Not all casino games are intimidating and too complex to understand. Take, for instance, Baccarat – a thrilling game that relies on chance. It's essentially a simple and slow-paced game, ideal for beginners because it requires neither skill nor strategy. What makes it exciting? No wonder it's James Bond's favorite.

When playing Baccarat, you have two options: betting on the Banker's hand or the Player's hand. Before the cards are dealt, you need to place your bets on either side.

The game begins with two cards dealt to both the Player and the Banker. One card is slid out and placed face up in the Player's box, while the first card of the Banker's hand is set down in their respective boxes. The remaining cards are dealt by the house. In the first round, each side receives two cards from the dealer.

Unlike most games, Baccarat has a unique way of tallying points. The maximum score in Baccarat is nine, and a hand's value cannot exceed that. Here's how the cards function and how points are counted:

If the total is more than ten, the hand value is indicated by the second digit of the total. For example, 10 is equivalent to 0, 11 to 1, 12 to 2, and so on. Whenever the total points reach 10, drop the initial digit to reveal the hand's score.

The wager placed on the hand closest to nine will win. In some cases, there's a moment called a "natural win." This occurs when the point total after the first two cards dealt is eight or nine for either the Player or the Banker. Bets placed are then cashed out.

Depending on the point total of six or seven, the Player's hand always stands. The Player draws a third card for any total from 0 to 5 unless the Banker has an 8 or a 9. If that happens, the Banker prevails, and no further cards are dealt.

In understanding the guidelines for the Banker's third card, they draw with a hand total of 0–5 and stay pat with a hand total of 6 or 7 if the Player doesn't draw any more cards. The outcome of all other hands will be determined by the third card drawn by the Player.

• If the Player’s third card is 9, 10, face-card or Ace, the Banker draws when he has a 0-3, and stays with a 4-7.

• If the Player’s third card is 8, the Banker draws when he has a 0-2, and stays with a 3-7.

• If the Player’s third card is 6 or 7, the Banker draws when he has a 0-6, and stays with a 7.

• If the Player’s third card is 4 or 5, the Banker draws when he has a 0-5, and stays with a 6-7.

• If the Player’s third card is 2 or 3, the Banker draws when he has a 0-4, and stays with a 5-7.
  
  

After all the cards have been dealt, it's time to calculate the winning hand. The hand with a total closest to 9 is the winner. In the case of a tie, both hands remain in play. If you wagered on the Banker's hand, occasionally a commission is deducted from the winnings.

After all the cards have been dealt, it's time to calculate the winning hand. The hand with a total closest to 9 is the winner. In the case of a tie, both hands remain in play. If you wagered on the Banker's hand, occasionally a commission is deducted from the winnings.

Now that you've mastered the art of playing Baccarat, immerse yourself in the thrill of this elegant game. With its simple rules and reliance on chance, it's a perfect choice for beginners. Whether you bet on the Banker or Player, savor the excitement as you aim for a winning hand closest to nine. Good luck and enjoy the game!