This question is highly controversial, various myths entwine around the origin of the name and the game itself. For example the theory that Baccarat was invented at the beginning of the 16th century in the southern Italian city of Naples, since the word “Baccarat” is in an outdated Neapolitan dialect Nothing or zero corresponds. Or that the game had its origins 400 years ago in the small French town of “Baccarat”.

However, this is contradicted by the fact that the French maps in use today were almost unknown before the 19th century. It is unlikely that Baccarat was played with tarot cards as early as the Renaissance. So it is also possible that Baccarat was derived from some non-card games, such as the Chinese Pai Gow game, which was played with tiles rather than cards. It would be obvious, because even today baccarat is extremely popular, especially with Asian players and high rollers.

How Is Baccarat Played?

Baccarat can be played against the bank ( “Punto Banco” ) or against other players ( “Chemin de Fer” ). We focus here on the Punto Banco game mode.

This Is How The Game Against The Bank Works

The basic idea of ​​baccarat and the structure of a playing field are simple. The main element are three betting fields, which we will go into in more detail under the point of the game objective. The game is played with 6 to 8 sets of classic poker cards with the four colors of spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs, each containing 13 cards. The card value is defined in Baccarat as follows:

• Cards 2 – 9 each correspond to the number of points shown
• The ace is worth 1 point
• The cards 10, Jack, Queen, King have a numerical value of 0

The values ​​of the cards that a player has in hand are summed up (e.g. 6 + ace = 7). If the total of the cards in hand exceeds the number 9, only the ones digit is counted (e.g. 4 + 8 = 2).

Goal Of The Game In Punto Banco Mode

The aim of the game in classic baccarat is to use 2 or 3 cards to achieve a score that is closer to 9 than that of your opponent. In punto banco mode, however, the player does not necessarily try to beat the bank, but has one of three options at the beginning of the round:

• bet on yourself ( player )
• Put on the bank ( banker )
• on a tie ( Tie set)

Gameplay

Once the bets have been made, the player and the bank each receive two starting cards , which are laid out face up at Punto Banco. The player’s hand value now decides whether he receives another card (0 to 5) or not (6 to 7). If the hand value is 8 or 9, this corresponds to a “natural hand” , whereby the round ends immediately.

The bank may also draw additional cards based on the starting hand according to established rules . Who is closer to 9 with his hand value at the end, decides the round for himself, whereby the bet placed at the beginning of the round is decisive for profit or loss .