When it comes to the world’s most famous film franchises, few are as iconic as James Bond – and although we’ve seen various iterations of suave secret agent 007 over the years, each has done a convincing job of portraying the slick demeanour for which he has become known. Although the latest Bond actor Daniel Craig is now on his way out, he has played a starring role in five of what are arguably some of the best films to date. Our favourite? Casino Royale – which effortlessly encapsulated the glitz and glamour of the luxury lifestyle thanks to its ritzy casino backdrop.
But although the 2006 release made an impact for all the right reasons, it wasn’t the story’s first outing, and in fact, it was first adapted for the big screen 40 years earlier, when David Niven stepped in to replace Sean Connery in the leading role.
At the time, the 1967 version didn’t get the best reviews, and age has not improved it. But like it or not, there is one area where it unmistakably comes out on top, and that’s in its portrayal of the nail-biting, high-stakes game of baccarat in which Bond and Le Chiffre face off – something that was replaced with poker in the more recent adaptation to reflect what was becoming a huge trend at that time.
Whichever of the two films you prefer, there’s no denying that baccarat remains one of the most classic casino games – yet with a plethora of modern alternatives to choose from, you might not yet have indulged in a round. All high-rollers should know how to hold their own in a round of the beautiful game should the opportunity arise – so if you’ve never played it before, then it’s time to learn. Here, we dive into all you need to know about this sophisticated pursuit.
How to play baccarat
Over the past decade, baccarat has experienced something of a renaissance, returning once more from obscurity to become one of the most popular live dealer casino games at the online casino. So there’s no need to make a trip to Monte Carlo if you’d prefer to play from the comfort of home – and if you’ve someone on hand to mix the martinis, then even better. Getting some practice in before you play a face-to-face game is always wise, so there’s no time like the present to get started.
Baccarat might look intimidating in the movies, but in fact, the game is actually very simple. Cards are dealt in two hands, denoted ‘player’ and ‘banker’, and each participant is an outside observer betting on who will win the hand, or whether it will be a draw. Cards have face value, with 10s and picture cards worth zero. The winner is the person who scores closest to 9, and only the unit digit is counted – so for example, 8 and 5, which add up to 12, would be reduced down to 1+2 to make 3.
Both player and banker are each dealt two cards. There are slightly convoluted rules about whether or not they are dealt a third, but there is no need to memorise them in order to play as the dealer will take care of this should the situation arise. These rules mean the banker has a tiny advantage over the player, so while correctly backing the player returns you even money, backing the banker returns at 19-20. The return for the tie is 8-1.
Baccarat strategy
Strictly speaking, backing the banker each time you play is the best strategy, as the house edge is 1.06 percent as opposed to 1.24 percent for player. However, the difference is so slight that you will likely want to mix it up a little. Just ignore the tie, as the house edge there is about 14 percent – and be prepared to have some fun with it.
Baccarat is a game that lends itself to progressions like Oscar’s Grind. There’s a school of thought that any strategy is better than none, but you’ll likely begin to develop your own as you become familiar with the game. After all, the fun is all in the hands-on-playing – and when there are often some large winnings at stake, it’s surprising what you’ll find yourself pulling out of the bag.
Baccarat variations
Classic baccarat is also known as punto banco. However, in Casino Royale, Bond played Chemin de Fer, in which players face off against one another rather than simply backing an abstract banker or player. This variation of the game is not typically played at online casinos, but you can certainly get a game in Monte Carlo and some of the world’s other most iconic casino destinations if you’re the jet-setting type.
It’s also worth noting that relatively new casino games like Dragon Tiger and Football Studio are just simplified versions of baccarat played with a single card, so if you’re familiar with them, then you’re halfway there. Joining an online casino is a great way to brush up on those baccarat skills before taking on the real thing – so if you’re at a loose end this weekend, then why not sign on from your sun lounger, sofa or in-flight Wi-Fi?
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
