Modified baccarat

Abstract

A modified method of playing Baccarat is provided in which the conventional 5% commission charged by the gaming establishment on winning Bank hand wagers is eliminated. Preselected combinations of Bank and Player hands which would have been winning Bank hands under the conventional manner of play of Baccarat are treated as 'push' or 'bar' hands. The preselected combinations are chosen so that the gaming establishment maintains its desired percentage advantage over the bettor. In another embodiment, changes are made to the 'third card draw rules' so that the Player's hand and the Bank's hand operate under the same criteria for whether a third card is or is not dealt to each respective hand. Separate mechanical or electrical devices can also be used to establish that a particular round of play of Baccarat would be a Bank hand 'bar' round. Additionally, extra side wagers are added to the game. The bettor may make an additional wager that the hand will end in a tie, or that the 'bar' hand will occur, or that a four card natural situation will occur or other additional combinations may occur during the play of the game. Appropriate odds are selected for each of these side bets. Additionally, one or more NO VALUE cards can be added to the standard deck of cards used in Baccarat. The NO VALUE card signals that if the Bank would normally have won that round, the Bank is barred from winning that round.