Baccarat Explained: Rules, Odds, And The Best Strategy

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


Novice players tend to stick to familiar games like Blackjack, completely avoiding the intimidating Baccarat pit.


It is, fundamentally, nothing more than a sophisticated coin flip disguised behind French terminology.


Furthermore, Baccarat offers some of the absolute best mathematical odds available to a casino player.


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

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.


Because you drop the first digit, it is mathematically impossible to "bust" or go over 9 in Baccarat.

The Third Card Rule (Why You Don't Need to Learn It)

The rules governing whether a third card is drawn are incredibly complex, based on a rigid mathematical matrix.


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.


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


Your only required skill is pointing at the table and placing a chip on one of the three options.

The Mathematics of the Baccarat Bets

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


If you bet on the "Player" hand and it wins, you are paid 1 to 1 (even money). The house edge on the Player bet is a very respectable 1.24%.


Because the Banker bet has a built-in mathematical advantage, the casino charges a 5% commission on all winning Banker bets.


Betting the Banker minimizes your long-term losses and gives you the absolute best odds of walking away a winner.


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

Quick Reference Guide to Baccarat

Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5).
The Player Bet: Pays 1 to 1. House Edge is 1.24%. A perfectly fine, safe bet to make.
No Skill Required: The dealer handles all the drawing rules. You only make one choice before the cards are dealt.
Mini-Baccarat: A faster, lower-limit version played on a smaller table. Perfect for beginners to learn the flow.

The Two Most Popular Card Games

AspectBlackjackBaccarat
Mathematical EdgeHighly dependent on player skillStatic, locked in by the rules of the game
Mental EffortHigh focus required to avoid expensive mistakesRelaxed; sit back and watch the cards flip
Pace of PlayModerate (Depends on other players at the table)Very Fast (Especially on Mini-Baccarat tables)


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


Find a low-limit "Mini-Baccarat" table, place your $10 on the Banker circle, and experience the easiest game in Vegas.


Whether you play live in a casino or online from your couch, Baccarat is an essential experience for any gambler.