The Beginnings of Baccarat
Baccarat is a card game that was first introduced in the casino world during the 50’s. From there, the game took hold and has hooked millions of players around the world. Today it has already spread throughout online casinos and is still considered one of the best games to play. Just like with any other casino games today, the history of Baccarat remains a mystery. The Italians claim that the game originated from them while the French disagrees. Others think that they came from pagan rituals while others have a different idea. Until now, there is still no clear indication where Baccarat truly came from. However, you will find here the reasons given by both the Italians and the French on why they think the game came from them.
Brief History of Baccarat
According to the Italians, Baccarat was first pronounced as bac-ca-rah which means zero when translated in Italian. This is somewhat related to the game especially since most of the cards have zero value when in play. The game was first played using tarot cards and in 1480 the first ever Baccarat using real cards was played and was attributed to Felix Falguierein. It was during this time that Baccarat spread to France and other countries and has become an instant favorite.
Baccarat in France however, was first played by their nobility. Since the nobles were looking for a source of entertainment, Baccarat was easily adopted and new rules were integrated into the game. The French call their version of Baccarat as Chemin de Fer and probably where their idea that Baccarat was created by them came into being. The most logical theory where Baccarat originated is that it came from Italy. The French, due to their new rules to the game thought that they were the first to develop the game.
Chemin de Fer
The game of Chemin de Fer has indeed become quite popular in the country that most casinos along the Riviera guarantee that they have their own Baccarat table. One difference of Chemin de Fer to the Baccarat played in Italy is that the players are the ones controlling the bank. Each player then take turns as the banker in the game which is far different than the original game. In casinos, the only way that the house gets a percentage of the game is when they hold the bank.
Chemin de Fer actually reached the British Isles where it underwent yet another transformation. New rules were added to the game and the name was changed to European Baccarat. In this game, the casino becomes the banker and is the one who holds the money.
In the coming of the 20th century, Baccarat has finally reached the Americas. Although some say that Baccarat was introduced into the country during the early years, the game didn’t take hold. The game was then taken to Argentina during the 50’s where the wealthy flock to the casinos to play. It then arrived in Cuba where the name was changed to Punto Banco and was treated to another face lift. The rules were now set to the players playing against the casino which is the banker.
