What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the oldest and most popular card games in casino history. Despite its glamorous reputation, the rules are surprisingly simple — making it accessible to beginners while still engaging for experienced players. The game is played between two hands: the Player and the Banker. Your job is simply to bet on which hand will come closest to a total value of 9.
Understanding Card Values
Before you place a bet, it helps to understand how cards are scored in baccarat:
- Ace = 1 point
- Cards 2–9 = face value
- 10, Jack, Queen, King = 0 points
When the total of a hand exceeds 9, only the second digit counts. For example, a hand of 7 + 6 = 13 becomes a value of 3.
The Three Bet Types
In baccarat, you have exactly three betting options:
- Player Bet — You bet that the Player hand wins. Pays 1:1.
- Banker Bet — You bet that the Banker hand wins. Pays 1:1, minus a 5% commission.
- Tie Bet — You bet that both hands end with the same value. Typically pays 8:1, but carries a much higher house edge.
How a Round Plays Out
Here's the basic flow of a baccarat round:
- Players place their bets on Player, Banker, or Tie.
- Two cards are dealt face-up to both the Player hand and the Banker hand.
- If either hand totals 8 or 9 (a "natural"), the round ends immediately.
- If no natural is dealt, drawing rules determine whether a third card is drawn.
- The hand closest to 9 wins.
Third Card Rules (Simplified)
The third card drawing rules can seem complex, but in most online casinos the software handles this automatically. In brief:
- The Player draws a third card if their total is 0–5, and stands on 6 or 7.
- The Banker's drawing rule depends on both their own total and whether the Player drew a third card.
You don't need to memorize these rules when playing online — the game manages them for you.
Which Bet Has the Best Odds?
| Bet Type | House Edge | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | ~1.06% | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) |
| Player | ~1.24% | 1:1 |
| Tie | ~14.4% | 8:1 |
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge and is generally considered the most statistically sound choice in baccarat.
Key Takeaways for Beginners
- Baccarat is a game of chance — no skill determines the card outcomes.
- The Banker bet offers the best odds long-term.
- Avoid the Tie bet despite its attractive payout — the house edge is too high.
- Set a budget before you play and stick to it.
Once you understand the fundamentals, baccarat is one of the most straightforward casino games to enjoy. Keep it simple, manage your bankroll wisely, and remember that each hand is an independent event.