Baccarat is a gambling card game with a lengthy history. It is believed to have been introduced into France from Italy during the reign of Charles VIII of France (ruled 1483-1498)

Baccarat is a simple game with only three possible results - 'Player', 'Banker' and 'Tie'. The term 'Player' does not refer to the customer and the term 'Banker' does not refer to the house. They are just options on which the customer can bet.

The Baccarat player must decide which one of three possible bets to make before the cards are dealt. The player can decide to bet on the Banker's hand winning, the Player's hand winning or the possibility of a Tie. Once the bet has been placed two hands will be dealt.

Valuation of Hands

In Baccarat, cards 2-9 are worth face value, 10's and face cards (J, Q, K) are worth zero, and Aces are worth 1 point. Players calculate their score by taking the sum of all cards and when the total value of cards in a hand exceeds 10, the first digit is dropped.

For example: a hand consisting of 6 and 7 is worth (6 + 7 = 13 = 3). The first digit is dropped because the total is higher than 10.

A hand consisting of 4 and 6 is worth zero, or Baccarat. (4 + 6 = 0) The name "Baccarat" is unusual in that the game is named after the worst hand, worth 0 (or 'Baccarat'). The highest score that can be achieved is 9.

North American Baccarat

In Canada, Australia, United States, Sweden, and Macau, a variation of baccarat is played in which the casino banks the game at all times. Players may bet on either the player or the banker, which are merely designations for the two hands dealt in each game.

The cards are dealt face down, one to the 'Player' first, then to the 'Banker'; 'Player' then 'Banker' again. Each has two cards. This is the initial deal. Both cards in each hand are then turned over and added together and the croupier calls the total. (e.g. five to the 'Player', three to the 'Banker') From this position the 'Tableau' or table of play is used to determine if further cards need to be drawn. Depending on the two hands, the Player and Banker may draw a single card or stand pat. The hand with the highest total wins.

If either the Player or the Banker has a total of 8 or 9 on the initial deal, no further cards are drawn. If neither player has an 8 or a 9, play proceeds as follows.

* If the Player has an initial total of 0-5, the Player draws a single card. If the Player has an initial total of 6 or 7, he stands.

* The Banker's play depends the Banker's hand, on whether the Player drew a card, and on what card the Player drew:

• If the Player did not draw a card, the Banker draws if he has a total of 0-5, and stands if he has 6-7.
  
• If the Player drew a 2 or 3, the Banker draws if he has a total of 0-4, and stands if he has 5-7.
  
• If the Player drew a 4 or 5, the Banker draws if he has a total of 0-5, and stands if he has 6-7.
  
• If the Player drew a 6 or 7, the Banker draws if he has a total of 0-6, and stands if he has 7.
  
• If the Player drew an 8, the Banker draws if he has a total of 0-2, and stands if he has 3-7.
  
• If the Player drew an ace, 9, 10, or face-card, the Banker draws if he has a total of 0-3, and stands if he has 4-7.

How to Play TOP’s Baccarat

Place your bet: You wager on whose hand will win. Bet on one or more of the following: player hand, banker hand or tie. This is the only decision you have to make. Choose from five chip denominations: $1, $5, $10, $25 and $100.

Cards dealt: Two cards are dealt face-up to the player and two to the banker. At this point the cards are evaluated to determine if either hand has a total of 8 or 9. This is called a natural. In the case of a natural, play stops and the hand with the natural wins. If both hands contain a natural, the higher natural wins. Two equal naturals result in a tie. If neither hand is a natural, play continues according to Baccarat Rules.

Player hand: Play begins with the player's hand. A player's hand of 6 or 7 means the player cannot draw an additional card. A player's hand of 5 or less means the player must draw an additional card. Only one additional card is allowed.

Banker hand: The player's hand is actually used to determine what action the banker's hand can take. Look at the following tables to see what actions are possible and when they are possible:

If Player draws a third card:

• If Player does not draw:

If Player draws a third card:

9.Wagers:

10.Payoffs:

In the event of unusual activity in the software or outside intervention all wagers will be placed under review for further determination.