Baccarat

Baccarat is a popular card game often played here at L&L Europe. Here's how it works and the basic rules:

Aim of the Game: The goal of Baccarat is to bet on the hand that you think will have a total value closest to 9.

Card Values:

• Cards 2-9 are worth their face value in points.
• 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings have a value of 0.
• Aces are worth 1 point.

Gameplay:

1. At the start of the game, players bet on whether the Player hand, Banker hand, or both will have a total value closest to 9.
2. Two hands are dealt: the Player hand and the Banker hand.
3. Each hand is dealt two cards. If the total value of either hand is 8 or 9, it is considered a "natural," and no more cards are drawn. If neither hand has a natural, a third card may be drawn according to specific rules.
4. If the total value of the Player's hand is 0-5, they draw a third card. If the total value is 6 or 7, they stand.
5. The Banker's actions depend on the value of their hand and the value of the Player's third card (if drawn).
6. After all cards are dealt, the hand closest to 9 wins.

Winning Bets:

• If you bet on the Player and the Player hand wins, you are paid 1:1.
• If you bet on the Banker and the Banker hand wins, you are paid 1:1 minus a 5% commission (this is because the Banker hand has a slightly higher chance of winning).
• If both hands tie, bets on the Player and Banker are returned (this is called a push).
• There is also a side bet called the Tie bet, which pays out if both hands tie.

That's the basic overview of Baccarat. It's a straightforward game to play, but it can be exciting and suspenseful!