Other than just being the game that Ian Fleming used as the backdrop for the first ever book he wrote that featured the now-legendary British spy, James Bond, (switched to poker in the newer vision featuring Daniel Craig) baccarat has always been sought after by casino lovers starting from the beginning of the last century when the game gained notoriety through the Wild West casinos and gaming halls.
Caution:
Nevertheless, before you take the plunge, let me just hand over a few words of caution. Please don't succumb to the sweet influence of companies and people that guarantee that they have the secret system that you can buy for just a few dollars and then win hundreds more at a casino. Just ignore all such sales pitches. They are only that. If any one of them really invented or discovered a truly working system, wouldn't they be using it themselves?
But some systems do work!
No they do not. Even if you play without a system, you are likely to win a few games here and there because just like other card games, the sheer luck of cards will convert some games into winners no matter how you play. If you wish to increase the times you win, read up on game strategies and practice.
Then, How Should I Play Baccarat?
There are no written rules on how to win at Baccarat, it is a game of luck but with luck on your side you can make clever moves and discipline yourself to help you win.
1) Look out for the baccarat table that uses the least amount of card decks.
Because a large amount of card decks means that your chances drop, it is advisable to try and locate the table that uses as little decks as possible. Ask around. But, if you can find one that plays with only one deck, watch it. Usually, casinos reserve this baccarat table for the high-rollers.
2) Place your wagers with the player who's acting as the bank.
Most casinos won't allow you to play all night by betting with the bank, but do this as long as it is allowed. Then, play the minimum amount of rounds they let you and go back to betting on the baccarat banker.
3) Do not place wagers with money you don't have.
This is actually the most important rule that you must keep in mind when going to play baccarat. You must play only with money you will be able to lose. If not, your mind will keep alluding to the fact that you cannot lose that cash and this will cloud your thinking.
4) Before joining, watch the baccarat game in progress.
Many baccarat players are so eager to start playing that they join the first game they are able to. Please don't fall for this. You should watch how the other players are participating in the game and only then make up your mind whether the game is in your league or not. Sometimes, you will be able to notice that the play is too fast or too slow or too professional. If so, pick another table.
5) Learn control.
Even before you pick a table, you must sort out exactly the amount of money you are going to bet with. Set this figure by judging how much cash you can lose without becoming too nervous. If you lose more than you had decided on, quit. Every game you play after you cross that sum will be risky because your mind won't forget that you are wagering with money you cannot afford to lose.
6) Beware of the pros and the table they play at.
Sometimes, after we have won considerable amounts of cash, we tend to over-exaggerate our very own baccarat skills. Then, feeling that we have advanced to a higher level, we look out for and join a high roller baccarat table to play with the pros. It will feel good, but your pockets will empty out so fast that it will not be worth it. Don't join those tables until you are that good. Even then, play with a small amount in the beginning only increasing that sum gradually.
Conclusion:
Don't let the rumours about baccarat scare you away from playing this exquisite card game. Its easy to learn, and if you participate without playing rashly, you can make a decent amount of money. |
