If you’re new to table games, baccarat might seem unfamiliar at first. Unlike slot machines or scratchcards, baccarat is a card game where you place a bet on one of two hands—the player or the banker—or on a tie if you think both hands will end up with the same value. Your goal is to try and predict which hand will finish closest to a total of nine.
Baccarat is a game of chance, meaning the outcome is random and follows set rules. Once you place your bet, the game deals two cards to each hand. Depending on the totals, a third card might be drawn. The hand with the total closest to nine wins. There’s no skill or strategy involved in influencing the result, and no decisions to make after betting.
If you bet on the banker hand and it wins, a 5% commission is usually deducted from your payout. This is standard in most games because the banker hand has a slightly higher probability of winning. Some versions may apply different rates or rules, so it may be worth checking the paytable before you start. This section should show you the potential payouts, and whether any rules differ.
Baccarat is relatively easy to follow once you understand the basics, and each round runs automatically after bets are placed.
Is Baccarat Easy To Learn?
Yes, baccarat is generally considered one of the easier table games to understand. You don’t need to memorise lots of rules or make decisions during the hand. In fact, everything happens automatically after you place your bet.
If you're playing online, the layout is typically clear and user-friendly. When you open a baccarat game, you’ll usually see chip values in the bottom-right corner. You click on the amount you’d like to bet, then choose whether to place your chips on the player hand, banker hand, tie, or possibly some side bets—depending on the game version.
Once the bets are placed, two cards are dealt to each hand. You don’t need to take any further action. The values are added up, and if either hand has a total of 8 or 9 straight away, the game ends instantly. This is called a natural win.
The game’s pace is steady and relatively easy to follow, which may make it a suitable option for those unfamiliar with traditional card games. That said, since the results are random, there's no method or approach that can change the outcome.
What Is Your Objective In Baccarat?
The main goal in baccarat is to bet on the hand that you think will finish with a total closest to nine. You can place a bet on:
-
The player hand winning
-
The banker hand winning
-
A tie, if you think both hands will end on the same number
Once you’ve placed your bet, the cards are dealt, and the outcome is decided based on strict drawing rules.
Even though the banker hand is slightly more likely to win, a 5% commission usually applies to any banker bet that pays out. This is designed to balance the odds between the two options.
For context, the house edge for the banker hand is typically around 1.06%, while it’s slightly higher for the player hand, at around 1.24%. These figures can vary depending on the version of the game.
There’s no skill involved in determining the outcome, as the hands are dealt and scored based on fixed rules. Your role is simply to place your bet before the cards are drawn.
Rules of Baccarat
The scoring system in baccarat is quite simple. Number cards from 2 to 9 count as their face value. Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth zero, and Aces are worth one. The total of a hand is calculated by adding the two card values together. If the result is more than 9, only the last digit is used.
For example, if a hand has a 7 and an 8 (which totals 15), the hand’s value is 5.
Here’s how the drawing rules work:
Player
-
If the two cards total 6 or more, the player hand stands (no third card).
-
If the total is 5 or less, a third card is drawn.
-
A total of 8 or 9 is a natural win, and no more cards are drawn.
Banker
The banker’s action depends on both its current total, and whether the player drew a third card.
-
If the banker total is 0 to 2, it draws a third card.
-
If the total is 3 to 6, the banker draws or stands based on the player’s third card value.
-
If the total is 7, the banker stands.
-
If the total is 8 or 9, it’s a natural win and the game ends.
These rules make sure the game plays out consistently every round.
Baccarat For Beginners
If this is your first time playing baccarat, don’t worry—it’s much easier than it might look at first glance. To get started:
-
Choose a game with a table limit that suits your budget.
-
Pick a chip amount and place your bet on either the player, banker, or a tie.
-
The game will automatically deal two cards to both hands.
-
A third card may be drawn if required by the rules.
-
The hand with a total closest to nine wins. If both hands are equal, it’s a tie.
Some baccarat games offer side bets, which are extra betting options. These might include bets on whether the banker or player will win with a specific number, or if the total will be a certain range. These vary depending on the version of the game, and each will have its own set of rules and possible payout amounts. These can usually be found in the game’s help menu or paytable.
Watching a few rounds without betting may help you understand how it flows. Most online casinos allow you to see results without taking part in the action straight away.
Baccarat is a game of chance, and there’s no guaranteed way to win. While you can choose how much to bet and where to place your chips, the result of each hand is determined entirely by the way the cards are dealt. Playing within your means and taking breaks when needed are sensible ways to enjoy the experience. Please play responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.