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This strange, deeply dramatic process is universally known in the casino world as "squeezing" the cards, and it is the absolute soul of high-stakes Baccarat.

To an outside observer, this slow, destructive manipulation of casino property seems entirely pointless, especially since Baccarat is a game of pure, unalterable luck.
Why Baccarat Players Squeeze Cards
The ritual of the squeeze provides this psychological release, allowing the player to feel as though they are physically wrestling a winning number out of the cardboard.

The intense, drawn-out suspense of slowly revealing the card edge builds a massive, exhilarating adrenaline rush that simply flipping the card cannot possibly provide.
Baccarat requires no skill; squeezing provides a psychological illusion of physical control over the outcomeThe slow reveal drastically heightens the suspense and adrenaline rush of a massive, high-stakes wagerPlayers will often blow on the cards to "blow away" bad numbers, rooted deeply in Asian superstition Reading the Pips on the Edge
The art of the squeeze relies entirely on recognizing the specific geometric layout of the ink "pips" (the suit symbols) printed on standard casino playing cards.

If they see three pips ("three legs"), the card is a 6, 7, or 8, which is exactly what a Baccarat player desperately wants to see.
Why the Casino Allows Card Destruction
In any other casino game, like Blackjack or Poker, physically bending or damaging a card is a severe offense that will result in immediate ejection from the property.

A busy VIP Baccarat room might completely destroy and discard hundreds of decks of high-quality playing cards every single night.
GameCan You Touch the Cards?Consequence of BendingStandard BlackjackNo (Dealt face up)Immediate ejection from casinoVIP BaccaratYes (Encouraged)Deck is discarded and replaced
If you ever find yourself holding the cards at a high-stakes table, take your time, build the tension, and squeeze them for all they are worth.