What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the most popular card games in casinos worldwide, known for its simple rules and low house edge. Despite its elegant reputation, baccarat is surprisingly straightforward — making it a great starting point for new casino players.
The game is played between two hands: the Player and the Banker. Your job as a bettor is to predict which hand will have a total closest to 9, or whether the result will be a tie.
The Basic Rules of Baccarat
Here's how a standard baccarat round works:
- You place a bet on Player, Banker, or Tie before any cards are dealt.
- Two cards are dealt face-up to both the Player and Banker positions.
- Card values are calculated: Aces = 1, cards 2–9 = face value, 10s and face cards = 0.
- If either hand totals 8 or 9 (a "natural"), the round ends immediately.
- Depending on the totals, a third card may be drawn according to fixed rules.
- The hand closest to 9 wins.
Understanding Card Values
One of the most confusing aspects for beginners is how totals over 9 are handled. In baccarat, only the last digit of the total counts. So a hand totaling 15 is worth 5, and a hand totaling 10 is worth 0.
| Cards Dealt | Raw Total | Baccarat Value |
|---|---|---|
| 7 + 8 | 15 | 5 |
| 9 + 6 | 15 | 5 |
| 10 + 4 | 14 | 4 |
| 6 + 4 | 10 | 0 |
The Three Bets Explained
Banker Bet
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge — typically around 1.06%. It wins slightly more often than the Player bet due to the drawing rules. Casinos usually charge a 5% commission on Banker wins to account for this advantage.
Player Bet
The Player bet carries a house edge of roughly 1.24%. It pays even money with no commission, making it the simplest bet in the game.
Tie Bet
The Tie bet typically pays 8:1, but it comes with a significantly higher house edge — often above 14%. Most experienced players avoid this bet for that reason.
The Third Card Rule (Simplified)
Baccarat has automatic drawing rules that neither the player nor the dealer controls. Here's a simplified version:
- If either hand has 8 or 9, no more cards are drawn.
- If the Player total is 5 or less, the Player draws a third card.
- Whether the Banker draws a third card depends on the Banker's current total and the Player's third card, following a fixed chart.
You don't need to memorize these rules — the dealer handles it automatically. But understanding the logic helps you follow the game confidently.
Key Takeaways for New Players
- Baccarat is a game of chance — no skill influences the card draw.
- The Banker bet offers the best odds due to its lower house edge.
- Avoid the Tie bet consistently — the odds don't justify it.
- Set a session budget before you play and stick to it.
Understanding the fundamentals of baccarat puts you in the best position to enjoy the game without confusion — and to make informed decisions at the table.