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.
It is, fundamentally, nothing more than a sophisticated coin flip disguised behind French terminology.
If you can guess heads or tails, you have all the necessary skills to play and win at Baccarat.
Let's break down the rules, explain how the hands are scored, and reveal the only strategy you will ever need.
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.
It is crucial to understand that the "Player" hand does not belong to you, and the "Banker" hand does not belong to the casino.
Once bets are placed, the dealer deals exactly two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
If a hand receives a 9 and a 9, the sum is 18. Drop the "1", and the true value is an 8.
The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).
The Dealer Does All the Work
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.
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 Mathematics of the Baccarat Bets
Because you cannot influence the cards, the only "strategy" in Baccarat is making the most mathematically sound bet.
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%.
If you bet $100 on the Banker and win, the dealer will pay you $95 (keeping $5 as the commission).
Betting the Banker minimizes your long-term losses and gives you the absolute best odds of walking away a winner.
Finally, you must avoid the "Tie" bet at all costs; it is famously one of the worst sucker bets in the entire casino.
Essential Rules for Beginners
Card Values: 2-9 are face value. Aces are 1. Tens and Face Cards (J, Q, K) are worth 0. The Player Bet: Pays 1 to 1. House Edge is 1.24%. A perfectly fine, safe bet to make. Pattern Tracking: Casinos provide scoreboards, but previous results do not influence future hands. Streaks are purely coincidental. Commission: Do not forget that the dealer will take 5% of your Banker winnings; they usually keep track and collect it when you leave.
The Two Most Popular Card Games
AspectBlackjackBaccarat Mathematical EdgeHighly dependent on player skillStatic, locked in by the rules of the game Skill Level RequiredHigh (Must memorize complex strategy charts)Zero (Just point at the Banker circle) Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed
Do not let the high limits or the James Bond aesthetic intimidate you from enjoying this fantastic game.
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.