Baccarat Guide: How to Play and Win
Baccarat is one of the simplest casino games with some of the best odds. Learn how to play, understand the rules, and discover why the banker bet is statistically the best choice.
What is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a card game where you bet on which hand will have a total closest to 9: the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a Tie. It's a game of pure chance with no skill required - perfect for beginners.
The game is known for its low house edge, especially on Banker bets, making it one of the best games in the casino for players.
How to Play Baccarat
Card Values
- Aces = 1
- 2-9 = Face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0
- If total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts (e.g., 15 = 5)
Gameplay
- Place your bet on Player, Banker, or Tie
- Two cards dealt to Player and Banker
- Third card may be drawn based on fixed rules
- Hand closest to 9 wins
- Winning bets are paid
Third Card Rules
Third cards are drawn automatically based on fixed rules - players don't make decisions. The rules are:
- Player draws third card if total is 0-5
- Player stands on 6-7
- Banker rules depend on Player's third card
- All rules are automatic - no decisions needed
Betting Options
Player Bet
Pays: 1:1
House Edge: 1.24%
Bet that Player hand wins
Banker Bet
Pays: 1:1 (minus 5% commission)
House Edge: 1.06%
Best odds - bet that Banker hand wins
Tie Bet
Pays: 8:1 or 9:1
House Edge: 14.4%
Both hands have same value - avoid this bet
Why Banker Bet is Best
Statistical Advantage
The Banker bet wins approximately 50.68% of hands (excluding ties), compared to 49.32% for Player. This slight edge, combined with the 1.06% house edge (lowest in casino), makes Banker the statistically best bet.
The 5% commission on Banker wins is automatically deducted, but the bet still offers better value than Player bet.
Baccarat Strategy
Simple Strategy
- • Always bet Banker: Lowest house edge at 1.06%
- • Avoid Tie bets: High house edge of 14.4%
- • Player bet is acceptable: But Banker is better
- • No skill needed: Just choose your bet and watch
- • Manage bankroll: Set limits before playing
Side Bets
Many baccarat games offer side bets with higher payouts but worse odds:
- Player Pair / Banker Pair: First two cards form a pair
- Perfect Pair: Both cards are same suit and rank
- Either Pair: Either hand forms a pair
- Big / Small: Total number of cards dealt
Note: Side bets typically have high house edges (5-10%+) and should be avoided for serious play.
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