Dear Mark,
I am new to the game of mini-baccarat. My boyfriend
says all I should do is just keep betting the Player
hand. Besides avoiding the 5% commission when making
the Bank hand bet, it has the easiest rules to remember
on when your hand has to be hit. Not that I am challenging
my boyfriend's wisdom, but what are your thoughts
on just sticking with the Player (one) wager? Molly
P.
Your
Mr. Smart (clearly a loyal column reader) is correct,
Molly, as the Bank hand has no bearing on whether or
not the Player hand draws a card.
The lone variable, which determines whether the Player
hand should get that third card, is the total of the
first two cards the Player hand receives. If that total
is 0 through 5, then the Player hand receives a third
card. If the Player hand totals 6, 7, 8, or 9, then
the hand cannot draw an additional card.
For example, 6 + K
= 6 (stands); 8 + 7 = 5 (draws); J + Q = 0 (draws);
8 + 8 = 6 (stands). (Reference: 10, J, Q, K are
always zero). Though most players vary their betting
between the Bank hand and Player hand, I see no
problem with sticking to just one wager. KISS, Keep
It Simple Stupid, is just fine and dandy, especially
if you are one of those players who don't believe
in streaks, that each dealt hand is an independent
event, separate from each preceding hand.
But just so you know, Molly, by learning the more
complex rules on when you have to take a hit on
the Bank hand does reduce the house edge down to
1.17%, slipping neatly under the already picayune
1.36% edge the casino has over the Player hand.
Either way, both the Bank and Player bets are smart
wagers because they have a relatively low casino
advantage, making them both some of the best bets
in the casino.
