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Glossary Term
Natural
Natural
Used In: Baccarat
Introduction
In baccarat, the term “natural” refers to a hand that totals 8 or 9 points from the first two cards dealt. This is the best possible outcome in the game and typically results in a win for that hand, unless both the player and banker have the same total. A natural hand requires no additional cards, making it a quick and decisive part of the game.
If either the player or the banker has a natural, the round generally ends right away, and no further cards are drawn. In cases where both hands show a natural with the same value, the game ends in a tie. This can add an element of excitement, as a natural often determines the outcome of the round without any further action needed.
A natural is a key concept in baccarat, as it highlights the simplicity and fast pace of the game. While many rounds will see additional cards dealt, the natural hand remains the highest priority. Understanding this term helps players grasp the importance of the initial cards and the chances of winning right from the start.
Overview and In Depth Look
A natural is considered the most advantageous hand, as it’s the only way to achieve a total of 8 or 9 points without needing additional cards. The value of a hand in baccarat is determined by the total of the cards dealt, where face cards and tens have no value, and the rest of the cards are worth their face value. If the first two cards dealt to either the player or banker total 8 or 9, it’s considered a natural. This is a rare event, and when it occurs, the round typically ends immediately, with no further cards drawn. The hand with the natural wins, unless both hands have the same total, resulting in a tie.
Though a natural guarantees the highest possible hand, it doesn't always result in a win for the player, as the banker has the same chance of drawing a natural. The outcome of a round is often determined quickly by the appearance of a natural, which keeps the pace of the game fast and exciting. Understanding the role of a natural helps players focus on the significance of the initial two cards and how they can influence the game's outcome. As professional baccarat player Bill Zender once said:
In baccarat, a natural is the ultimate goal, and when it happens, the game can be over before it truly begins.
Mechanics
The dealer deals two cards to both the player and the banker at the start of each round. Each hand is scored by adding the values of the two cards. Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, while tens, jacks, queens, and kings are valued at zero. Aces are worth one point. If the total value of a hand is 10 or more, only the last digit of the total counts. For example, a hand with a 7 and a 6 totals 13, but its value is 3. If either the player or the banker receives a hand that totals 8 or 9, this is called a natural.
Once a natural occurs, the round ends immediately, and the hand is declared the winner. No further cards are dealt unless neither hand has a natural. If both hands have a natural, and the totals are the same, the round results in a tie. This outcome means that the player and the banker each win the same amount, or the hand can be a draw, depending on the rules of the casino. The quick resolution of a natural hand is one of the key features that makes baccarat a fast-paced and exciting game.
Example
Consider an example where the player is dealt a 7 of hearts and a 2 of diamonds. The total value of this hand is 9, which is a natural. Since the total is already a natural, there is no need for any additional cards. The round ends right away, and the player wins. On the other hand, if the player had been dealt a 6 of clubs and a 5 of spades, the total would have been 11. Since the total exceeds 9, only the last digit of the total is counted, giving the hand a value of 1. In this case, no natural occurs, and the dealer would deal additional cards based on the game’s rules.
Now, let’s consider the banker’s hand. If the banker is dealt a 5 of diamonds and a 3 of spades, the total would be 8, a natural. The round would end immediately with the banker winning, as their natural hand is higher than the player’s hand. If the banker’s hand was 4 of hearts and 7 of clubs, the total would be 11, which would count as a 1. In this case, the banker would draw a third card according to baccarat rules to determine the hand’s final value. Below is a table showing different natural outcomes and how the values work.
| Player Hand | Banker Hand | Player Total | Banker Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 of Hearts, 2 of Diamonds | 5 of Diamonds, 3 of Spades | 9 (Natural) | 8 (Natural) | Player Wins |
| 6 of Clubs, 5 of Spades | 4 of Hearts, 7 of Clubs | 1 | 1 | Draw |
| 3 of Spades, 6 of Diamonds | 9 of Hearts, 2 of Clubs | 9 (Natural) | 6 | Player Wins |
Player Perspective
The concept of a natural in baccarat is a highly desirable outcome, as it offers the quickest and most straightforward path to victory. When a player receives two cards that total 8 or 9, the round is effectively over, and they win without needing any additional cards. This eliminates the need to wait for further decisions or draws, making the game feel fast-paced and exciting. For players, a natural is a clear indicator of good luck, and it often adds an element of thrill when it occurs unexpectedly. However, it’s important to remember that the banker also has the same opportunity to draw a natural, meaning the outcome isn't guaranteed even if the player’s hand is a natural.
While the natural outcome is favorable, it also highlights the unpredictable nature of baccarat. Players can have a natural and still lose if the banker also has a natural of the same value, resulting in a tie. From a strategic standpoint, the player's role is simple: bet on the player or banker, and hope for a favorable natural outcome. However, this simplicity can be deceiving, as the game still involves luck and the chance of a natural appearing on either side. The excitement of the game comes from the possibility that, in some rounds, the player’s hand might end the game quickly with a natural, providing an immediate win.
Conclusion
In conclusion, natural in baccarat is a key aspect of the game, representing the highest possible outcome from the first two cards dealt. It brings excitement and clarity to the game, as a natural hand often results in an immediate win or tie. For players, it serves as a reminder of the simplicity and unpredictability of baccarat, where strategy is secondary to luck. Whether the player or banker draws a natural, the result can quickly determine the outcome of a round, keeping the game fast-paced and engaging. Understanding how naturals work is essential to appreciating the flow and rhythm of baccarat.
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Author
Branimir Ivanov | Senior News Contributor