If you’ve ever watched a baccarat table heat up in a casino, you may have heard someone yell “monkey!” right before a card is revealed. It sounds random, even funny, but it’s far from meaningless.
The term “monkey” in baccarat refers to a specific set of cards that have a zero value: face cards and tens. Players shout it, hoping these zero-value cards get drawn at key moments, especially during the third card draw. It’s part superstition, part strategy, and a whole lot of community fun.
According to casino behavior studies and gambling forums, this yell is as much about building suspense as it is about luck. Let’s break down what “monkey” really means and why it makes such a big impact at the baccarat table.
What Is a “Monkey” in Baccarat?
“Monkey” might sound silly in a high-stakes game like baccarat, but it has a specific and important meaning in the game. Here’s what you should know.
In baccarat, a “monkey” is any face card, King, Queen, Jack, or a 10. Each of these cards holds a value of zero. That means if you draw one as part of your hand, your total won’t increase. For example, if your hand totals six and you draw a monkey, you still have six.
Why Players Yell “Monkey”?
This shout usually happens when the Player or Banker is about to draw a third card. Since zero-value cards can be beneficial in certain situations, like maintaining a winning total or avoiding a bust, players yell “monkey!” in hopes that the next card pulled is one of these. It’s a call, a hope, and a shared table tradition all rolled into one.
Origins of the Term “Monkey” in Baccarat
This fun term didn’t just pop out of nowhere. Its roots go back to specific language and cultural habits, especially in Asian gambling communities.
Cultural Background:
The expression is widely traced to Asian casino scenes, particularly among Cantonese and Indonesian gamblers. These communities have long used chants and slang at the tables, believing that certain words could influence luck. Baccarat, which is hugely popular in parts of Asia, grew up surrounded by these vocal traditions.
Linguistic Evolution:
One theory suggests that players in Cantonese-speaking regions would chant “mo yair” or “mo yeh,” meaning “nothing” or “zero.” The phrase sounded like “monyet” in Indonesian, which means “monkey.” Over time, that similarity merged and stuck in gambling slang. There’s also a lesser-known theory suggesting a link to the word “monarchy,” referencing the royalty on face cards, but this connection is less supported than the zero-value connection.
Adoption in Western Casinos:
As baccarat made its way to Western casinos, especially in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the loud chant of “monkey” caught on with English-speaking players. It was quirky and easy to remember, perfect for the energy of a casino. Slowly, it became part of the game’s global lingo, even for folks who didn’t know its cultural origins.
Why Do Baccarat Players Shout “Monkey”?
This isn’t just noisy superstition; there’s more going on here. Let’s unpack the reasons why players love to shout “monkey” during baccarat.
Superstitions & Beliefs:
Many players believe that saying something out loud might influence fate. In baccarat, shouting “monkey” is like casting a wish to the casino gods: Please give us a zero-value card. The idea of influencing luck through words is common in many cultures, particularly in gambling circles.
Strategic Importance:
From a gameplay perspective, drawing a monkey can be a great outcome. In a tight game, a face card that adds zero might stop the opposing hand from improving. For instance, if the Banker has six and another card would overshoot nine, hoping for a monkey could preserve the score. Yelling “monkey!” is like rooting for a favorable card that keeps the current advantage intact.
Community and Fun:
Let’s be honest: shouting “monkey” is fun. It brings players together, lowers the intimidation of a high-stakes environment, and charges the moment with energy. which is why it’s often listed among the best casino games for beginners; it’s also about atmosphere and tradition. Yelling in unison adds excitement and creates a memorable table experience.
How Does the “Monkey” Affect Baccarat Hands?
Now that you know what a monkey is, let’s look at how drawing one actually changes (or doesn’t change) the outcome of a hand.
Impact on Hand Totals
In baccarat, hands are calculated based on the last digit of the total value. For example, a hand of 7 and 6 equals 13, which becomes 3. Since face cards and tens are worth zero, they have no effect on the sum. Drawing a monkey keeps your number the same, which is often a good thing, especially when you’re already near 9, the top score in baccarat.
Scenario: Banker or Player Draws a Monkey
Let’s say the Banker has a hand totaling five. Under the third card rule, the Banker draws another card. If that card is a monkey, the total stays at five. If the Player’s total is less than five, the Banker wins. That zero-value pull might be the difference between winning and losing your bet. So when someone shouts “monkey,” they’re not just repeating tradition; they’re hoping for a very specific outcome that’ll keep the momentum going their way.
Baccarat Glossary: Related Terms to “Monkey”
If you’re getting into baccarat, it’s helpful to know a few other terms. Here’s a mini-glossary of words connected to the game and the idea of a monkey.
- Burn Card: Cards removed from play at the start of a new shoe to prevent counting.
- Coup: A single round or hand of baccarat.
- Third Card Rule: The complex set of conditions that decides whether the Player or Banker draws a third card.
- Face Cards: Jacks, Queens, and Kings, commonly called “monkeys.”
- Zero-Value Card: Any card worth zero in baccarat, including tens and face cards.
How “Monkey” Relates to Other Casino Games?
You might hear “monkey” away from a baccarat table, too, especially if you like playing blackjack. But it means something slightly different depending on where you hear it.
In blackjack, players also call face cards “monkeys,” hoping these 10-point cards help hit 21. While the term doesn’t carry the same superstition or yelling culture as baccarat, it’s a shared slang that shows how connected the two games are in gambling circles, especially in places with a strong Asian influence. Still, only in baccarat do players openly shout “monkey” with such passion and regularity.
Conclusion
“Monkey” might seem random if you’re just tuning in, but for baccarat players, it carries real meaning. It’s about tradition, superstition, game influence, and fun all rolled into one word. Knowing what “monkey” means and how it plays into strategy can give you a stronger sense of how players experience this beloved game.
Ready to join the fun? At Betcha, you can play online baccarat with all the excitement, tradition, and community vibes of real casinos. Test your luck, call for some monkeys, and see if the cards go your way.
FAQs
- What does “monkey” mean in baccarat?
In baccarat, the term “monkey” refers to face cards (Jack, Queen, King) and tens, which are all worth zero points. Drawing a “monkey” does not contribute to your hand total, and players often hope to avoid these cards, as they can negatively impact the outcome. - Why do baccarat players shout “monkey”?
Players shout “monkey” as a superstition and strategic hope, wishing for a zero-value card like a ten or face card to help complete or protect a winning hand. It’s a fun, tradition-driven shout that adds excitement, but it has no effect on the actual card draws. - Can shouting “monkey” influence the game?
No, shouting “monkey” has no actual effect on the game’s outcome. It’s merely a superstition and a playful tradition among baccarat players. While it may raise the energy and camaraderie at the table, it doesn’t change the cards dealt or the results of the game. - Is the term “monkey” used in other casino games?
Yes, “monkey” is also used in blackjack to refer to face cards (Jack, Queen, King), which are high-value cards in that game. However, the practice of shouting “monkey” is mostly associated with baccarat, where it’s part of the tradition and excitement of the game. - What are other baccarat terms players should know?
Other important baccarat terms include “burn card,” which is discarded before play; “coup,” referring to a round of play; “third card rule,” which governs when a third card is drawn; and “zero-value cards” (like 10s and face cards), which don’t impact hand totals.
