The History Of Baccarat

The origin of most games is quite old and endures. Baccarat is no exception to this rule. Experts have different theories about the way the game was invented. For some, Baccarat comes from the Middle Ages, a time when it was practiced with Tarot cards. 

A resemblance to Blackjack

For other specialists, it is a variation of the famous French game Twenty-one. In this, to win the player must obtain a hand higher than that of the dealer without exceeding 21. In Baccarat he must decide to bet on his game or that of the cupier and win if he has chosen the hand that is closest to 9. It is true that there are also many differences between Baccarat and Blackjack but this common operation may suggest a similar origin.

An Italian origin

There are other experts who lean more towards an Italian origin of the game. First of all, Baccarat means nothing, in Italian which could echo the fact that faces (King, Queen, Jack) and 10 are worth 0 in Baccarat. For this reason, certain specialists think that the game appeared in Italy and then reached France at the end of the 15th century. It would be King Charles VIII who would have brought the game to the country.

A European game

One thing is for sure, if anything, the Baccarat game is a European game. It became very popular in the casinos of the French Riviera, so much so that numerous versions were created. Today in continental Europe most of the players favor the variant that is inspired by the train track game. This variant was designed by the English and spread little by little with the expansion of the British Empire.

This is the version that crossed the Atlantic and is practiced in the United States. Baccarat began to be played in casinos on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, from the 50s and appeared for the first time at the Dune Casino.

A game for rowdy people

Baccarat enjoys a gambling image for privileged people who can afford to bet large amounts. It owes this reputation to the fact that the game was originally played by the aristocracy. Today, it is still a game where the stakes are high; But do not think that it is reserved only for rumbos. We advise you to sit down, at least once in your life, at a Baccarat table. Get on your 31st and bet big on as many hands as you can afford, even if it’s no more than 2 or 3. You will have the experience of being considered a VIP player.

The Mini-Bacar

Since the 80’s, it is possible to play what casinos call Mini Baccarat. This is a very close game to classic Baccarat. It has been conceived to allow the general public to indulge in the game more easily. Indeed, Baccarat tables generally have particularly high betting limits. In addition, the game is played in reserved areas where a presentation is required as correct as possible. That is not the case with Mini-Baccarat which is much more relaxed. The dealer takes care of the distribution of the cards, contrary to the classic game in which you must use the sabot. Also, as the tables are smaller, the action is faster.