What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a comparing card game played between two hands — the Player and the Banker. Unlike many casino games, you don't compete against other players; you simply bet on which hand will have a point total closest to 9. It's one of the lowest house-edge games in any casino, making it a favourite among both beginners and experienced players.
Understanding Card Values
Before diving into gameplay, you need to understand how cards are valued in baccarat:
- Aces — worth 1 point
- Cards 2–9 — worth their face value
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings — worth 0 points
If a hand's total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts. For example, a hand of 7 + 6 = 13 counts as 3.
The Three Betting Options
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Player | 1:1 | ~1.24% |
| Banker | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) | ~1.06% |
| Tie | 8:1 | ~14.4% |
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge and is statistically the most favourable option over time. The Tie bet, while tempting due to its high payout, carries a significantly higher house edge and is generally not recommended for strategic play.
How a Round Is Played
- Place your bet — choose Player, Banker, or Tie before cards are dealt.
- Two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker hands.
- Natural win check — if either hand totals 8 or 9, it's a "natural" and no more cards are drawn. The higher hand wins.
- Third card rule — if no natural occurs, a third card may be drawn based on fixed drawing rules (see below).
- Highest hand wins — whichever hand is closest to 9 wins the round.
The Third Card Rule Explained
The third card rule can seem complex, but in online baccarat the software handles it automatically. Here's a simplified overview:
- Player draws a third card if their total is 0–5; stands on 6 or 7.
- Banker's action depends on the Banker's total and the Player's third card value — the rules are fixed and predetermined by the game.
You never need to make a decision about drawing — the rules govern it entirely.
Tips for New Baccarat Players
- Stick to the Banker bet for the best odds over a session.
- Avoid the Tie bet — the high payout masks a punishing house edge.
- Set a session budget before you start and stick to it.
- Look for tables with fewer decks — fewer decks slightly favour the Player bet.
- Take advantage of demo/free play modes to get comfortable with the flow before wagering real money.
Final Thoughts
Baccarat is one of the most beginner-friendly casino games precisely because the decisions are minimal — you simply pick a side and watch the outcome. Its low house edge makes it one of the smarter choices for players looking to extend their sessions. Master the basics, manage your bankroll, and enjoy one of the most refined games in the casino world.