Playing Baccarat at Casinos and Card Rooms Around the Bay Area
Baccarat is a card game with a long history. While it may not be as well-known as poker, it has a reputation for being an elegant, high-stakes game. Whether you are a casual gambler, a high roller or even an expert player, you can play baccarat at casinos and card rooms around the Bay Area.
The game is played with six standard decks of cards that are shuffled together and dealt to two hands. There are from seven to 14 seats for players and a betting area, which is separate from the dealer’s. Unlike blackjack, players do not get their own cards; instead, they place their bets on the Player or Banker hand. The object of the game is to bet on which hand will have a total closer to nine than the other. A pair of aces counts as one point, while picture cards and cards numbered 2-9 are worth their face value. Once a hand’s points value reaches a double digit, the first digit is dropped.
A bet on the Player hand is a wager that the player’s hand will have a higher total than the Banker’s. If the Player wins, the bet pays out 1:1 (minus a five percent commission). A bet on the Banker’s hand is a wager that the Banker’s hand will have a lower total than the Player’s. If the Banker wins, the bet pays out 8:1 (minus a five percent commission).
While baccarat is known for its elegance and glamour—and Sean Connery’s performance as James Bond in Dr. No, Thunderball and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service certainly helped—it is actually a very simple game to learn and play. The house edge is a fraction of that of other casino games, making it an excellent choice for the casual gambler or even the beginning player.
If you choose to play baccarat, it is important to decide ahead of time how much you are willing to spend. This will keep you from overspending, and it will help you stay in control of your gambling habits. It is also helpful to bring cash with you, rather than a credit card, so that you can limit your spending. In addition, it is a good idea to take a break from the table every couple of rounds. This will give your mind a chance to recharge and will make you a better player in the long run.