If you’re looking for a casino table game that exudes sophistication, Baccarat is the one for you. The game, also known as Punto Banco, can be found in high limit sections of European and Nevada casinos. Despite its glamorous James Bond image, Baccarat is actually quite simple to play. All you need to do is bet on the player or banker hand which you think will be closest to nine. Aces are worth one, tens and face cards are worth 0, and all other cards are worth their pip value.
Unlike some other casino games, Baccarat has a relatively low house edge. This is mainly down to the rules of when the banker must draw and stand. In addition, casinos charge a small commission on winning banker bets which further reduces the house’s advantage. This is why it is important to find a casino that doesn’t charge this commission, or at least charges it at a lower rate than the standard 5%.
Baccarat was founded in 1764 by King Louis XV in the town of Baccarat in Lorraine, eastern France. Although the etymology of the name is obscure, it probably refers to a latin word meaning ‘zero’. The early production of the factory was limited to window and mirror glass, but in the 19th Century the range of products would broaden dramatically, from milky opaline glass which closely resembled porcelain to monumental lighting fixtures for exhibitions and palaces. At the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, Baccarat won its first gold medal for a pair of massive standing candelabra.
The process of making Baccarat glass starts with mixing together various raw materials in a furnace which reaches temperatures of around 1500 degrees Celsius. Once the material is combined, it will be blown or pulled into a shape and cooled down before it can be decorated. A lot of Baccarat glass is engraved with patterns which are usually either etched or acid-engraved. Engraving is done by using a copper or steel grindstone which cuts the pattern into the surface of the glass. Acid engraving is a little different. The glass is covered in bitumen, a tough tar-like substance which shows the negative of the desired pattern. It is then dipped in acid which cut away the uncovered area of the glass.
The payouts on a Baccarat bet depend on the type of bet you place. Bets on the player or banker pay even money, while a bet on the tie pays higher odds, but has a lower return. This is what makes Baccarat a very exciting casino table game for some players, and a less attractive option for others. However, the game’s mystique and its reputation as an elegant and sophisticated card game mean it is a popular choice for casino visitors from all over the world. The best Baccarat casinos will offer you a fair deal and give you plenty of chances to win. Choosing the right one will ensure you’re getting the most from your Baccarat experience.
