What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the oldest and most elegant casino table games in the world. Despite its reputation for sophistication, it is actually one of the simplest games to learn — requiring no skill or complex decision-making from the player. Your only job is to place a bet before the cards are dealt.
The game is played between two hands: the Player and the Banker. Neither of these refers to you or the dealer in any personal sense — they are simply the two sides you can wager on. A third option, the Tie, is also available.
The Objective of Baccarat
The goal is straightforward: predict which hand — Player or Banker — will have a total closest to 9. If both hands end with the same total, it's a Tie.
How Card Values Work
- Aces are worth 1 point
- Cards 2–9 are worth their face value
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 0 points
If a hand's total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts. So a hand of 7 + 8 = 15 becomes a value of 5.
Step-by-Step Gameplay
- Place your bet — Choose Player, Banker, or Tie before any cards are dealt.
- Two cards are dealt to each hand — Both the Player and Banker receive two face-up cards.
- Natural win check — If either hand totals 8 or 9, that is called a "natural" and the game ends immediately.
- Third card rules apply — If neither hand has a natural, a strict set of rules determines whether a third card is drawn. Players do not make this choice — it is automatic.
- Closest to 9 wins — The hand with the higher total wins and bets are paid out.
The Three Main Bets Explained
| Bet | Payout | House Edge (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Player | 1:1 | ~1.24% |
| Banker | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) | ~1.06% |
| Tie | 8:1 | ~14.4% |
The Third Card Rule (Simplified)
This is the part that confuses new players, but remember: you don't have to make this decision yourself. It happens automatically.
- If the Player hand totals 0–5, the Player draws a third card. If it totals 6 or 7, the Player stands.
- The Banker's decision to draw depends on the Banker's total and the value of the Player's third card, following a fixed rule chart.
Common Baccarat Variations
- Punto Banco — The most common version worldwide, where the casino banks every hand.
- Mini Baccarat — Played at a smaller table with lower betting limits, perfect for beginners.
- Chemin de Fer — A European variant where players take turns being the Banker.
Key Takeaways for Beginners
Baccarat is one of the most player-friendly games in the casino. The Banker bet carries the lowest house edge of any bet in the game, making it statistically the safest wager. The Tie bet, while tempting due to its high payout, comes with a significantly higher house edge and is generally not recommended for new players. Start with Mini Baccarat tables where limits are lower, the pace is accessible, and you can observe the game up close before diving in.