Monkey

Overview and In Depth Look

The term “monkey” in baccarat refers to any card valued at 10 points, which includes the 10, Jack, Queen, and King. These cards are crucial in the game because they can either help or hurt a player's hand depending on the situation. Since baccarat is focused on getting as close to 9 points as possible, a monkey card can push a hand’s value over 9, resulting in a total that resets to a lower number. For example, a hand with a 9 and a monkey card would total 9 again, as baccarat only considers the last digit of the hand total. This makes the presence of monkey cards a key factor in predicting the outcome of a round, and players often hope to draw them at the right time.

In terms of strategy, the monkey card can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the player’s position. Players looking to improve a hand that is close to 9 may wish for a monkey card, as it won’t cause a drastic shift in their total. However, if a player already has a strong hand, such as a 7 or 8, the monkey card might cause an unfavorable outcome, potentially pushing the hand’s value over the desirable total. As a result, the term “monkey” often comes up in casual discussions at the table, with players hoping for or dreading the appearance of these valuable but tricky cards.

In baccarat, the monkey card is both a friend and a foe, depending on the hand you're holding and the outcome you're hoping for.

Mechanics

In baccarat, the goal is to have a hand total closest to 9. Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, and 10-point cards (the “monkeys”) and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are all worth zero. This means that if a player’s hand totals 9 or less, drawing a monkey card could cause their total to reset to a lower number. For example, if a player has a hand totaling 7 and they draw a monkey card (10 points), their new hand value will remain 7, as baccarat only considers the last digit of the hand total.

When the term “monkey” is used at the table, it often refers to a player’s hope for a 10-point card that won’t push their hand over the total of 9. In the case of a close hand, like a 6, drawing a monkey card can be beneficial, as the hand would total 6 + 10 = 16, and the value of the hand would reset to 6. This highlights how the presence of monkey cards plays a strategic role in the flow of the game, affecting decisions like whether to bet on the player or dealer hand, and influencing the overall pace and outcome of the round. Understanding the role of the monkey card helps players gauge potential risks and rewards when placing their bets.