James Bond’s Favorite Card Game
From California card rooms to elegant casino floors, baccarat is one of the world’s most glamorous card games. First developed in Europe and revived again in Asia before reaching America during the 19th century – today casinos around the United States host tables offering this combination of chance and skill for high-staking gamblers who love James Bond!
The rules of Punto Banco or Chemin de Fer can differ depending on which version is played; however, its basic premise remains the same: place a bet either on Player, Banker or tie and watch as dealer deals two cards and waits for a winner – with 9 total being considered “tie.” Each card’s value is determined by its pips – 10s and face cards counting as zero values.
When either Player or Banker wins, their bet pays out at 1:1; tie bets have a higher house edge but only pay out 8:1. Most players prefer Player/Banker bets which pay out at equal rates.
Baccarat may appear complicated at first glance, but its playing is actually very straightforward. Once a bet has been placed, the dealer will distribute one card for each box – player (P) and banker (B). If your bet falls in either of the first two places with highest-ranked pairs of cards then congratulations – your hand wins! The dealer may then add an eighth or nine card if needed to complete your hand.
When drawing a ten, the hand is completed without further cards being dealt; if however a six is drawn instead, however, then banker draws one additional card before comparing all hands to determine who has amassed the highest total.
House of Baccarat now possesses over 50 specific skillsets related directly to crystal production and has achieved 14 Meilleurs Apprentis de France–the highest total among French luxury goods manufacturers. Maison Baccarat also strives to train younger artisans at its internal Baccarat school to preserve ancestral techniques while adapting to changing times. For over 350 years, Baccarat has never lost its original goal: being the best at what it does. As a result, the brand continues to develop, innovate, and lead. Baccarat boasts one of the world’s highest qualified and most experienced teams of skilled craftspeople who combine knowledge with passion for their work to craft products that are as beautiful as they are functional. Baccarat chandeliers have also been displayed prominently around the world.