baccarat

Baccarat may be the simplest of the casino games by virtue of the fact that you need make only one decision. That is, whether to wager on the "player" or the "bank."

The object of the game is to get as close to nine as possible. Ties are a standoff. The game is dealt from an eight-deck shoe. Only two hands are dealt, "Player" and "Bank." Each is dealt two cards alternately. Cards equal their face value and tens and face cards count as zero.

Whether or not a third card is dealt is determined by the total of the first two cards. The third card rule is automatic and handled by the dealer. There are never more than three cards dealt per hand. All "player" bets are paid at even money. Ties are paid at eight to one. "Bank" bets are paid at even money and are subject to a 5% commission.