want here is to take it easy, get a nice drink, get a partner on your arm, and enjoy an evening out!

August 23, 2006

All about Baccarat