Baccarat is a unique casino game in that players do not actually play the game. Every hand is automatically dealt by the dealer according to the rules of Baccarat. Bettors merely choose which hand they think will win - the Player’s or the Banker’s.

In a live casino, Baccarat is played in a separate area of the casino, closed off from the rest of the gaming floor. The only reason for this is that serious Baccarat players bet incredible amounts, often in the tens of thousands. It is considered an aristocratic game, though it should be noted that the table limits in Baccarat are also available for more casual bettors. If you find the game to be somewhat intimidating in a live casino, try the anonymity of playing online Baccarat.

Baccarat Rules – The Basics

Baccarat is played with 6 or 8 decks of cards in the shoe. In a live setting, 12 to 14 players are permitted to bet on a single hand.

Baccarat Rules –Card Values & Scoring

Hands are scored 0 through 9. All face cards are worth 10, Aces are worth 1, and all other cards are scored as at face value. If a hand adds up to more than 9, 10 points are subtracted and the excess becomes the score.

For example, a hand of K-5 would equal 15. Subtract 10 and the score becomes 5.

Baccarat Rules – Bets & Payouts

Players have three betting options in Baccarat – a bet on the Player, the Banker or a Tie. Due to the hand development rules enforced by the casino, the Banker’s Hand has a minimal edge over the Player’s Hand. Because of this, any winning bet on the Banker is forced to pay a small commission, typically to 5% of the total wager.

The following is a list of bets and respective payouts in Baccarat.

Player – Pays 1 to 1
Banker – Pays 1 to 1, minus 5% commission
Tie – Pays 8 to 1

Baccarat Rules – Dealing of Hands

Each hand will consist of at least 2 cards, not to exceed 3 cards. To start, the Player and Banker are dealt two cards each. If either hand totals 8 or 9, it is declared a ‘Natural’ and no more cards will be dealt. The highest hand wins (except in the case of a tie).

If neither hand totals 8 or 9, the following rules will determine who, if anyone, should receive a third card.

If the player:
- scores 6 or 7, the player must stand.
- stands, the banker will hit any total of 5 or below. If the Banker’s total is 6 or above, it must stand as well.
- scores 5 or below, he must draw a third card.
- receives a third card, the banker must act according to the following guidelines:

Baccarat Rules – House Edge

The house edge in Baccarat, as in all casino games, is set to favor the casino itself. Even with the commission, however, a bet on the Banker has the lowest house edge.

Player – 1.36% house edge
Banker – 1.17% house edge (after commission)
Tie – 14.12% house edge