Baccarat Pro

Developer: Avalinx, LLC
Price: $0.99 for a limited time (regularly $4.99)
Version Reviewed: 1.0

Graphics / Sound [rating:4/5]
Game Controls [rating:3/5]
Re-use / Replay Value [rating:2/5]

Overall Rating:

For those of you, like me, who are relatively unfamiliar with Baccarat, this game provides a great introduction to the casino card game, including history, rules, strategy, and realistic gameplay. Baccarat is a relatively simple game. Unlike other casino games, it really doesn't involve much player interaction. All you have to do is select your bet amount and bet on the player's hand, banker's hand, or a tie. Two cards are then dealt to the player and dealer. The object is to get closest to 9. If you go over 9, the count rolls over and you drop the tens unit. The croupier/dealer determines if you need another card. Then it's the dealers turn to draw, if necessary.

The game looks great and the action seems like it's a good simulation of the table game. There's some customization if you so choose. Since I'm not a big baccarat player, I just couldn't get into the app. I can't see myself playing for more than a few minutes with fake money and trying to guess if the player, banker, or both (tie) will win the next hand. Reading up on strategy, you're supposed to look for trends and streaks in the shoe. Even considering probability and trends, I think this game becomes slightly more exciting than a series of coin flips. Maybe someone who's into baccarat can appreciate the finer points of this game.

In the end, I think it's worth the $0.99 to learn about what baccarat's all about and try the game first-hand. I don't think it's worth more, unless you're a baccarat player.