Faro: Wild West Gambling Card Game
Faro was the most popular card game in the 19th century America. It was originated from the Basset card game. Faro rules are similar to the present day mini baccarat rules. The popularity of faro as a gambling game decreased and now you cannot find it in any American casino or card room. Although you cannot practice playing faro in the casino closest to you, here you can learn about the game.
Faro was originally a European card game that that used to play by low class people in France and England during the 18th century. The card game name is a misspell of the ancient Egyptian king who has been an inspiration on French playing card designers. Faro was introduced to America in 1803. It is one of the most recognized games with the Wild West. By 1925, its popularity decreased until it has vanished completely from the American casinos landscape.
In faro, the players play against the banker. The dealer, who also acts as the banker, draws two cards of a standard 52 card deck. Each player has to bet on his turn which of the card wins and which will lose. Correct bets were paid even. It is believed that faro was favored by gambling games that were more profitable for the casinos.
Although faro place as a popular gambling game was taken by gambling games with higher house edge, in his days, faro had many opponents. In the eyes of its critics, faro seemed like a dangerous cheat, which was responsible for destroying families and dropping men to poverty.