What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the most popular card games in both land-based and online casinos. Despite its glamorous reputation, it is actually one of the simplest casino games to learn. Players do not need complex strategies or deep card knowledge — the outcome depends almost entirely on the cards dealt.
In Baccarat, you are not playing against other players. You are simply betting on one of three outcomes: the Player hand wins, the Banker hand wins, or the result is a Tie.
Basic Rules of Baccarat
Baccarat is played with a standard deck (or multiple decks) of cards. Each card has a point value:
- Ace = 1 point
- Cards 2–9 = face value
- 10, Jack, Queen, King = 0 points
The goal is to have a hand total as close to 9 as possible. If the total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts. For example, a hand of 7 + 6 = 13, which 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 | ~14.36% |
The Banker bet statistically wins slightly more often, which is why casinos charge a small commission on it. The Tie bet carries the highest house edge and is generally considered a riskier wager.
How a Round Is Played
- Players place their bets on Player, Banker, or Tie.
- Two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker hands.
- A third card may be drawn based on fixed drawing rules (called the "third card rule").
- The hand closest to 9 wins.
The Third Card Rule
The third card rule is automatic and does not require any decision from players. In brief:
- If either hand totals 8 or 9 (a "natural"), no more cards are drawn.
- The Player draws a third card if their total is 5 or less.
- The Banker draws based on their own total and what the Player's third card was, following a specific rule table.
You do not need to memorize the third card rule — the dealer or software handles this automatically in all online Baccarat games.
Types of Baccarat Games
- Punto Banco — The most common version, found in most online casinos.
- Chemin de Fer — A player-banked version popular in European casinos.
- Mini-Baccarat — Same rules as Punto Banco but played at a smaller table with lower limits.
- Live Dealer Baccarat — Streamed in real-time with a human dealer, popular in online e-game platforms.
Key Takeaways for New Players
- Baccarat is a game of chance — no skill can change the card outcomes.
- Bet on Banker most often for the lowest house edge.
- Avoid the Tie bet due to its very high house edge.
- Set a session budget before you play and stick to it.
Baccarat's simplicity makes it ideal for beginners. Once you understand the three betting options and how hand totals work, you are ready to play.