James Bond, the suave and sophisticated secret agent, is known for his love of martinis, fast cars, and beautiful women. But there is another aspect of Bond’s character that is just as iconic – his love of baccarat.

The Novels

Baccarat first appeared in Ian Fleming’s novel “Casino Royale,” which also happens to be the first book in the James Bond series. In the novel, Bond is sent to a casino in Royale-les-Eaux to bankrupt Le Chiffre, a Soviet agent who has lost his organization’s money. Bond’s game of choice is baccarat, and the scene is described in great detail.

“Baccarat chemin-de-fer is the favourite game of James Bond, the secret agent created by Ian Fleming,” writes John Pearse in his book “Baccarat: Everything You Want to Know About Playing and Winning.” “It is a game of pure chance, with no skill or strategy involved.”

In the novel, Bond wins the game and foils Le Chiffre’s plan, but not before experiencing some tense moments at the baccarat table.

The Films

When it came time to adapt “Casino Royale” for the big screen, baccarat was replaced with Texas hold ’em poker. The decision was made in part because baccarat was not as well-known as poker at the time, and the filmmakers wanted a game that audiences could easily understand.

However, baccarat continued to appear in other James Bond films, including “Dr. No,” “Thunderball,” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” In these films, baccarat is often portrayed as a game for the wealthy and sophisticated, which fits perfectly with Bond’s image.

“Baccarat is a high-stakes game that’s often associated with glamour and sophistication,” writes Kevin Blackwood in his book “Casino Gambling For Dummies.” “It’s no wonder that James Bond gravitated toward it.”

The Legacy

James Bond’s love of baccarat has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has become synonymous with the character and is often featured in other films and TV shows as a result.

Additionally, baccarat has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, in part thanks to its association with Bond. Online casinos now offer a wide variety of baccarat games, and there are even baccarat tournaments held around the world.

• So, whether you’re a fan of James Bond or just looking for a new casino game to try, baccarat is definitely worth checking out.

Baccarat has played a significant role in the James Bond franchise, from its origins in the novels to its appearances in the films. The game has become an integral part of Bond’s character and has helped to cement his status as a sophisticated and stylish secret agent.