Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it's actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. With a very low house edge and minimal decision-making, it's an appealing option for all skill levels.
How to Play Baccarat
The game involves a simple comparison between two hands, the "Player" and the "Banker". The aim is to wager on the hand—Player or Banker—that will end up with a higher score. You can bet on the Player's hand to win, the Banker's hand to win, casino or for the hands to Tie.
How Points are Calculated
Cards 2-9: Count as their printed numerical value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): Are worth zero points. Aces: Are worth 1 point.
The score of a hand is the rightmost digit of the sum of the cards. A 7 and an 8 would total 15, so the hand's value is 5. A "natural" is a two-card hand totaling 8 or 9, and casino it is an automatic win unless both hands are a natural of the same value (a tie).
Which Bet is Best?
Your involvement ends after you place your bet. The game proceeds based on a predetermined set of drawing rules. Understanding these three bets is key to playing smart.
Option Casino Advantage Important Details
Bet on Banker Just over 1% Despite a 5% commission on wins, this is the smartest bet you can make. It has the lowest house edge of the three.
Bet on Player Very Low (1.24%) This wager is almost as good as the Banker bet and is a perfectly acceptable choice.
The Tie Bet ~14.36% While the 8-to-1 payout is tempting, the Tie bet has a massive house edge and is one of the worst bets in the entire casino. It should be avoided by serious players.
The optimal strategy for baccarat couldn't be easier: always wager on the Banker. It might seem repetitive, but it is the mathematically soundest way to play the game. It is this mix of easy rules, great odds, and thrilling gameplay that has made baccarat a casino favorite for generations.