What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the oldest and most popular casino card games in the world. Despite its reputation for exclusivity, it's actually one of the simplest games on the casino floor. You don't need skill or strategy to play — you're essentially betting on which of two hands will win. That simplicity, combined with a relatively low house edge, makes it a favorite among casual players and high rollers alike.
The Basic Objective
In baccarat, two hands are dealt — the Player hand and the Banker hand. Your job is to bet on which hand will have a total closest to 9. You can also bet on a Tie. You're not playing against anyone else — you're simply predicting the outcome.
Card Values in Baccarat
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 |
| 2 through 9 | Face value |
| 10, Jack, Queen, King | 0 |
When a hand's total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts. So a hand of 7 + 8 = 15 is worth 5, not 15. A hand of 9 + 9 = 18 is worth 8.
How a Round of Baccarat Works
- Place your bet — Choose Player, Banker, or Tie before cards are dealt.
- Cards are dealt — Both the Player and Banker receive two cards face up.
- Natural win check — If either hand totals 8 or 9 (a "natural"), the round ends immediately and no more cards are drawn.
- Third card rules — If neither hand has a natural, a strict set of rules determines whether a third card is drawn for either hand. You don't make this decision — it's automatic.
- Compare totals — The hand closest to 9 wins.
The Third Card Rules (Simplified)
You don't need to memorize these — the dealer handles it — but it helps to understand them:
Player Hand
- Total of 0–5: Draw a third card.
- Total of 6–7: Stand.
Banker Hand
The Banker's action depends on the Banker's total AND whether the Player drew a third card. The rules are more complex but are always handled automatically by the dealer.
Payouts
| Bet | Payout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Player | 1:1 | Even money |
| Banker | 0.95:1 | 5% commission taken on wins |
| Tie | 8:1 (sometimes 9:1) | High payout, high house edge |
Which Bet Should You Make?
From a pure odds standpoint, the Banker bet is the best in baccarat. Even after the 5% commission, it carries a lower house edge than the Player bet. The Tie bet, while tempting due to its payout, carries a significantly higher house edge and is generally not recommended for strategic play.
Baccarat Etiquette
- In some versions, players handle the cards — squeeze slowly and dramatically, it's part of the fun.
- Don't touch your chips once the round has started.
- Keep the game moving — baccarat is meant to be fast-paced.
- Tipping the dealer is appreciated, especially on winning streaks.
Variants to Know
- Punto Banco — The most common version in Western casinos. Fully automated with no player decisions after the bet.
- Mini Baccarat — Smaller table, faster pace, lower betting limits. Great for beginners.
- Chemin de Fer — A French variant where players take turns being the Banker.
Getting Started
Baccarat is one of the most beginner-friendly games at any casino. The rules are simple, the pace is enjoyable, and the house edge on main bets is among the lowest available. Find a Mini Baccarat table, start with small bets, and enjoy the experience — no complex strategy required.