Casino and online baccarat are becoming increasingly popular and prolific games.  They have become so popular that they recently spawned several variations that are destined to become casino hits.

If you're new to the game and want to learn rules and strategy before playing, read our comprehensive game guide.  We have expert articles on rules, strategy, tips and odds, as well as recommendations for where to find the best websites to play.

We also tell you where to find big bonuses and free games that can help prepare you for betting real cash.

In short, we've got everything you need to know about the game. Simply search the below subjects for the topic you seek and click its related link.

Game Rules

This game's rules are very straightforward and, as compared to other card games, fairly simple. Every game begins with the dealing of 2 cards each to house and players. A two-card total of both nine and eight points is called a “natural”. A third card may be drawn by players whose point total is five or less. The trick is in determining how much to wager and on whom to bet, player or banker.

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Winning Strategy

While some argue that there is no strategy required for this game, others claim that it exists in the form of wagering and betting decisions. Certainly, it's not as complex as card games like Poker or even Blackjack, but there are a few tips and tricks that will keep you out of the red and help you to win baccarat enough to avoid being a one hit wonder.

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Where to Play Baccarat for Free

Free casino games are becoming more and more prolific, thanks to the advent of Flash technology that allows players to try their hands at new games without having to download software and/or invest any more. Online Baccarat is no exception. Gambling City tells you where to find the best free flash games.

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Odds & Probabilities

When it comes to odds, an important thing for players to keep in mind is the number of decks in use. This seemingly forgettable bit of information affects who, between the player and the banker, is more likely to win each hand. Some players record the outcome of each game in the hopes of predicting future hands, while others espouse simply betting on the banker every time. Gambling City examines the merits of each.

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Dos and Don’ts for Internet Baccarat

Never chew with your mouth open. Always say please and thank you. Life is full of rules that help us navigate in the world. The online casino world is no different; each game has its own unique rules that determine who wins and who loses. Find out this game's dos and don’ts by clicking on the below link.

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Game History

From Italian inventors playing with Tarot cards to Roman virgins sacrificed after an unlucky roll of a nine-sided dice, this game's history spans 20-plus centuries and several continents. Is it French or Italian? Perhaps a derivative of Chinese Pai-Gow? Which 1950’s casino brought it to the casino games fore, and how have online casinos changed the game? These questions and more are answered by our game history page.

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Glossary

Every game has its own unique language, be it football, crosswords or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Online baccarat is no different, which is why Gambling City has compiled a starter’s set of popular terminology used at the table. Read this guide before placing your bet and you’ll appear to be a seasoned vet.

Read the Baccarat Glossary

Summary

While the game's appeal may be attributable, in part, to its intriguing history—legends tell of Roman virgins playing a nine-sided dice game to determine their fate — and glamorized game environment — tables are often cordoned off from the main casino floor behind a velvet rope — it is its unique rules that make the game a universal favorite.

The word “baccarat” is derived from Italian and French translations of “zero”, which refer to the value assigned to tens and face cards.  In a standard game, the aforementioned are rendered nearly useless, as the point is to come as close to nine as possible without going over.

Up to 15 players may participate in a game and each has a chance to deal the cards. Though betting positions are irrelevant, the act of dealing the cards is said by those who play, to be one of the most alluring aspects of the game.

Another baccarat game advantage is its unusually low house edges, typically ranging from 1.26% to 1.41%.

Whatever you choose to play, whether a land or online version of the game, Gambling City's got you covered.  Game rules, casino reviews, bonus information?  We've got it.  Good luck at the tables.