Baccarat is an immensely popular card game enjoyed in land-based casinos, online casinos, and live dealer casinos. The game of baccarat is played between a banker and a player and there are several variations of baccarat available online for players to enjoy. The most popular variation of baccarat is known as Punto Banco, also referred to as North American baccarat.
This variation is known as a game of chance, as all moves are dictated entirely by the cards dealt. The player can only place his bet on the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. In Baccarat Chemic De Fer and Baccarat Banque, both the banker and the player have options, adding a degree of skill to the game of baccarat.
Basic rules of Baccarat
Baccarat is often referred to as a game of chance, where every outcome is dictated entirely by the dealt cards.
Players can place their bets on three outcomes:
- The Player’s hand
- The Banker’s hand
- A Tie between the two
In traditional versions like Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque, there’s a strategic twist—both banker and player can make decisions.
This layer of control adds a light element of skill, though luck still dominates the outcome in most baccarat games.
The main goal in baccarat is simple: get as close to 9 as possible without going over.
Each hand is made up of 2 or 3 cards, and values are calculated as follows:
- Aces count as 1
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 0
- All other cards retain their face value
If a hand totals more than 9, only the second digit is considered.
For example, a hand of 7 and 6 (totaling 13) is counted as 3.
Card Drawing Rules: Player vs Banker
Let’s break down when a third card gets involved.
Player’s Third Card Rules:
- 8 or 9: Called a natural hand – no third card is drawn
- 6 or 7: Player stands – no extra card
- 0 to 5: Player must draw a third card
Banker’s Third Card Rules:
The banker’s decision is based on both their own hand and the player’s third card, if one was drawn:
- Banker has 0–2: Always draws a third card
- Banker has 3: Draws unless player’s third card is 8
- Banker has 4: Draws if player’s third card is 2–7
- Banker has 5: Draws if player’s third card is 4–7
- Banker has 6: Draws only if player’s third card is 6 or 7
- Banker has 7–9: Always stands
If either hand totals 8 or 9 naturally, the round ends immediately without further cards.
Types of Bets and Their Payouts
Players can place bets before any cards are dealt. The three main betting options are:
- Player win – Pays 1:1
- Banker win – Pays 1:1 minus 5% commission
- Tie – Pays 8:1, but comes with a 9.5% house edge
While the Tie bet may seem tempting due to the high payout, its high house edge makes it a poor long-term choice.
How Live Baccarat Works
Live baccarat brings the traditional casino experience straight to your screen using real dealers and streaming technology.
Whether online or in a land-based casino, the core game rules remain the same across all baccarat tables.
Here’s how the live version works:
- A real dealer stands at a specially designed horseshoe table
- Players place bets digitally, just like at a physical table
- All players share the same dealer hand and deck of cards
- High-definition video and live chat features add an immersive, social element
Players can ask questions, talk to the dealer, and even chat with others at the table during multiplayer games.
Final Tips for Playing Baccarat
- Stick to the Banker bet: it has the lowest house edge at around 1.06%
- Avoid the Tie bet: despite the 8:1 payout, the odds are not in your favor
- Manage your bankroll, play at your pace, and enjoy the experience
- Use live baccarat for the most authentic feel without leaving your home
