Baccarat is one of the most elegant and straightforward casino games you’ll find at any gaming table, whether in Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, or online. It’s a favorite of high rollers and James Bond himself—but don’t let that intimidate you. Baccarat is easy to learn, fast-paced, and offers some of the best odds in the casino.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to play Baccarat, including the rules, table layout, types of bets, and simple strategies to help you get started.
1. What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a comparing card game played between two hands—the “Player” and the “Banker.” Don’t be confused: these don’t represent the gambler and the house. They’re simply the names of the two sides you can bet on. The goal is to bet on the hand that will total closest to 9.
2. Baccarat Table Layout
Baccarat tables vary in size and design, but they usually share the same basic setup.
Typical Mini-Baccarat Table
| Seat Numbers | 1 to 7 (or up to 14 in larger tables) |
|---|---|
| Betting Spots | Player |
| Dealer Area | Card Shoe |
- Player: Bet on the Player’s hand to win.
- Banker: Bet on the Banker’s hand to win.
- Tie: Bet that both hands will have the same total.
3. Card Values in Baccarat
Understanding how cards are valued is key to grasping the game:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2-9 | Face value |
| 10, J, Q, K | 0 points |
| Ace | 1 point |
The total hand value is the last digit of the sum. So, a hand with 7 + 8 = 15 counts as 5, not 15.
4. Game Rules: How Hands Are Played
Baccarat is governed by a fixed set of drawing rules, which means players don’t make decisions about drawing cards. The dealer handles everything.
Initial Deal
- Two cards are dealt to both Player and Banker.
- A third card may be drawn depending on the total value.
Natural Win
- If either hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards, it’s a natural, and no more cards are drawn.
Third Card Rule (Simplified)
| Player’s Total | Action |
|---|---|
| 0-5 | Draws a third card |
| 6-7 | Stands |
| 8-9 | Natural win, stands |
Banker’s draw depends on both its own total and whether the Player drew a third card. Here’s a simplified table:
Banker’s Third Card Rule
| Banker’s Total | Draws If Player’s 3rd Card Is… |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Always draws |
| 3 | Draws unless Player’s 3rd card is 8 |
| 4 | Draws if Player’s 3rd card is 2–7 |
| 5 | Draws if Player’s 3rd card is 4–7 |
| 6 | Draws if Player’s 3rd card is 6–7 |
| 7 | Stands |
5. Betting Options and Payouts
Before cards are dealt, you place your bet on either the Player, Banker, or a Tie.
Betting Payout Table
| Bet Type | Pays | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) | ~1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | ~1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 or 9:1 (varies by casino) | ~14.4% (8:1 payout) |
Note: Banker bets pay slightly less due to the 5% commission, but they still have the lowest house edge.
6. Baccarat Variants
There are a few popular versions of Baccarat. Each has slight variations in rules or gameplay:
Punto Banco
- Most common version, especially in North America.
- All decisions are automatic and based on fixed rules.
Chemin de Fer
- Popular in Europe.
- Players can take turns being the banker.
- Offers more control and decision-making.
Baccarat Banque
- Similar to Chemin de Fer, but the house typically banks the game.
7. Baccarat Strategy and Tips
Top Tips for Beginners
- Bet on Banker: It has the lowest house edge.
- Avoid the Tie Bet: Despite high payouts, the odds are very low.
- Ignore Betting Systems: Martingale, Paroli, or Fibonacci strategies don’t overcome the house edge.
- Track Trends (for fun): Some players use scoreboards to follow “patterns” in Banker and Player wins, but there’s no statistical advantage.
- Set Limits: Play with a budget, and know when to walk away.
8. Sample Game Round
Let’s walk through a sample round to see how it plays out:
- You bet on Banker.
- Dealer deals two cards to each side:
- Player: 6 + 2 = 8 (natural)
- Banker: 7 + 1 = 8 (natural)
- Result: Tie
- Your Banker bet loses (unless you also bet on Tie).
9. Online vs. Live Baccarat
You can enjoy Baccarat both online and in-person. Each has its perks:
| Feature | Online Baccarat | Live Casino Baccarat |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Fast | Slower, more social |
| Minimum Bet | Low ($1-$5) | Higher ($25–$100+) |
| Atmosphere | Convenient, solo | Glamorous, interactive |
| Game Types | More variants | Fewer but authentic |
10. Final Thoughts
Baccarat combines simplicity with a touch of class. With just a few bets and easy-to-follow rules, it’s a great game for both casual players and seasoned gamblers. By sticking to basic strategies like betting on the Banker and avoiding high-risk Tie bets, you can make the most of your Baccarat experience.
