How To Play Baccarat Like A Pro

If you observe the VIP sections of a luxurious casino, you have likely seen intense Asian high rollers huddled around a table playing Baccarat. Thanks to its association with James Bond and extreme wealth, Baccarat is often perceived as highly complicated or only for billionaires. However, the absolute truth is that this card game is one of the easiest and mathematically favorable options on the entire casino floor.

How the Game Works: Picking the Winning Hand

Unlike blackjack or poker, Baccarat requires absolutely no skill during the actual hand. The casino staff runs the math. Your only job is simply to guess which side will have a point total that totals nine. You can only wager on three outcomes: the Player side, the 'Banker' hand winning, or a dead draw. You must remember that the terms 'Player' and 'Banker' do not represent you and the casino; they are simply the names given to the two hands dealt on the table.

Calculating Hand Values and the 'Drop the First Digit' Rule

The way cards are valued in this game is a bit weird at first. The low cards retain their pip value. Aces are always worth exactly 1 point. The picture cards and 10s count as zero points. The most confusing rule for beginners is that a hand's total can never exceed nine. If your total is 10 or higher, you ignore the left number. As an illustration, if the cards are an eight and a seven, the math equals 15. You drop the '1', making the final Baccarat score a 5.


The 'Banker' bet is statistically the best wager due to the complex third-card math.
Because the Banker bet wins more often, the casino charges a standard 5% commission when the Banker hand wins.
Never, under any circumstances, bet on the Tie. The casino edge is huge of over 14%.
The dealer handles the complex draws; the dealer does the math for you.

Comparing Baccarat Bets

To make the best mathematical choice, we have constructed a simple table that breaks down the exact math for the three main Baccarat bets.


OptionPayoutCasino Advantage
The Banker HandEven money less 5%Best Option (1.06%)
Player Bet1 to 1 (Even Money)1.24% (A very solid choice)
The Tie Bet8:1Extremely High (14%+)


To conclude, the game is elegant and straightforward that offers some of the best odds in the entire casino. By skipping the trend tracking and just betting consistently on the Banker hand, you can have an exciting time without needing to memorize difficult rules. Never forget: never touch the Tie wager!