Updated on: May 10th, 2023
If you’re new to playing Baccarat, you may be overwhelmed by the unique terminology used in the game. From “banker” to “natural”, there are a variety of essential terms and definitions to understand to master Baccarat gameplay and strategy. This comprehensive glossary will help you navigate Baccarat Glossary like a pro.
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Baccarat Glossary: Banker
In Baccarat, the “banker” refers to the person who deals with the cards and controls the bank. Players can bet on the banker, the player, or a tie. The banker’s role is to pay out winning bets and collect losing bets.
In some variations of Baccarat, such as Mini-Baccarat, the dealer also acts as the banker. Players are the banker in other variations, such as Punto Banco.
Baccarat Glossary: Player
The “player” in Baccarat refers to the person playing the game rather than the person dealing the cards. Players can bet on the player, the banker, or a tie. If the player wins, the dealer pays out the winnings.
Like the banker, the player differs from the house or the casino. The player is simply one of the betting options available in the game.
Baccarat Glossary – Natural
A “natural” hand is when the player or banker is dealt an 8 or 9 with their first two cards. A natural hand is an automatic win unless the player and banker have natural hands, in which case the hand with the higher value wins.
If neither the player nor the banker has a natural hand, additional cards may be drawn to determine the hand’s winner.
Baccarat Glossary – Commission
When betting on the banker in Baccarat, a commission must be paid on winning bets. This commission is typically around 5%.
The casino takes the commission to make money on the game. However, even with the commission, betting on the banker is still one of the most advantageous bets in Baccarat, as it has a lower house edge than betting on the player.
Baccarat Glossary – Tie
A “tie” occurs in Baccarat when the player and banker have the same point value at the end of the hand. Ties are rare but can occur, and players can bet on a tie outcome.
Neither the player nor the banker wins or loses if a tie occurs. However, some casinos have special rules for tie bets, such as paying out 8:1 odd or allowing players to hedge their bets by placing a wager on a tie.
Strategy Terms of Baccarat
Before delving into the world of Baccarat, it’s important to understand the key betting strategies that can help increase your chances of winning. Here are some of the most common strategy terms used in Baccarat:
Martingale System
Martingale System is a betting strategy in which the player doubles their bet after every loss, with the goal of recouping all losses with a single win.
Paroli System
Paroli System is a betting strategy in which the player doubles their bet after every win, with the goal of maximizing profits while minimizing losses.
Flat Betting
Flat Betting is a betting strategy in which the player bets the same amount on every hand, regardless of the outcome of the previous hand.
It’s important to note that no betting strategy can guarantee a win in Baccarat. The game is largely based on luck; even the most skilled players can experience losses.
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