Don't Overlook Baccarat

[Chuck]

I played Baccarat for the first time on my last trip. What a fantastic game. Best odds in the casino. House edge is only a shade over 1%.

You only have one decision to make...bet the Banker or Player. Flip a coin if you want on each hand. Seriously, I've seen people clean up doing this. If you can find a table with no commission jump on it. I played one for hours at Monte Carlo and cleaned house. Grasped my first $500 chip at that table.

A commissioned table simply means that when you win a Banker bet the house takes a small commission of the winnings (since the odds are so good this is how they make their money) You can do side bets on ties and a couple other things but I stayed away from these "sucker bets" no matter how many times I kicked myself for not betting it.

[drinkmore]

I've always wanted to try this game, but I heard that the minimum bets are very high, so most people don't play it. Is this true in Vegas?

[Chuck]

Generally yes, on the strip they're $25 tables. Not sure about downtown. Seriously though take $100 and have a seat. I started with $100 and 4 hours and many a free drinks later was cashing out purple chips!

[clientele]

i know some heavy baccarat players and this game although very simplistic can also become very stressful. if the entire table picks one side and you pick the other you can get some dirty looks from the other players. its like playing the dark side in craps. the game is also filled with a ton of superstition and perceived trends. lots of players carefully mark each hand that is dealt, tracking the player and bankers wins and also tie hands. the amount of money placed on each hand also adds to the level of stress. obviously if majority of the table wins it is very celebratory, much like craps. the game however has great odds. a little slow paced especially if you are setting at a regular baccarat table versus a mini baccarat table. if you like the fast paced action of blackjack this might not be for you.

[cm4short]

Hmm... I think I may give this a try in May... gotta set some splurge money aside.

[Chuck]

Clientele is right...there's a fair amount of superstition prevalent in the Bacarrat crowd...don't be offended if you sit at a table and everyone suddenly pulls their chips back. In fact, your first time it wouldn't hurt to find an empty table or one other person and ask the dealer to show u the ropes a bit. Then get shitfaced and enjoy!

[Liz1303]

Good to know. Always thought it looked easy so I might take a swing at it when I'm in Vegas in August. I tried craps for the first time a couple years back and really liked it, but kept it simple and just bet the pass line. I did practice craps once here in st Louis before trying it out in Vegas. I believe I've just found an excuse to hit up the casino!

[Rescuediver]

Hmm... I think I may give this a try in May... gotta set some splurge money aside.

Im in for dirty looks, free drinks and purple chips lol

[Chuck]

The guy I was playing with made off with some purples as well....after a bit we went back for more and plopped down a couple blacks ($100's). The pit boss came over and said "welcome back guys, where'd my PURPLE chips go?"

[jwill2]

Interested...best place to start with low limits?

[Chuck]

Interested...best place to start with low limits?

The only tables I saw on the strip were $25, however, I'm heading out in a few days and I'm going to take a look downtown. I'll post back if I run across any lower limit tables.

[AeroSKI5150]

The only tables I saw on the strip were $25, however, I'm heading out in a few days and I'm going to take a look downtown. I'll post back if I run across any lower limit tables.

I have actually played $10 mini-bacc at the TI on the main casino floor (daytime hours)... but haven't seen these too many other places at less than $25 min... that said, there is something about the atmosphere of the dedicated baccarat area, large tables, large wagering, etc..

[PocketJacks]

1st post here!!! woot woot

To tell you the truth, it is very rare to find a $10 limit for mini Bac, and esp for Bac. Like all table games, it really depends on the time of day and the casino. For example, Wynn/Encore, the "norm" for mini Bac is $100, but from time to time, you'll find a $25 table. As for full Bac - "norm" is usually around $300. Regardless, don't be scared, just jump in and do your thing. It's not like blackjack where you mess up the "flow" of cards.

As a card playa - I rather be lucky then good!!!

[Chuck]

1st post here!!! woot woot
Regardless, don't be scared, just jump in and do your thing. It's not like blackjack where you mess up the "flow" of cards.

As a card playa - I rather be lucky then good!!!

Exactly, I by no means have a deep understanding of the ins n outs of Baccarat. I just had a blast playing and made some good money and met some good people.

[PocketJacks]

The true beauty of this game is, one can sit out whenever he/she chooses, and it won’t affect the card flow.