Baccar

Baccar, short for Baccarat, is a card game played at casinos. It is a comparing card game played between two hands, the "player" and the "banker." Each baccarat coup (round of play) has three possible outcomes: "player" (player has the higher score), "banker," and "tie."

Gameplay:

Two hands are dealt, one for the "player" and one for the "banker." Each hand is initially dealt two cards. The point value of each hand is calculated by summing the values of the individual cards. Numbered cards (2 through 9) are worth their face value; tens and face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are worth 0; and Aces are worth 1. If the total point value of a hand is more than 9, 10 is subtracted from the total, leaving a final hand value. For example, a hand with a 7 and an 8 would total 15, but the hand value would be 5 (15-10=5).

Depending on the initial two cards dealt to each hand, a third card may be dealt to either or both hands. The specific rules determining whether a third card is dealt are complex and are predetermined by the casino, but are consistent and known. Players typically do not need to memorize these rules, as the dealer manages the third card distribution.

The hand with the higher point value wins. If both hands have the same point value, the outcome is a tie.

Betting:

Before each coup begins, players place bets on either the "player," the "banker," or a "tie." Payouts vary based on the winning bet. A winning "player" bet typically pays 1:1 (even money). A winning "banker" bet typically pays 1:1, but a commission (usually 5%) is charged on winnings. A winning "tie" bet typically pays 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino.

House Edge:

Baccarat has a relatively low house edge compared to some other casino games. The house edge on the "banker" bet is typically the lowest, followed by the "player" bet. The "tie" bet has a significantly higher house edge and is generally considered a less favorable bet.

Variations:

Several variations of Baccarat exist, including Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque. Punto Banco is the most common variation found in casinos, where the dealing of cards is determined solely by the rules of the game, without player choice.