Baccarat Explained: Rules, Odds, And The Best Strategy

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.

Understanding the Basic Goal of the Game

In every round of Baccarat, the dealer will place two hands of cards on the table: the "Player" hand and the "Banker" hand.


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 hand with the final score closest to 9 wins the round. It is incredibly simple arithmetic.

The Dealer Does All the Work

If the Player's initial total is 0 through 5, they must draw a third card; if it is 6 or 7, they stand.


Here is the greatest secret in Baccarat: You do not need to know or understand the third card rules at all.


As a player, you make absolutely no decisions regarding drawing cards or standing.


You simply sit back, watch the dealer flip the cards, and wait to see if you won your bet.


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

The Mathematics of the Baccarat Bets

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).


Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.


While the Tie bet offers a tempting 8 to 1 payout, the true odds of a tie occurring are roughly 9.5 to 1.

Essential Rules for Beginners

Card Values: 2-9 are face value. Aces are 1. Tens and Face Cards (J, Q, K) are worth 0.
The Player Bet: Pays 1 to 1. House Edge is 1.24%. A perfectly fine, safe bet to make.
The Third Card Rule: A complex set of rules the dealer follows. You do not need to memorize or understand it.
Mini-Baccarat: A faster, lower-limit version played on a smaller table. Perfect for beginners to learn the flow.

Baccarat vs. Blackjack: Comparing the Odds

Game FeatureBlackjack (Basic Strategy)Baccarat (Banker Bet)
House Edge~0.50% (If played perfectly)1.06% (No skill required)
Skill Level RequiredHigh (Must memorize complex strategy charts)Zero (Just point at the Banker circle)
Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed


Do not let the high limits or the James Bond aesthetic intimidate you from enjoying this fantastic game.


Just remember the golden rule: ignore the Tie bet, trust the Banker, and let the dealer handle the complex math.


Enjoy the elegance of the game, have fun tracking the massive scoreboards, and watch the nines roll in.