Fun Baccarat Facts
When was baccarat invented? No one knows. Some historians believe its roots can be traced back to the 13th century. Others think it was invented just before Napoleon started his conquests. What does baccarat mean? No one knows. Some believe it’s named after a French town; others think the word is of Latin origin. It’s a mysterious game, alight, but there are some baccarat facts that are certain. And many of them are really interesting!
Doesn’t Rhyme with Rat
Due to its French origin, the word baccarat is pronounced as [BAK] + [UH] + [RAA].
Tarot Cards
The game that might be baccarat’s predecessor used tarot cards instead of the playing cards used today.
Worst Card Possible
Blackjack is named after the best hand possible. In this game, however, baccarat is the worst hand you can draw – zero.
Card Counting and Edge Sorting
Professional gambler Phil Ivey used these techniques to win $11 million on baccarat, but the casino refused to pay him out.
Coming to Las Vegas
Tommy Renzoni is the man who brought this game to Las Vegas, thus being considered the father of American baccarat.
Hated in Russia
In Tsarist Russia, baccarat was forbidden by the law. It stayed banned during Soviet times, before finally being legalized in 1989.
Big in Asia
Studies suggest that about 70% of all baccarat high-rollers are from Asia, with Macao being the Mecca of big-money baccarat.
Loved in Napoleonic France
The French used to go crazy about this game in the early 1800s. From there, it spread all over the world.
