The casino game of baccarat is widely considered to be the most glamorous and exotic of all casino games. From sticky-floored California card rooms to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, this slow-paced game has long attracted high rollers and sophisticated patrons like James Bond. But, despite its glamour and trappings, baccarat is actually a simple game of chance that can be played by almost anyone, regardless of bankroll or experience level. What’s more, the game offers some of the lowest house edges in the entire casino.
In baccarat, players place their bets on either the Player, Banker or a Tie. The cards are then dealt from a dealing box, referred to as a shoe. The dealer then reveals one of the two cards and a winner is determined. Players can win by betting on the hand with a final digit closest to nine (seven, eight, or nine). The rules of baccarat are simple and easy to understand, but some players find it difficult to keep track of the score in the game.
Advanced players use a system of scoring and tracking patterns to reduce the house edge. This system is based on the assumption that shoes will zigzag between banker and player wins, with double win streaks appearing for both. When a double win streak appears, players should double their bets on the opposite hand to increase their chances of winning. In this way, they can eliminate the banker’s 5% commission while still enjoying the game.