If you're looking for a high-class card game that offers excitement and intrigue, baccarat is the perfect choice. It's a simple game that can be learned in minutes but guarantees hours of entertainment and excitement.

There are many different ways to play, but the basic premise is always the same. Players try to predict whose hand will come closer to nine and bet on either the player, the banker, or a tie. Baccarat can be played in brick-and-mortar as well as online casinos, and it's one of the most popular casino games among high-rollers.

Want to learn more about this exciting card game? We've got you covered! Our baccarat beginner's guide features everything from its history to all the ways you can play. So, without further ado, let's dive right into the basics of this fast-paced card game.

Short history of baccarat

This card game has been around for centuries, and there are many different baccarat variations. Still, all of them involve betting on the outcome of a hand of cards. The game is believed to have originated in Italy in the 15th century, and it quickly became popular throughout Europe. In fact, its original name was 'Baccara,' which means 'zero' in Italian.

In the early 1800s, the game made its way to France, where it was referred to as 'Chemmy.' It was actually of particular interest to King Charles VIII, who then made it a game for the noble and wealthy French people.

Eventually, the card game also made its way to England, where a famous script writer featured it in his series. The writer was Ian Fleming, the man behind the James Bond character, who is presented as a huge fan of the game in Fleming's famous novels.

So, by the end of the 19th century, baccarat arrived in the US alongside the Europeans who were crossing the Atlantic. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that the game officially gained popularity in casinos and became available to everyone, not just aristocrats. Visitors could choose between several variants, including Baccarat Banque, Punto Banco, and Chemin De Fer.

What makes baccarat so popular?

There are many reasons why this card game is one of the most popular casino choices in the world.

Firstly, getting started with baccarat is fast and easy. Even people who have never played any casino game can quickly learn the rules and start playing in no time. This makes it an excellent game for novice players who may not feel comfortable playing more complex games. Sure, it's advised to go over our comprehensive baccarat guide series to get familiar with the game. However, you should be able to play without any headaches in no time.

Another reason why the game is so popular is because of its typically high table limits. Players can bet large amounts of money on each hand, making it an ideal choice for high rollers. This is especially true for land-based and live dealer action. Online baccarat, by contrast, often has table limits that are more suitable for casual players.

Finally, the baccarat house edge is pretty low compared to other games. While the house always wins in the long run, it's always wise to stick with games where its advantage is as low as possible. Experienced players understand that and often focus on this card game for that specific reason.

All the ways to enjoy baccarat

There are many ways to enjoy baccarat, from going to a land-based casino to playing online. In this baccarat for beginners guide, we break down all the ways you can play the exciting card game. Of course, it's ultimately up to you to decide which route is the best for you.

Land-based casinos

A regular brick-and-mortar casino will be the first destination for many baccarat enthusiasts, and for a good reason. For starters, you get to enjoy the thrill of playing in a real-life casino environment.

This is a great opportunity to socialize with other players and make some new friends. You can also experience the excitement of watching the croupier deal the cards and dealing out winning hands.

Plus, players can benefit from the expertise and knowledge of casino employees. If you have any questions or want to have baccarat explained, the staff are typically there to assist you. They can provide expert advice on how to play the game and help you make the most of your time at the casino.

Online casinos

If you don't feel like leaving home and dealing with people but still want to play, best baccarat sites are the place for you. Online casino games allow you to avoid the crowds and noise often found in their land-based counterparts.

On top of that, playing at an online casino means you'll be able to play whenever and wherever you want. Meaning, you won't have to sit around waiting for a table to free up. Plus, most casinos are mobile-optimized, and you can easily take your baccarat fun on the go.

Since the game is played over the internet, you can take advantage of various casino bonuses and promotions. This allows you to boost your bankroll and increase your playing time.

We'd also like to point out how the outcomes are generated when you play online. Unlike in land-based casinos where real cards are used, online baccarat uses Random Number Generators (RNGs). These computer algorithms produce 100% random outcomes in the background every single time.

Live dealer baccarat tables

The last variant in our baccarat for beginners guide is live dealer baccarat, which is essentially the best of both worlds.

How so? Well, live dealer casinos offer a more social environment than traditional online casino activity. With online baccarat, you typically play against the computer. This can often lead to a solitary experience.

With the live dealer variant, however, you can interact with the croupier and other players in the game. Everything is more realistic and engaging, which ultimately makes live dealer action a much more immersive experience.

Live dealer baccarat tables are hosted by professional croupiers who use real cards. Thanks to high-definition live streaming, you can see everything on the baccarat table in real time. It's the same as being in a casino except that you play from the comfort of your home. So, you'll surely enjoy playing different baccarat variants at the best live dealer casinos.