If you think about classic card and casino games, three prominent names stand out. These are poker, blackjack and baccarat. The latter is a fast-paced and unique card game people like on every continent. Despite its high-stakes reputation, baccarat is easy to learn and perfect for beginners. Baccarat involves simple bets on the Banker, Player or tie. If you play with an optimal strategy, the house edge is minimal, making baccarat one of the more mathematically favourable choices.
So, stick around for this in-depth guide on how to play baccarat. We’ll share the basics, help understand betting nuances, odds, and the house edge, and answer the most frequently asked questions.
What is Baccarat? An Introduction to the Game?
The origins of the game trace back to the Early Renaissance of 15th century Italy. There, a game called baccara (meaning ‘zero’ in Italian) was played by merchants and citizens. The name was given because face cards and tens being worth zero points. The game was only known in certain regions in Italy until the French nobility picked it up in the 1800s. They started up the first international casinos, and just like roulette, baccarat spread all over the globe.
Baccarat basics are simple. Tactics and skills learned from baccarat could also be valuable for players of other games. For example, those who know how to play poker can benefit from playing baccarat because it offers excellent insight into responsible gambling and efficient bankroll management.
The Basic Rules of Baccarat
Baccarat is simple to play once you understand the basic rules. Here’s an overview to help you get started:
| Aspect | Details |
| Objective | It’s Player vs Banker. You can bet on both. The Player chooses which hand (banker or Player) will have a total sum of points closest to 9. There is also an option to bet on a tie. Stats show that the Banker’s hand wins 1.2 % more frequently than the Player’s hand. |
| Participants | There’s a dealer who manages a game. Players can bet on the outcome (Player Win, Tie, Banker Win). Both participants are dealt 2 cards. |
| Card Values |
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| Hand Calculation | You have to sum card values in the hand. If the total is over 9, only the last digit counts (e.g., 15 becomes 5, 17 turns to 7, etc.). |
| Natural Win | If the Banker or the Player racks up a total of 8 or 9 with the first two cards, it’s called a natural win. No more cards are drawn. A tie occurs if both hands have the same total. |
| 3rd Card Rule | Based on the totals of the Player or Banker’s hand, the 3rd card may need to be drawn. This rule has many nuances when a dealer must stand or draw. |
| Betting Options |
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| Payouts |
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Understanding the Different Bets in Baccarat
When you learn how to play baccarat, the basic rule is that you have 3 main options to place a bet.
- Betting on the Player’s hand
- Betting on the Banker’s hand
- Betting on a Tie
Each option has different odds and unique payout structures. This is why it’s crucial to know about betting basics in baccarat. This information helps every Player refine the best strategy.
Betting on the Player in Baccarat
Bet on the Player’s hand, and you are wagering that its total will be closer to 9 than the Banker’s.
If the Player wins, the payout is 1:1. The house edge for this bet isn’t very high, making it a balanced option. Just keep in mind that the edge of the house could vary slightly, depending on the variation of baccarat you decide to play.
Betting on the Banker in Baccarat
Every baccarat guide must tell you that betting on the Banker is the safest bet in the game. This is true because of the rules on drawing a 3rd card. These rules allow the Banker’s hand to hold a slight statistical advantage over the Player’s hand.
If the Banker’s hand wins, the payout is also 1:1, with a 5% commission deducted from winnings.
Despite the commission, the house edge for betting on the Banker is the lowest. Conservative players prefer placing bets on the Banker’s hand because it has an edge that’s 0.18 % lower.
Betting on a Tie
Even though this outcome is much less frequent, you can predict that both hands will end up with the same points total.
Depending on the casino and game, payouts on this are at 8:1 or sometimes 9:1. However, when you learn how to play baccarat, remember that betting on a tie has the most significant house edge. This high-risk option is better suited for adventurous players willing to take risks.
How to Play Baccarat: Step-by-Step Guide
Since we’ve covered the basics of the baccarat game for beginners, it’s time to dive closer to the action and see how to play it step-by-step.
Step 1: Place Your Bet
Make your decision. Bet on the Player, Banker, or Tie. Chips are placed on the corresponding section of the table. If it’s a table game, there’s no time limit. However, if you’re playing a live game or in a real casino, there is a time limit you should be wary of.
Step 2: Wait for the Dealer to Deal the Cards
The dealer will deal two face-up cards for the Banker and the Player.
Step 3: Values are Calculated
The dealer adds the values of the cards to calculate points.
Step 4: If needed, a 3rd card is drawn
If the Player, or Banker has a total of 8 or 9 (called a “Natural”), and no more cards are drawn. Otherwise, specific rules determine whether a third card is dealt. For example:
- If a player’s first two cards total 0 to 5, they draw a third card. If it’s any other sum, they stand.
- For bankers, it’s a bit different if the Player stands with two cards totalling 0 to 5, and the banker draws a 3rd card.
Step 5: We Have a Winner
The final sums of the card values are calculated, and the hand closest to 9 points wins!
Once players are familiar with the baccarat game, each hand usually takes 20-30 seconds. This means that baccarat can be very fast-paced. In this aspect, it’s similar to learning how to play blackjack. Players must be quick on their feet.
Baccarat Odds and House Edge
If you want to gamble responsibly, you must be familiar with the odds and house edge in every game which you decide to play. It’s important to know that betting odds work slightly differently than baccarat odds. In this card game, no skill is involved, so you must know the statistics to make informed bets.
Each bet on the baccarat game table will have distinct probabilities and risks.
Banker Bet – Odds & House Edge
House edge: 1.06 %
Odds of winning: 45.86 %
Payout: 1:1 with a 5 % commission
This bet is statistically the most favourable choice in the game. Bet on the Banker, and the house has an edge of just 1.06%, lower than with all other bet types.
However, the edge still exists because of when and how the Banker draws a 3rd card. You should also remember that a 5% commission is deducted from all winnings made while betting on the Banker. At the same time, the slightly higher odds of winning (about 45.86%) compensate for this fee.
Player Bet – Odds & House Edge
House edge: 1.24 %
Odds of winning: 44.62 %
Payout: 1:1
When you are just learning how to play baccarat, the Banker and Player bets may seem very similar. However, they are not. The Player Bet has a marginally larger house edge, but the winning payouts are given without any commission deductions. This is a riskier but more straightforward bet.
Tie Bet – Odds & House Edge
House edge: 14.36 %
Odds of winning: 9.52 %
Payout: 8:1 or 9:1
A Tie bet pays the most (8:1 or 9:1), but it has the highest house edge and the lowest chance of winning. It’s a high-risk option for players. Only by understanding baccarat rules for beginners and properly evaluating odds as well as house edges can players strategically decide how to bet, what risk they tolerate and what’s most enjoyable for each individual. The very same reason should apply to other casino games you might encounter.
Basic Strategies for Beginners
Baccarat is purely a game of chance, so your decisions don’t influence the outcome. Instead, focus on these strategies to manage your bankroll when playing the game:
Intelligent bankroll management can help mitigate risks and take advantage of specific scenarios.
Conservative Bets on the Banker
The most straightforward approach is to bet on the Banker consistently.
With a house edge of 1.06%, statistically, this is the safest option. No other bet has a better chance of hitting, providing a slight advantage even over the Player Bet.
Although a 5% commission is taken from your winnings, this still doesn’t make it less attractive.
Set a Budget
All players should set a budget, but it is especially vital for beginners who are just familiarising themselves with the essence of baccarat and its fast pace. The rapid action can lead to quick losses if spending is not controlled.
Decide how much you are comfortable spending, and prevent yourself from exceeding that limit, no matter the outcome. Chasing losses is never recommended.
Avoid the Tie Bet
Beginners should also avoid the Tie bet. Some players are enticed by the 8:1 payout, but the 14.36 % house edge does not provide mathematically favourable odds.
READ MORE: Roulette Made Easy: Learn How to Play the Wheel
FAQ
What are the rules for baccarat?
Baccarat is a simple card game where all cards have point values. The goal is to bet on the Player or the Banker. The winner is whoever comes closest to a total of 9 points.
Banker and Player get 2 cards each with a draw of the 3rd sometimes needed. Ties are also possible.
How is baccarat different from blackjack?
While both games involve cards and betting, baccarat is even more a game of chance with minimal player decision-making.
Blackjack involves more strategy, calculation and decision-making. The dealer manages the whole game in baccarat, and the Player has a single choice to make.
Can you count cards in baccarat?
Technically, it is possible, but the effectiveness of such practice is extremely limited. Even if the card counting is successful, the edge a player gains is negligible. In addition, if multiple decks and automatic shufflers are used, it becomes nearly impossible.
What is the house edge in baccarat?
It ranges between 1.06 % when you bet on the Banker and 14.36 % when you bet on the Tie.
How are winnings paid out in baccarat?
Winnings are paid based on the bet chosen.
Player and Banker bets pay 1:1, though Banker bets get a 5% commission deduction.
Tie bets pay 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino and Baccarat game. Always check the payout rules before placing a bet.
Getting Started with Baccarat
As you can see, baccarat is popular for a reason. This simple card game offers fast action without any significant obstacles to get started. Always set a spending limit and familiarise yourself with the rules of the game before starting. Keep in mind that this is a game of chance, so you should enjoy it responsibly and remember that your actions do not impact outcomes.
If you are interested in other card games, make sure to check out our blog’s Casino section, where our team of experts look at the rules, odds and dynamics of different popular card and casino games.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org