Faro is a gambling card game.  It initially became popular in 17th century France and is a descendant of Basset.  It was also widely played in England during the 18th century due to its fast-paced action, simple rules and favourable odds.

The game is played with a 52 card deck.  Play begins after the deck is placed face-up in a mechanical shoe or ‘dealing box’.  A card is then be exposed and placed to the right side of the box.  This card is known as the ‘banker’s card’.  A second card is then exposed and placed on the left. This is known as the ‘player’s’ card.

Any player who wagered on the ‘banker’s card’ would lose as this is the ‘losing card’, while those who bet on the ‘player’s card’ would get an even-money payout from the bank as it is the ‘winning card’.  Players who placed a ‘high card’ bet win if their card is of a higher numerical value than the banker’s losing card.