Gambling City

The Baccarat myth most in need of refuting is that Baccarat began in France. While Baccarat is a French word, it is in fact derived from the Italian word Baccara, which translates to zero; thus the explanation as to why the Baccarat hand is the losing hand in all three Baccarat variations (Chemin de Fer, Punto Banco and Baccarat Banque). The origins of Baccarat are most often traced back to 15th Century Italy and the famed Italian gambler, Felix Falguerein. It is thought that the first Baccarat games were played with tarot cards instead of today's traditional 52-card deck (which itself is derived from the four suits of the tarot).

Baccarat History continued here

Baccarat rules are unusual among casino games because the player does not interact in any way with the cards. Unlike other games, like Blackjack, where the player makes decisions in each hand, the rules of Baccarat dictate that the cards are dealt using a specific pre-determined system. Thus learning how to play Baccarat is really about learning each position in the game. While some players prefer the fact that they do not have to make any decisions once they place their bet, some feel distanced from the game because they are not involved and can't understand Baccarat's appeal. Of course after playing they may change their mind.