How To Play Baccarat: A Beginner's Guide

Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.


Because of this glamorous reputation, the average casino player often feels too intimidated to even approach a Baccarat table.


The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.


If you can guess heads or tails, you have all the necessary skills to play and win at Baccarat.


We will guide you through your first hand so you can confidently approach the table like a seasoned high roller.

The Objective: Getting Closer to Nine

The entire premise of Baccarat is to bet on which of two hands will have a total score closest to the number 9.


Before any cards are dealt, you place your chips in one of three betting circles in front of you: Player, Banker, or Tie.


Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth absolutely zero points in Baccarat.


The total score of a hand is simply the sum of its cards; however, if the total exceeds 9, you drop the first digit.


The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).

Why Baccarat Requires Zero Skill

In some situations, the Player or the Banker hand (or both) will receive a third card.


Looking at the third-card chart can cause a beginner to instantly panic and walk away from the table.


The casino dealer has memorized the complex matrix and handles all the card drawing strictly according to the rules.


This is why Baccarat is a game of pure, unadulterated chance; your choices cannot positively or negatively affect the outcome of the cards.


Do not let the complex mechanics of the dealer deter you from playing this incredibly simple game.

The Only Strategy: Always Bet on the Banker

The math clearly dictates that one of these bets is significantly superior to the other two.


The Banker hand will win approximately 50.68% of the time (excluding ties).


If you bet $100 on the Banker and win, the dealer will pay you $95 (keeping $5 as the commission).


Many professional players will simply sit at a table and stubbornly bet the Banker every single hand, completely ignoring the results board.


Finally, you must avoid the "Tie" bet at all costs; it is famously one of the worst sucker bets in the entire casino.

Essential Rules for Beginners

The Goal: Bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will finish closest to a total score of 9.
The Tie Bet: Pays 8 to 1. House Edge is 14.36%. An absolute trap. Never place chips on the Tie.
No Skill Required: The dealer handles all the drawing rules. You only make one choice before the cards are dealt.
Punto Banco: The official name for the version of Baccarat played in North America and Macau.

Why Play Baccarat Instead of Blackjack?

Game FeatureBlackjack (Basic Strategy)Baccarat (Banker Bet)
The OddsExcellent, but requires perfect memorizationVery good, guaranteed every time you bet Banker
Mental EffortHigh focus required to avoid expensive mistakesRelaxed; sit back and watch the cards flip
Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed


It offers a massive thrill, incredibly fast gameplay, and a mathematical house edge that respects your bankroll.


If you are tired of memorizing Blackjack charts or staring blankly at slot machines, Baccarat is the perfect escape.


Good luck, and may you always draw a natural nine.