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.


Once you strip away the velvet ropes and the aura of exclusivity, you are left with an incredibly fast, straightforward game of chance.


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

Your only job is to guess which of these two hands will end up closer to the magic number of nine.


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


The scoring system is very specific: cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, and Aces are worth 1 point.


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 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.


Unlike Blackjack, where you must actively choose to "Hit" or "Stand," Baccarat is played on autopilot.


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


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

The Only Strategy: Always Bet on the Banker

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


However, because of the complex third-card rules, the "Banker" hand is mathematically designed to win slightly more often than the Player hand.


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


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


This discrepancy gives the casino a massive, predatory house edge of 14.36% on the Tie bet.

Quick Reference Guide to Baccarat

The Goal: Bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will finish closest to a total score of 9.
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

MetricThe Game of SkillThe Game of Chance
Mathematical EdgeHighly dependent on player skillStatic, locked in by the rules of the game
Player DecisionsConstant choices (Hit, Stand, Double, Split)Only one choice (Pick a side before the deal)
Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed


Baccarat is the ultimate paradox of the casino: it looks incredibly sophisticated but is actually the easiest game in the building.


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


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