The game of Baccarat, which is sometimes known as Punto Banco, has always had a reputation as being for the richest gamblers in Europe and Latin America. It scared off the average Player, but nowadays, more and more people are discovering that Baccarat is really a good game for the small-stakes player because 1. It has a relatively small advantage for the casino, and 2. It's very simple to play.

In this guide, you will learn everything from the essential rules of baccarat to how it is played online. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll understand the basics, know how to play Baccarat online and feel confident about joining a live casino table.  

Let's dive in!

Baccarat Game Rules For Dummies

How to play Baccarat?

The main objective in Baccarat is to predict which hand—either the "Banker" or the "Player"—will have a total closest to 9 or if the game will end in a "Tie." Don't let the name confuse you, though; "player" just means one of the two hands that you can bet on and not the people who are playing with you at the table.

The game is played between two hands, with participants betting on one of these outcomes:

  • Banker's Hand

  • Player's Hand

  • Tie Bet

Unlike other card games like poker and blackjack, where strategy can influence the outcome through player decisions, baccarat is primarily a game of chance with minimal skill required to play or potentially win.

Essential Terms To Know

Before I get into the gameplay and betting options, let’s review some baccarat terms and learn their meanings:

  • Banker: One of the two main bets a player can choose, which statistically offers the best odds for winning due to slightly more favorable drawing rules.

  • Player: The opposing hand to the Banker. Betting on the Player is also popular but offers marginally lower odds.

  • Tie Bet: This bet predicts that the Player and Banker will have the same total. While it has high payouts, it’s considered a risky bet and one of those sucker casino bets due to its low probability of winning.

  • Natural: A hand total of 8 or 9 with the initial two cards. No additional cards are drawn if either hand scores a natural.

  • Draws a Third Card: A rule where a hand receives an extra card based on the total points of the Player or Banker's initial two-card hand.

Card Values and Scoring Made Simple

Baccarat card values

I mentioned that baccarat games are the easiest to learn, play, and win among all casino card games. Still, you should understand how card values and totals are calculated so you can confidently sit at a baccarat table. 

  • Aces: 1 point

  • 10s and face cards(Kings, Queens, & Jacks): 0 point

  • 2 through 9: their face values

The value of a hand is calculated by adding up the cards. But there is a twist to that. If the total value of a hand is more than 10, the left digit is dropped. For example:

  • A hand consisting of a 7 and an 8 adds up to 15. The value of the hand would be 5.

  • A hand with a 9 and a 6 totals 15, which means the hand value is 5 as well.

Now, let’s get into the action and learn how to play baccarat step-by-step. 

How To Play Baccarat Online: A Live Baccarat Guide 

how to play baccarat step by step

Some of the fancier land-based casinos, such as Caesars Palace or Bellagio in Vegas, offer some large baccarat tables that can seat up to 14 players. Still, most casinos will only offer a mini-Baccarat table, which can seat up to eight players, and the game is played pretty much the same, except that in the mini version, all of the hands are dealt out by the dealer, and the players never touch the cards.

Other than that, the rules are virtually the same. One other difference you'll find is that betting minimums will always be lower on mini-Baccarat, and it's usually pretty easy to find a table with a minimum of $10 limit.

When it comes to playing baccarat online or at one of our live dealer baccarat tables, the dealer and the software do all the dealing, calculations, and drawing the additional card(s). All you need to do is place your bets and wait for your luck to pay off. 

Setup & Betting Options

Online Baccarat is played on a specially designed table that can host up to 5 players and is typically played by 8 decks of cards. The ultimate number of players at a live dealer baccarat table is usually 3. 

Before the dealer deals cards, you must place your bet, deciding which of the two hands will get the lucky 9 or as close to it as possible. You can also place side bets. Side bets are additional bets that allow you to bet on additional outcomes other than the total value of hands. Typically, you have the following options to bet on:

Baccarat Side Bet

Outcome

Payout

P Pair(Player Pair)

The first two cards dealer to the player have the same value

11:1 

B Pair(Banke Pair) 

The first two cards dealer to the banker have the same value

11:1

When everyone places their bets, the dealer flips two cards for each hand, and then the value of each is calculated.  

Rules of Dealing Cards & Third Card Draw

Rules of dealing cards in Baccarat illustrated

As mentioned above, 10s and face cards have no value, while aces are counted as 1, and cards 2-9 are worth their face values. A hand totaling more than 10 results in the left-hand digit being dropped, and the right-hand digit will be taken into account when calculating the outcome. It is crucial to remember that card suits are irrelevant, and only card values are taken into account.  

Now, three possible outcomes would happen:

  1. If the Player or the Banker gets a Natural, 8, or a hand total closest to 9 with the first two cards, the game ends there, the winner is declared, and the wagers are settled. 

  2. If the Player and the Banker get hands of equal values, a tie is declared, and those wagered on the tie option win.  

  3. If the Player or Banker does not reach 8 or 9 points with the first two cards, then first the Player’s hand value is looked at, and the following scenarios would happen:

    1. Player’s total points are 0-5: Player receives a third card (the dealer draws the third card).

    2. Player’s total points are 6 or 7: Player does not receive a third card, and the points are kept for the final comparison.

  4. Now, the Banker’s hand value is looked at, and the following actions are decided:

Banker’s Total Points

 

Banker’s Actions

0-2

The Banker receives a third card

3

The Banker receives a third card if the Player did not receive a 3rd card OR the Player’s 3rd card is 0,1,2,3,4,5,6, 7 OR 9 

4

The Banker receives a third card if the Player did not receive a 3rd card OR the Player’s 3rd card is 2,3,4,5,6 or 7

5

The Banker receives a third card if the Player did not receive a 3rd card OR the Player’s 3rd card is 4,5,6 or 7

6

The Banker receives a third card if the Player’s 3rd card is 6 or 7

7

The Banker does not receive the third card

 

  1. Now, the game ends, and bets are paid out accordingly:

    1. Player bet: 1:1 ($1 for every $1 wager)

    2. Banker bet: 0.95:1(the house keeps a commission from the Banker bet wins)

    3. Tie bet: 8:1($8 for every $1 wager)

 

Please note that while you can bet on either hand and the Pair side bet, you are not allowed to bet on the Player and the Banker simultaneously. 

Beginners Tips To Play Live Baccarat & Win 

While the outcome of the game is primarily determined by luck, there are some tips to help you get started and win playing live baccarat as a newbie. To learn more tips, make sure to read the best baccarat strategies to win big online

  • Always Bet on the Banker: Statistically, betting on the Banker provides the highest chance of success, as it holds a slight edge due to drawing rules.

  • Avoid the Tie Bet: Although it offers attractive payouts, the odds are significantly low. 

  • Explore Free Games: Before playing with real money, try out free online baccarat games to get comfortable with the rules and gameplay.

  • Practice Bankroll Management: As a beginner casino player, the first and most important skill to master is effective bankroll management. Make sure to know your limits, never chase your losses, and use valid resources to avoid problem gambling

Last Few Words

Baccarat is a simple yet exciting game for beginners and seasoned players alike. Whether you’re playing in a luxurious casino or opting for the convenience of our top live casino games, understanding the game’s basics and rules is essential to maximize your enjoyment. Remember to bet wisely, start with low stakes, and explore various live baccarat games for the most authentic experience.

FAQ

Q1: What is the best strategy for winning at baccarat?
Betting on the Banker’s hand is statistically the best approach, as it has a house edge of approximately 1.06%.

Q2: Can I count cards in baccarat like in blackjack?
No, card counting does not provide a meaningful advantage in baccarat due to the way hands are dealt and the deck reshuffled. Card counting is virtually impossible in live and online baccarat games. 

Q3: What happens if both the Player and Banker have the same hand total?
A tie is declared, and those wagered on the tie option win the respective payout of 8:1. 

Q4: What does it mean when the Player or Banker draws a third card?
This refers to specific rules that determine whether an additional card is dealt to either hand. It depends on the initial totals and the third-card rule sequence.