Baccarat is a classic casino card game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. Although the game has evolved over time, the core principles of baccarat remain the same. While many people play baccarat for fun, there are some players who have achieved legendary status due to their success at the game. In this blog post, we will examine some of the most famous baccarat players in history and learn more about their unique styles and strategies. From mathematicians to businesspeople to professional gamblers, these players have left their mark on the world of baccarat and continue to inspire players today.
Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert
Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert was a French mathematician, philosopher, and physicist who lived from 1717 to 1783. He is perhaps best known for his contributions to mathematics, particularly in the field of differential equations. However, d’Alembert was also a well-known baccarat player in his time.
As an avid gambler, d’Alembert developed a unique baccarat strategy that he believed would increase his odds of winning. The d’Alembert system is based on the idea of progressive betting: after a loss, the player increases their bet by one unit, and after a win, the player decreases their bet by one unit. The theory behind this system is that the player will eventually win a hand an
Charles Deville Wells
Charles Deville Wells, also known as “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo,” was a famous gambler who lived from 1841 to 1926. Wells is known for winning millions of francs playing baccarat in the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Wells was not a professional gambler, but rather a con man and inventor who used his charisma and intelligence to manipulate people and situations to his advantage. In 1891, he traveled to Monte Carlo and won an unprecedented amount of money playing baccarat. He went on to win even more on subsequent visits, eventually amassing a fortune.
However, many believe that his wins were the result of cheating, as the casino could not figure out how he was winning so consistently.
Regardless of how he won, Wells’ success at baccarat and his larger-than-life personality have made him a legendary figure in the gambling world.
Akio Kashiwagi
Akio Kashiwagi was a Japanese businessman and high roller who lived from 1943 to 1992. Kashiwagi was known for his love of gambling and would often visit casinos around the world to play baccarat.
Kashiwagi was a skilled baccarat player and would often place bets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars per hand. In 1990, he traveled to the Trump Plaza Casino in Atlantic City and played baccarat for several days straight, eventually winning $6 million.
However, Kashiwagi’s luck at the baccarat tables was not always consistent. He would often go on long losing streaks and was once reported to have lost $10 million in a single baccarat session.
To this day, his death remains a mystery, and many believe that it may have been related to his gambling activities.
Despite the controversy surrounding his death, Kashiwagi remains a legend in the baccarat world for his high-stakes play and his willingness to take risks. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gambling, but also as a reminder of the allure of the game and the excitement that it can bring.
Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey is a professional poker player from the United States who is also known for his success at baccarat. Ivey has won numerous World Series of Poker bracelets.
In addition to his success at poker, Ivey is also a skilled baccarat player and has won millions of dollars playing the game. In 2012, he won $11.5 million at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City playing baccarat.
Edge sorting involves identifying subtle differences in the patterns on the backs of playing cards and using this information to gain an advantage in the game.
Despite the controversy, Ivey remains a legend in the baccarat world for his skill and success at the game. His use of edge sorting has sparked debate about the ethics of advantage play in gambling, and his story serves as a reminder of the fine line between skillful play and cheating in the world of gambling.
Kelly Sun
Kelly Sun is a professional baccarat player from China who gained notoriety in the gambling world for her role in the “edge sorting” controversy that involved Phil Ivey and several casinos.
Sun began playing baccarat as a teenager and quickly became skilled at the game. She would often travel to casinos around the world to play baccarat, and in 2012, she teamed up with Phil Ivey to play at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. Using the edge sorting technique, Sun and Ivey won $9.6 million from the casino.
However, the casino later accused Sun and Ivey of cheating and refused to pay out their winnings. Despite the controversy, Sun remains a respected baccarat player. She has since become an advocate for women in the gambling industry and has worked to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the field.
Sun’s story serves as a reminder of the fine line between skillful play and cheating in the world of gambling, and her advocacy work has helped to bring greater attention to the role of women in the industry.
Conclusion
The world of baccarat has been home to many legendary players over the years, each with their own unique skills and stories. From Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert to Charles Deville Wells, Akio Kashiwagi, Phil Ivey, and Kelly Sun, these players have left their mark on the game and the gambling world as a whole.
Whether they were using sophisticated techniques to gain an edge, relying on pure luck, or simply playing for the love of the game, these baccarat players have captivated audiences and left a lasting legacy. Their stories remind us of the excitement and allure of gambling, as well as the risks and challenges that come with it.
Whether we are professionals or casual players, the thrill of the baccarat table is always waiting, ready to challenge us and reward us in equal measure.
