Las Vegas games

Although traditionally the grandest of all table games, Baccarat is a simple game of chance. Players may sit in any of the 12 open seats at the table, as seating position does not affect the play in any manner. Those participating in the game may place a wager on either the bank or the player. Two hands, of two cards each, are dealt from the baccarat 'shoe.' Later, a third card may be required for either hand. The first hand represents those betting on the player, while the other hand represents those betting on the bank. The winning hand is the one which totals the closest to 9. Tens, cards totaling ten, or picture cards count as nothing or 0. All other cards count as their face value. If the cards total a two-digit number, the last digit counts as the value of the hand. For example, 7+8=15, counts as 5 in baccarat.

Play begins when the shoe is passed to the first customer, who then deals the cards under the supervision of the dealers. Four cards are dealt alternately from the shoe starting with player. If a third card is required for either or both hands, the dealer calls for it. Once the play begins, pre-established rules determine the draw.

All wagers for the bank or player pay even money. Winning bank bets are charged a five percent commission. You may also wager that the bank and the player will draw hands that tie. This wager pays 9 for 1.

The Mirage also offers Midi-Baccarat and Mini-Baccarat games.

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. The Mirage offers traditional shoe games, continuous shufflers, and single- and double-deck games. The object of the game is to draw cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each player receives two cards and the dealer receives two cards: one card face up and one down. Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as ten and aces may count as one or eleven. All other cards count as face value.

Players may elect to stand or hit their hands. If a player hits and his or her total is more than 21, the player "busts" or loses. If the dealer "busts" and the player does not, then the player wins. The player wins if their total is closer to 21 than the dealer's total. If the player and dealer have the same total, it is a tie or "push."

When a player receives an ace and a ten-value card as his or her first two cards, the player has "Blackjack" and wins three to two on the bet unless the dealer also has Blackjack, then it would be a push.