Often seen in exclusive casino rooms, surrounded by an aura of sophistication and high stakes, Baccarat has long been the game of choice for cinematic super-spies and high rollers. But behind this elegant façade lies a game that is surprisingly straightforward, governed by simple rules, and accessible to every type of player. It’s a game of pure chance that offers some of the best odds in the casino.
This complete guide will strip away the mystique and teach you everything you need to know. From the value of the cards to the all-important Third Card Rule, you’ll learn how to play Baccarat with confidence.
A Glimpse into Baccarat’s Noble History
The story of Baccarat (pronounced “bah-kah-rah”) begins in 15th-century Italy. Created by a gambler named Felix Falguiere, it was called baccara, the Italian word for “zero,” a nod to the fact that all 10s and face cards are valued at zero. The game soon found its way to France, where it became a favorite of the French nobility and was known as Chemin de Fer. For centuries, it remained a game for the aristocracy.
The version that conquered the world, however, is Punto Banco, which was developed in Cuba and introduced to Las Vegas in the 1950s. In Punto Banco, the casino banks the game at all times, and the gameplay is dictated by a fixed set of rules. This is the version you will find in nearly every casino today, both online and land-based.
The Core Objective: A Simple Race to Nine
Despite its distinguished history, the objective of Baccarat is incredibly simple: bet on which of two hands—the Player or the Banker—will have a point total closest to 9.
You also have the option to bet on a Tie, predicting that both hands will have the same value. It’s crucial to understand that the “Player” and “Banker” are just names for the hands; they do not represent you or the casino. You are free to bet on either hand in any given round (also called a coup).
Understanding the Cards & Hand Values
Baccarat uses a unique scoring system. Unlike Blackjack, you can never bust. Here’s how the cards are valued:
Aces: 1 point
Cards 2 through 9: Face value (e.g., a 7 is worth 7 points)
10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings: 0 points
The total value of a hand is the last digit of the sum of its cards. For example:
A hand with a 4 and a 5 is worth 9 (4 + 5 = 9).
A hand with a 7 and an 8 is worth 5 (7 + 8 = 15, drop the first digit).
A hand with a King and a 6 is worth 6 (0 + 6 = 6).
The highest possible score is 9. A two-card hand totaling 8 or 9 is called a “Natural,” and it is the best possible outcome.
The Three Main Bets: Player, Banker, and Tie
Before the cards are dealt, you must place your wager on one of three outcomes:
The Player Bet: You are betting the Player’s hand will win. This pays 1:1 (even money). The house edge is a low 1.24%.
The Banker Bet: You are betting the Banker’s hand will win. This also pays 1:1, but the casino takes a 5% commission from the winnings. This is because, due to the drawing rules, the Banker hand has a slightly higher statistical probability of winning. Even with the commission, the house edge is a mere 1.06%, making it the statistically best bet in the game.
The Tie Bet: You are betting that both hands will have the same total. This offers a high payout, typically 8:1, but it comes with a much higher house edge of over 14%. Strategic players tend to avoid this bet.
The Flow of the Game: A Step-by-Step Guide
A round of Baccarat is fast and follows a set procedure.
Step 1: Place Your Bet: Choose to bet on the Player, Banker, or Tie.
Step 2: The Deal: The croupier (dealer) deals two cards face-up to the Player hand and two cards face-up to the Banker hand.
Step 3: Check for a Natural: If either hand has a total of 8 or 9 (a Natural), the game ends immediately. The highest Natural wins. If both have the same Natural total, it’s a Tie.
Step 4: The Third Card Rule: If there is no Natural, the game proceeds based on a strict set of drawing rules. This is the only complex part of the game, but the good news is, you don’t have to make any decisions. The dealer handles everything automatically.
The Third Card Rule: The Heart of the Game
This rule determines if a third card is drawn. It can seem confusing, but it’s a fixed process.
Player’s Hand Rule: The Player’s hand is always acted upon first.
If the Player’s two-card total is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, the Player must draw one more card.
If the Player’s two-card total is 6 or 7, the Player must stand (no third card).
Banker’s Hand Rule: The Banker’s action depends on its two-card total and whether the Player drew a third card.
If the Player stands (has a 6 or 7), the Banker’s rule is simple: it draws on totals of 0-5 and stands on 6-7.
If the Player draws a third card, the Banker’s action becomes more detailed:
If Banker’s total is 2 or less, it always draws.
If Banker’s total is 3, it draws unless the Player’s third card was an 8.
If Banker’s total is 4, it draws if the Player’s third card was a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
If Banker’s total is 5, it draws if the Player’s third card was a 4, 5, 6, or 7.
If Banker’s total is 6, it draws only if the Player’s third card was a 6 or 7.
If Banker’s total is 7, it always stands.
Again, you do not need to memorize this chart to play. The dealer manages this entire process.
Basic Baccarat Strategy for Beginners
Since Baccarat is a game of chance with fixed rules, complex strategies are not effective. The best strategy is simple and based on mathematics.
Always Bet on the Banker: The Banker bet has the lowest house edge (1.06%) and is statistically the most likely to win over the long term. It is the foundation of any solid Baccarat strategy.
Avoid the Tie Bet: Despite its tempting 8:1 payout, the Tie bet has a very high house edge. It’s a sucker bet that will drain your bankroll over time.
Manage Your Bankroll: This is the most important strategy of all. Before you play, decide on a budget and stick to it. Set win goals and loss limits for your session to ensure you are playing responsibly.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Baccarat
Baccarat has remained a casino classic for centuries for good reason. It offers a unique combination of elegance, simplicity, and incredibly favorable odds for the player. There are no complex decisions to make, no skills to master—just the pure, suspenseful thrill of the cards being revealed. Now that you understand the rules, you can approach any Baccarat table with the knowledge and confidence of a seasoned player.