How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat is a game that is not known by many people but it is a game that has been around for ages and is enjoyed by people from all around the world.  This is generally considered a very easy game to play, which is why it draws in people from all walks of life.  Because of its simplicity, baccarat is a game that can be enjoyed whether you have a lot of time or just a little bit.

The object of baccarat is to draw a two or three card hand that is valued closer to nine than the banker.  To do this all cards in the deck have their own values awarded to them.  For instance the 10, the Jack, the King, and the Queen all count as zero.  The Ace is valued at one and all other cards are worth their face value.  If your total is more than ten, you simply drop the zero to get the value of your hand.  For instance, if your hand value is 17 you would have a total of 7.  The interesting thing about baccarat is that you cannot bust!

The game of baccarat begins with the banker and the player each draw two cards from the deck.  If the player or the bank have a total of eight or nine both will stand no matter what.  If the player has a total of six or seven they will stand.  If the player stands the banker will always hit on a hand value of five or less.  If the player has a hand value of less than five, the player will hit and the banker will provide them with that third card.  When the player is dealt the third card the banker will also draw a card under specific circumstances.

For instance, if the banker has a hand that is valued a zero, one, or two the banker will always draw a third card.  If the banker has a hand valued at three the banker will draw if the player has a third card that ranges from one through seven or 9 and zero.  If the bankers hand is valued at four they will draw if the player’s third card is a two through seven.  The banker will also draw if their hand is valued at five if the player’s third card is a four through seven.  If the bankers hand is valued at six they will draw if the player’s third card is a six or seven.  When the banker has a hand valued at seven they will stand.  From here the player and the banker calculate hands and the one closest to nine wins the game!

As you can see, this is a very simple game.  Once you know the object and you know the values of each of the cards you will be playing comfortably and effectively in no time.  If you are new to the game you should practice before you play for real money, but with just a bit of practice you may be ready to push your luck and attempt betting for real money.  The ease and pace of the game make it a great choice for some casino fun any time.