Baccarat - The Game
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The word baccarat is derived from the Italian baccara, which means zero. The
term refers to the fache game cards and 10s, all of which have zero value in the
game of baccarat. In Europe, baccarat and a similar version called chemin de fer
are among the most popular casino games.
Since baccarat's introduction in
Nevada casinos, the game has assumed an aura of glamor. In most casinos,
baccarat is played in a roped-off area. The intention was to attract the high
roller, or the more sophisticated monied player. With the tuxedo-clad dealers,
there is an air of elegance to the game.
However, for all the
enchantment, baccarat is primarily a simple game. There are no decisions or
options; no degree of skill is required for either player or dealer. Players may
sit in any open seat at the table, seating position does not affect the play in
any manner. Each seat corresponds to a number on the layout, one through 15.
Three dealers service each table. The dealer standing between positions one and
15 is known as the "caller." He runs the game as cards are dealt from the
shoe.
Each player gets a turn to handle the shoe. The player must bet the
bank when he has the shoe, but any player may decline the shoe and it passes
right along from player to player. Again, there is no advantage or disadvantage
in dealing the cards, it is merely a formality and part of the the ambience that
players enjoy.
The caller receives the cards from the player with the
shoe, places them in the appropriate boxes and then calls for another card or
declares the winner, according to the rigid rules of the game.
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