Baccarat is one of the world’s oldest, but most popular card games, with it being a huge favorite for many different players all around the world.
Many will like to play the game whilst they are at a traditional casino as it can be a relatively simple game to play and one that is highly enjoyable, whilst others will look to play baccarat whilst using an online casino as they will be able to play with a live dealer and experience the same gameplay that they would be exposed to when at a brick-and-mortar establishment.
However, in order to be able to play the classic game as effectively as possible, it is important that players know how the game works and have a knowledge and understanding of all the terms that can be found within the game.
As with many other games that can be played that comes with a gambling aspect, baccarat is a game that is full of jargon and terms that may not instantly be easy to understand or pick up on for those who are new to it or have only ever played a couple of rounds.
Nonetheless, here is a comprehensive glossary of all of the key terms that can be found in the game. Although there may be a number of different terms to learn, they all do become incredibly easy to understand and adopt the more times a game of baccarat is played.
Key terms to know in order to improve the overall baccarat experience
Action – This is the standard term that describes the amount of money being wagered on the round.
Baccarat – Whilst we know this as the name of the game, it is also known as the worst hand as it has a value of zero.
Banker/Player Bet – This is the term that is used to describe a bet that is placed on either the banker/player.
Burning – The process of the top 3-6 cards being discarded after shuffling takes place.
Caller – The dealer or croupier can typically be called this in games of baccarat.
Commission – Certain games of baccarat will involve a small fee to be paid when a bet on the dealer is placed.
Coup – This is a word that is used to describe a round.
Cut – This is a term that describes the action of when a player splits a card deck whilst it is being shuffled.
Credits – The money players have available to in their balance to either bet with or withdraw.
Down Card – A face-down card that players are unable to see.
Dragon Bonus – A type of side bet that players and bankers can make.
Hand – The cards that are dealt during a round of baccarat.
House Edge – This is a generic term that describes the advantage that the casino has over the player.
Monkey – A term that can be used for any face card.
Muck – A Muck is the term used to describe the eight decks of playing cards used in a game.
Natural – Players who have a ‘Natural’ will have the best hand in the game possible, adding to eight and nine.
Push – This refers to a tie, whereby neither the player nor the banker win the round of baccarat played.
Run – A type of side bet that can be placed where bettors are able to bet on a number of hands at one time.
Tie – The Tie bet is one of the three standard bets available in the game, where both player and banker receive their bet back.
Baccarat terms will help to provide an advantageous experience
As can be seen, there are a number of different terms that are available and whilst this glossary is by no means extensive, it is as comprehensive as it needs to be for players who are new to the game of baccarat or have very limited experience playing the game.
By learning the terms that have been outlined above, bettors will immediately be in a better position when they play the classic card game and will be in a more advantageous position when it comes down to knowing all the potentially confusing jargon that can be mentioned when playing at a table at a casino, whether at a physical establishment or online.