Internet Baccarat Players Center - Intro to Baccarat

Baccarat's Origin

At present, the history of baccarat is still subject to ambiguity. The exact origin of this amazing fancy game is still in question, although it is generally known that baccarat is a very, very old game.

There are several propositions that trace the roots of baccarat in Europe. One famous proposition states that baccarat is an Italian invention based from an old Etruscan ritual of throwing a nine-sided die, which determines the fate of a blonde virgin woman. Accordingly, the blonde virgin woman will throw the nine-sided die and the result will decide whether she would become a priestess, be banned from any form of religious activity, or be put to death.

It was Felix Falguierein, a known Italian gambler, who invented the game of baccarat during the middle ages. Baccarat was first played using a deck of tarot cards and was then known as Tarrochi.

Although Italy can claim that baccarat emerged from its native soils, the French took baccarat and made it their own. Baccarat was introduced in France during the last decade of the 15th century. The French noble class became so fond of this game that they made it their own. That's why baccarat was said to be played by "high rollers".

Centuries has passed before baccarat became available to the general public. French casinos were among the first to showcase this high-class card game to people of all walks of life. Variations of baccarat evolved as a result of its popularity and among the most famous variation is the "Chemin De fer", which means "Street of Fire".

This variation of baccarat was famous enough that it was able to cross the English Channel to England. "Chemin De Fer" was later subjected to some changes in its rules and became known as "European Bacccarat, not only in England, but also in South America.

The American version of baccarat originated in England. This version was first played in the infamous Capri casino in Havana, Cuba before finding its way to the United States in the 1950s. Baccarat became an instant hit among American casino goers, especially in the renowned Dunes Casino in Nevada.

New versions of baccarat emerged as baccarat's popularity continues to sweep the nation. Mini-baccarat was introduced in casinos and was played in a table similar to the standard blackjack. Even in the Internet, one can download baccarat's online version and enjoy it in the comforts of his own home.

Nowadays, baccarat retains its popularity among game enthusiast and individuals who just want to have a feel of the glamour and excitement only a game of baccarat could bring. Sure enough, baccarat will remain a favorite card game for years to come.