How to Play Baccarat — Beginner's Guide
Baccarat has a reputation for being a high-roller game, but it's actually one of the simplest casino games to play. There are only three bets to choose from, the rules are entirely automatic, and the house edge on the best bet is just 1.06%. If you've never played before, this guide will have you ready for a live baccarat table in about five minutes.
The Basic Rules
Baccarat is played between two hands: the Player and the Banker. Despite the names, you're not "the Player" — you simply bet on which hand will win, or whether they'll tie.
Each hand is dealt two cards. The hand closest to a total of 9 wins. Card values work differently from most games:
- Aces = 1
- 2–9 = Face value
- 10, Jack, Queen, King = 0
If a hand's total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts. For example: 7 + 8 = 15, which counts as 5. A hand of King + 6 = 6 (the King is worth 0).
The Third-Card Rule
After the initial two cards are dealt, a third card may be drawn according to fixed rules — neither you nor the dealer makes a decision. This happens automatically:
Player's Third-Card Rule
| Player's First Two Cards Total | Action |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | Player draws a third card |
| 6–7 | Player stands |
| 8–9 | Natural — no more cards for either hand |
Banker's Third-Card Rule
The Banker's action depends on both their own total and the Player's third card. This is the only complex part of baccarat, but since it's handled automatically, you don't need to memorise it — just know it exists:
| Banker's Total | Draws When Player's Third Card Is | Stands When Player's Third Card Is |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Always draws | — |
| 3 | 0–7, 9 | 8 |
| 4 | 2–7 | 0, 1, 8, 9 |
| 5 | 4–7 | 0–3, 8, 9 |
| 6 | 6–7 | 0–5, 8, 9 |
| 7 | Always stands | — |
The Three Bets and Their Odds
Baccarat offers three possible bets. The house edge varies significantly between them:
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) | 1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 (sometimes 9:1) | 14.36% |
The Banker bet wins slightly more often than the Player bet (roughly 45.8% vs 44.6%, with 9.5% ties). The 5% commission on Banker wins compensates for this advantage, but even after the commission, the Banker bet remains the best option with a 1.06% house edge.
Never Bet on Tie
The Tie bet is one of the worst bets in any casino game. A 14.36% house edge means you're expected to lose over £14 for every £100 wagered. The 8:1 payout looks appealing, but ties occur only about 9.5% of the time. Some tables pay 9:1, which reduces the edge to around 4.8% — still significantly worse than Banker or Player.
Baccarat Variants
Most online baccarat follows the standard "Punto Banco" rules described above. However, you may encounter a few variants:
- Mini Baccarat — identical rules but lower table minimums and faster pace. The most common format online.
- Speed Baccarat — a live dealer variant with shorter decision time (typically 12 seconds per round instead of 25).
- No Commission Baccarat — eliminates the 5% Banker commission, but pays even money on Banker wins with a 6 total (instead of 1:1). The house edge on Banker bets increases to approximately 1.46% — worse than standard baccarat.
- Dragon Tiger — a simplified single-card version. One card to Dragon, one to Tiger, highest card wins. Higher house edge (~3.7%) but extremely fast.
Strategy Tips for Baccarat
Since baccarat has no player decisions once the bet is placed, "strategy" is limited to bet selection and bankroll management:
- Stick to Banker bets. The 1.06% house edge is one of the lowest in any casino game. The 5% commission is already factored into that number — it's still the best bet at the table.
- Avoid pattern tracking. Many baccarat tables display scoreboards showing recent results (the "road" system). These are for entertainment — previous results have zero influence on future hands. Each hand is independent.
- Set session limits. Baccarat is fast, especially online. At live tables doing 60–80 hands per hour, even a 1.06% edge adds up. Decide your loss limit and win target before you start.
- Skip the side bets. Baccarat tables often offer side bets like Player Pair, Banker Pair, and Perfect Pair. These carry house edges of 5–15% and are best avoided.
18+ | Play Responsibly
Baccarat is a fast-paced game where losses can accumulate quickly. Set a budget and time limit before every session. If gambling is no longer enjoyable, visit BeGambleAware.org for free support.