A “Natural” is the best possible hand in Baccarat and occurs when the first two cards dealt to either the Player or the Banker total 8 or 9. When a Natural is dealt, the round immediately ends, and no further cards are drawn. A Natural 9 is the highest hand and will always beat a Natural 8. This rule provides a quick and decisive conclusion to the hand, and winning with a Natural is the most straightforward way to secure a victory in any round.
The Definition of a Natural: The Magic Numbers 8 and 9
In the game of Baccarat, the objective is to get a hand total as close to 9 as possible. A Natural achieves this with the minimum two cards. It is the ideal result from the initial deal, a “perfect” hand that requires no further help from a third card. This is why it’s often referred to by its Chinese name, Tiānpái, which translates to “heavenly hand.”
To calculate the hand total, remember the Baccarat card values: Aces are 1 point, cards 2-9 are face value, and 10s/Face Cards are 0.
Examples of a Natural 8:
An 8 and a King (8 + 0 = 8)
An Ace and a 7 (1 + 7 = 8)
A 5 and a 3 (5 + 3 = 8)
Examples of a Natural 9:
A 9 and a Queen (9 + 0 = 9)
An Ace and an 8 (1 + 8 = 9)
A 4 and a 5 (4 + 5 = 9)
The Game-Stopping Power of a Natural
The most important function of a Natural is its ability to immediately stop the game. After the initial two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker, the very first action the dealer takes is to check for a Natural.
If one or both hands have a Natural, the entire Third Card Rule is bypassed. The complex drawing rules for when to take an additional card become irrelevant. The Natural acts as a trump card that brings the round to an instant and decisive conclusion. This rule is a primary reason for Baccarat’s fast-paced nature, as a significant number of hands are resolved without any further cards being dealt.
For example, imagine the Player hand is a 2 and a 3 (total 5), and the Banker hand is a King and an 8 (Natural 8). According to the Third Card Rule, the Player’s hand of 5 would normally be required to draw another card. However, the Banker’s Natural overrides this. The game stops instantly, and the Banker is declared the winner.
The Hierarchy: Natural 9 vs. Natural 8
While both an 8 and a 9 are considered Naturals, they are not equal. There is a clear hierarchy.
Scenario 1: One Hand has a Natural
If only one hand has a Natural, that hand is the automatic winner.
Example: Player has a Natural 8. Banker has a total of 6. The game ends. Player wins.
Scenario 2: Both Hands have a Natural
If both the Player and the Banker are dealt a Natural, the hand with the higher value wins. A Natural 9 always beats a Natural 8.
Example: Player has a Natural 8. Banker has a Natural 9. The game ends. Banker wins.
Scenario 3: A Natural Tie
If both the Player and the Banker are dealt Naturals of the same value, the round is a Tie.
Example: Player has a Natural 9. Banker also has a Natural 9. The game ends. The result is a Tie. All bets on the Tie win, while bets on the Player and Banker are a “push” and are returned.
The Impact of Naturals on Game Odds
The probability of a Natural 8 or 9 occurring is a key factor in the calculation of Baccarat’s famously low house edge. The chances of these hands appearing are built into the mathematical models that determine the long-term payout rates (RTP) for the Player and Banker bets. The frequency of these game-ending hands ensures that the complex possibilities of the Third Card Rule do not come into play in every round, which helps stabilize the game’s overall odds.
Naturals and Side Bets
The presence of a Natural can also affect the outcome of certain side bets. For example, the popular “Dragon Bonus” side bet pays out based on the winning hand’s margin of victory. A Natural win (e.g., a Natural 9 beating a 6) is considered a “non-Natural” win by a small margin for payout purposes on this side bet, though some variations offer a specific payout for a Natural winner. It’s always good to check the specific rules of the side bets at your table.
Conclusion: The Undisputed King of Baccarat Hands
The Natural is the most powerful hand in Baccarat. It is the first thing to look for after the cards are dealt, the one outcome that can override all other rules, and the quickest path to victory. Understanding the definition of a Natural (a two-card 8 or 9), its game-stopping power, and the simple hierarchy between a Natural 8 and 9 is fundamental to grasping the essence of Baccarat. It is the undisputed king of hands, bringing any round to an immediate and thrilling conclusion.