Card games have gone a long way from the simple indoor games played by our ancestors. Baccarat, for example, has been around as early as 1400 and though it used to be a game exclusive to the elite class then it is now accessible to all people from all walks of life. Charles VIII of France was the first to bring it to the spotlight when he introduced Baccarat to the royal families of France making it a status symbol, both in wealth and intelligence.

The reason for this is distinction is simple: Baccarat is a game that requires strategic thinking and it also demands the player to have resources he could use against the opposition. Baccarat is very much like its more popular cousin, poker. Both enjoy high-stakes bets and success on both games depend on how well a player makes calculated risks.

Baccarat is played with eight complete decks of cards. The cards are shuffled by the dealer or "croupier," and then reshuffled and placed in a special box called the "shoe." The game is played by set rules outlined below. There is no option in the game on drawing or standing.

The object of the game is to come as close to the number nine as possible. Face cards and tens, or any combination of cards totaling ten, count as nothing. The ace is counted as one, the deuce is two, etc. The player with the "shoe" is considered the banker. He may place his bet either with the bank or with the players. The words "bank" and "players" are used as terminology for the game.

A person holds the "shoe" and continues to be the banker as long as the banker's hand wins. When the player's hand wins, the "shoe" is then passed on to the next player. He then becomes the banker. A player may pass the "shoe" if he so desires.

The cards are taken from the "shoe" by the person acting as the banker. Two cards referred to as "the player's hand," are extended to the player's side. This is done as a courtesy. The cards are turned over by the player and called by the croupier.

Known primarily as a game for the thinking man, Baccarat requires not only the know-how to play, but the discipline to get out while ahead. Even after you learn about the bets, the lingo, and develop your skills through practice, it’s still essential that you never lose command - become too confident - and falter. No casino game in history goes from a winning streak to a losing streak quicker than Baccarat.

Online Baccarat uses essentially the same rules as land-based casino Baccarat, but the two are wholly different in terms of atmosphere. What the Internet offers is a comfortable setting; however, it's important that you still play responsibly. The game is never easy, regardless of where it's played. Always bet responsibly.

Player

If the 1st 2 cards of the Player's hand have a total of:

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 10

Player Draws a card.

6 - 7

Player Stands.

8 - 9

Natural - Player Stands. - Banker can't draw.

Banker

If the 1st 2 cards of the Banker's hand have a total of:

3

And the Players 3rd card is anything but an 8 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd card is 8 then Banker Stands.

4

And the Players 3rd card is 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd is 1 - 8 - 9 -10 then Banker Stands.

5

And the Players 3rd card is 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd is 1 - 2 - 3 - 8 - 9 - 10 then Banker Stands.

6

And the Players 3rd card is 6 - 7 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 8 - 9 - 10 then Banker Stands.

7

Banker Stands.

8 - 9

Natural - Banker Stands. - Player can't draw.

TIE BETS
Bettor must bet EITHER the Player or Banker in order to also bet a tie. It is not permitted to bet on the "Tie" line only. Ties bets traditionally pay 8 to 1.