🎴 Learn to Play Baccarat

Game Basics

Baccarat is a comparing card game played between two hands, the "Player" and the "Banker." Each baccarat coup (round of play) has three possible outcomes: Player wins, Banker wins, or a Tie.

• Objective: To bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will have a total closest to 9.
• Card Values:
  • Aces are worth 1 point.
  • Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value.
  • 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 0 points.
• Hand Totals: If the total of cards in a hand is a two-digit number, only the second digit counts (e.g., a 7 and an 8 total 15, which counts as 5). A hand total of 8 or 9 is called a "natural."

How to Play Baccarat

1. Place Your Bet: Before cards are dealt, players bet on whether the Player's hand will win, the Banker's hand will win, or if it will be a Tie.
2. The Deal: Two cards are dealt to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand, usually face up.
3. Determining a Third Card (Drawing Rules):
   • If either Player or Banker has a natural 8 or 9, both hands stand. No more cards are drawn.
   • If Player's total is 0-5, Player draws a third card. If Player's total is 6 or 7, Player stands.
   • The Banker's play depends on its own hand and whether the Player drew a third card, and if so, what that card's value was. These rules (Tableau) are fixed and the dealer handles them. Players don't need to memorize these complex drawing rules.
4. The Outcome: The hand closest to a total of 9 wins.
5. Payouts:
   • Winning Player bets are paid 1:1.
   • Winning Banker bets are paid 1:1, minus a 5% commission (this is because the Banker bet has a slightly lower house edge).
   • Winning Tie bets usually pay 8:1 or 9:1 (varies by casino).

Key Rules & Betting Options

• Player Bet: You bet the Player's hand will be closer to 9. House edge is around 1.24%.
• Banker Bet: You bet the Banker's hand will be closer to 9. House edge is around 1.06% (even with commission), making it statistically the best bet.
• Tie Bet: You bet both hands will have the same total. This bet has a much higher house edge (often over 14%) and is generally not recommended.
• Commission: The 5% commission on winning Banker bets is standard. Some casinos offer "No Commission Baccarat" but may alter other rules or payouts to compensate.
• Mini-Baccarat: A smaller, faster version of the game often found on the main casino floor, with lower table limits. The rules are the same.

Strategy & Tips

Baccarat is largely a game of chance, with very little room for player strategy to influence the outcome of individual hands once bets are placed.

• Bet on the Banker: Statistically, the Banker bet has the lowest house edge, even with the 5% commission. It's the most recommended bet for consistent play.
• Avoid the Tie Bet: The Tie bet has a significantly higher house edge and should generally be avoided.
• Manage Your Bankroll: As with all casino games, set a budget and stick to it. Don't chase losses.
• Understand the Odds: While you don't need to memorize drawing rules, understanding that the Banker bet has slightly better odds is key.
• Look for Trends (with caution): Some players like to track previous outcomes (Player/Banker wins) on a scorecard, but remember each round is independent. This is more for fun than a reliable strategy.
• Play Mini-Baccarat for Lower Stakes: If you're new or want to play with smaller bets, Mini-Baccarat tables are a good option.

Video Tutorial: How to Play Baccarat