Baccarat History

Originating in Europe, Baccarat is also considered one of the most popular European casino games. The name, baccarat originates from the Italian word for zero – Baccara. The connection with its name and the game is that all face cards, as well as the ten, have a value of zero.

In the Middle Ages, when Baccarat first developed, it was generally played with a deck of tarot cards. Even in these early stages, Baccarat was considered a favorite amongst card players.

The earliest known dates of players participating in Baccarat is around 1490. Nonetheless, it did not take long since then for the game to gain much momentum and popularity. Indeed, by the 1500s the French nobility were known to choose this game over many others. As time and the game progressed, two versions of Baccarat evolved. The first being the French version, Chemin de Fer, and the second, the European Baccarat.

Modern American Baccarat in turn originated and developed in England before traveling with the colonists to North and South America. Today, the most common version played was a variety of the game that developed in the Capri Casino in Havana, Cuba.

Around the 1950s, Baccarat was introduced to the Gambling capital of America – Nevada. Already enjoying a glamorous reputation in European casinos, the American casinos attempted to maintain its popularity and image. Obviously successful in this regard, today, in most casinos where Baccarat is played in the US, the area is generally roped-off area with video monitoring and surveillance as well as armed guards. This is due the exorbitant prices that are often waged by players.

Even though Baccarat attracts much hoopla and attention from players and onlookers, as well as some of gambling's highest rollers, nonetheless it demands little skill and is really a game of chance.

A Baccarat table has fourteen spots numbered from one to fifteen, excluding thirteen to avoid problems with superstition. Three dealers are placed at each individual table. The Croupier or Caller is the label given to the dealer located in the middle. His/ her role is to make the calls as each hand is dealt. Additionally, the Croupier also is responsible for directing the game and all the procedures that it involves.

The other two dealers, on the other hand, while they are not responsible for the running of the game, their position is to ensure all the payoffs are carried out, and that this is done correctly.