A Beginner's Guide to Baccarat Etiquette

Well here are a few tips on what’s acceptable and what is not when arriving at a “Baccara” table whether in St. Tropez or a drizzly night in Macclesfield!

It is with good reason that any right-minded person should feel some admiration for the great game of Baccarat, even the name has a certain ‘je ne sais pas’. The game rose to prominence for its popularity with 19th Century French aristocrats and ever since, it has been the game of choice for the gambling elite. Whether they were playing ‘punto banco’ , ‘baccarat chemin de fer’ or ‘baccarat banque’ the nobility would have done it all with a sense of style and panache !

Making an Entrance

Whether you think it is all in the cards, as they say, what you wear may ensure you a place at a busy table. Yes, wouldn’t it be nice if you too had a “Mr. Bond we’ve been expecting you” type of welcome from the croupier. What is a universal truth is that attention to one’s appearance may help your success at the table. It might not need to be a Savile Row suit or an Yves Saint Laurent gown but to be well dressed in eveningwear will make you feel great!

The dress code is usually jacket and tie but why not go the full Bond and go black tie! Our advice is always check the casino’s website as it would be foolish to be turned away for wearing the wrong outfit. Casinos, depending on the clientele, can be quite fussy regarding what seems to be a small detail. Best to be shaken not stirred! Whatever you feel on the matter of appearance, confidence is quite an important factor in this noble game of cards. Another point of good behaviour is to always acknowledge you fellow players when arriving at the table.

It is obvious to some but nerves may take the better of others!

A Bit of Know How

Without wanting to state the obvious, the more you know about Baccarat the more chance you have of enjoying a win. Do your homework and maybe practice playing a free online game before venturing out for a big night. The basics are simple enough for even a beginner to enjoy. It is not a complicated game but you’ll have far greater success and enjoyment if you can brush up on your knowledge before placing any real bets.

You can bet on two positions. One is the Player’s and the Banker’s. All bets must be made before the cards are dealt. Unlike poker or other casino games, it is good etiquette to keep your chips stacked in a tidy way as the tables have quite a precise design.

Language Please!

There is so much wonderful language etiquette when you enter the world of a casino and in order not to appear too green, here are some of the common Baccarat terms you should be up to speed on.

Knowing your punto (player) from your banco (banker) is a good idea.

Baccarat is dealt from a shoe that usually holds 6 to 8 decks of cards. This allows for games to flow without interruption. This has nothing to do with your polished leather brogues or stiletto heels!

Chemin de Fer as all you linguists out there know is the French term for railway. This version of baccarat is never found at online casinos. It is the version of the game that was preferred by the French aristocracy and it can still be found in some European casinos today.

Joining a Table

As suggested always greet your fellow players, as this is and has always been a very sociable game. One complaint by regular Baccarat players is that newbies just jump in and interrupt the flow of a game. Timing here is everything to avoid spoiling what can be a really great night. A good dealer will often signal when appropriate to join. Perhaps think about an icebreaker or something funny to introduce yourself to the table. People often chat and converse in a polite way while avoiding the obvious taboo topics of sex, religion and money!

Grab a Drink or Even a Cuban Cigar

There is no better excuse for ordering a cocktail of choice than entering a game at a table. It is not an office; it is a place of bacchanalian delights. Forget the pints of beer or lager and the Chardonnays really should be kept for that dinner party you are planning. Here is a list of classic drinks that may match your Baccarat mood:

• Whiskey on the Rocks.
• Gin and Tonic.
• Rum and Coke.
• Bloody Mary.

Naturally Mr. Bond in Casino Royale drank a dry Martini, shaken not stirred, and it is the perfect pick me up before playing your hand.

As for smoking, it really depends on the house rules, but let’s face it ,to add a touch of class to the evening why not indulge and go Cuban. A cigar can really add that aristocratic vibe that will match your tuxedo. It may also make you appear to know what you’re doing! So the next time you are in Havana, don’t hold back and grab a box of Montecristo, Romeo Y Juliet or a classic Cohiba cigars.

However, with everything in life timing is everything. Consider your fellow players and maybe ask if anyone objects to you lighting up your favourite smoke. Always blow your smoke way from the table and make sure the casino has an elegant ashtray available. Just don’t drop ash on the beautiful green baize or the dealer won’t be pleased!

Can You Handle It?

Touching or handling your cards really depends on the agreed format of the Baccarat game and what the house style dictates. Generally the dealer will ask a player to cut the cards using the cut-card. However, if the rules allow you to touch the cards you should bear in mind a few basic principles of etiquette. It is essential never to remove the cards from the table and you most certainly should never put them out of view of the dealer and other players. If the game allows handling the cards, you must ensure that once you have turned them over that they remain face up. However, usually the dealer will take control of these affairs and you can just focus on placing your bets.

When dealing cards in Baccarat there are usually six to eight decks of cards. In ‘Midi-Baccarat’ the players actually deal the cards. This will obviously rotate from player to player around the table. Once the bets are placed, a total of four cards are dealt on the table: First, the dealer slides out a card and places it in the Player box. The next card is placed in the Banker box. Take your time and when you’re feeling more confident then you can add a little speed and pizazz to your dealing. The golden rule is that all cards must remain face down. One final piece of advice for newer players is that it is totally acceptable if you want to pass on the shoe and not be the dealer. Everyone will understand that it takes a while to feel confident with this role at the table.

Placing and Collecting

Etiquette dictates that it is polite to place your bets only after the dealer calls for them. However, if you are new to the game, don’t worry it will be made clear by the dealer when it is appropriate to wager your bets. Baccarat tables have designated betting circles for the Player and Banker so when piling up your chips do it neatly as it would seem somehow barbaric to throw your chips down in a poker like fashion. Also, it is never seen as good manners to touch the chips once the dealer has started. If ‘lady luck’ is with you then just show a little patience and allow the dealer to finish paying everyone in rotation.

Tipping

One final point is that it is quite natural for players to tip both dealers and waiters at a casino. The dealers quite often work very late hours and usually provide a great service so why not show them a bit of love and slide a chip or two there way. As you may know, drinks are often free in reputable casinos so why not look after the waiting staff on their midnight shift too and tip when a round of drinks comes your way!

Have a great time at the casino and enjoy the wonderful world of Baccarat!