Baccarat is a popular card game played at land-based and online casinos. But if you’re new to the game, the terminology can be confusing. There are specific words and phrases used in baccarat that you need to know to understand the game better. This article will decode baccarat lingo and provide you with a glossary of terms for beginners.
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Banker
The banker is one of the three possible outcomes in baccarat, the other two being player and tie. In baccarat, the banker doesn’t refer to the dealer but rather the position of the player who bets on the banker’s hand. The banker has a slight advantage over the player because of a 5% commission charged on winning bets.
Commission
The commission is a fee charged by the casino on the banker bet. It’s usually 5% of the winnings and is designed to balance out the slight advantage the banker has over the player. So if you bet $100 on the banker and win, you’ll receive $195 ($100 bet and $95 in winnings), but the casino will take a $5 commission.
Natural
A natural hand is when the player or banker is dealt a two-card hand that adds up to either 8 or 9. In baccarat, the highest possible hand value is nine, and a natural hand is an automatic winner, except in the case of a tie.
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Shoe
The shoe is a device used to hold the cards in baccarat. It’s a box-like object that can hold several decks of cards, usually between six and eight. The shoe is used to deal the cards to the player and banker, and it’s also where the discarded cards are placed.
Standoff
A standoff occurs when neither the player nor the banker wins the hand. In baccarat, a standoff is also known as a tie, and it’s a rare occurrence, happening only around 9% of the time. When a standoff happens, all bets on the player and banker are returned, and bets on the tie pay out at 8:1 or 9:1.
Third Card Rule
The third card rule applies to the player and banker’s hands in baccarat. If either hand has a total of 8 or 9, no further cards are dealt. If the player’s hand is 5 or less, they receive a third card. If the player stands, the banker draws a third card if their hand is 5 or less. The third card rule can be confusing, so it’s essential to understand before playing baccarat.
Learning the terminology used in baccarat is essential for beginners. The glossary provided in this article should help you understand the game better and improve your chances of winning. Remember to take the time to familiarize yourself with baccarat lingo, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a baccarat pro.