A complete Baccarat guide covering rules, hand values, drawing procedures, bet types, and payouts. Learn how this classic casino game works and what to expect at the table.
Introduction
Baccarat is one of the most iconic and elegant casino games, known for its simple rules, fast rounds, and low house edge. Despite its reputation as a high-roller game, baccarat is beginner-friendly and requires no complex decision-making. The only choice players make is which bet to place: Player, Banker, or Tie.
This guide explains the full structure of baccarat, how hands are dealt, how the totals are calculated, when cards are drawn, and what payouts you can expect. By the end, you will understand how every round works from start to finish.
What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a card-comparison game between two hands:
- Player (Punto)
- Banker (Banco)
The game uses multiple decks (commonly 6 or 8) shuffled together.
Your goal is to predict which hand will finish closest to 9, or whether they will tie.
How Card Values Work in Baccarat
Card values are simple:
- Aces = 1
- 2–9 = face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0
If a hand exceeds 9, only the last digit counts:
- Example: 14 → 4
- Example: 18 → 8
This scoring method is called modulo 10.
How a Round of Baccarat Works
Each round follows a strict sequence that the dealer handles automatically.
1. Players Place Their Bets
You may choose between:
- Player (Punto)
- Banker (Banco)
- Tie
Some tables offer bonus or side bets, but they are optional.
2. Two Cards Are Dealt to Each Side
The dealer deals:
- Two cards to the Player hand
- Two cards to the Banker hand
Both hands are dealt face-up in online casinos and face-down/turned over in live settings.
3. Natural 8 or 9 Check
If either hand totals 8 or 9, it is called a Natural, and the round ends immediately.
Examples:
- Player = 9, Banker = 7 → Player wins
- Player = 8, Banker = 8 → Tie
No third cards are drawn in a Natural situation.
4. Drawing Rules (Third Card Rules)
If neither hand has a Natural, the game may draw a third card.
Player Drawing Rules
- If Player total = 0–5, Player draws a third card
- Player stands on 6–7
- Player stands on 8–9 (Natural)
These rules are automatic and never change.
Banker Drawing Rules
Banker rules depend on:
- The Banker’s total
- Whether Player drew a third card
- The value of Player’s third card
Here is the complete drawing table:
| Banker Total | Banker Draws When Player’s 3rd Card = | Banker Stands When |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Always draws | — |
| 3 | Draws unless Player drew an 8 | Stands if Player drew 8 |
| 4 | Draws if Player drew 2–7 | Stands if Player drew 0–1 or 8–9 |
| 5 | Draws if Player drew 4–7 | Stands otherwise |
| 6 | Draws if Player drew 6–7 | Stands otherwise |
| 7 | Never draws | Always stands |
These rules are fixed and cannot be influenced by players.
Winning Conditions
The side with a total closest to 9 wins.
Examples:
- Player = 6, Banker = 3 → Player wins
- Player = 7, Banker = 9 → Banker wins
- Player = 4, Banker = 4 → Tie
Payouts in Baccarat
Player (Punto) Bet
- Pays 1:1
Banker (Banco) Bet
- Pays 1:1
- Typically includes a 5% commission for the house
Some casinos offer a “No Commission” variation, but the standard version uses commission.
Tie Bet
- Usually pays 8:1
- Some casinos pay 9:1
House Edge in Classical Baccarat
| Bet Type | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Banker | 1.06% (best bet) |
| Player | 1.24% |
| Tie | 14.36% |
Banker is statistically the most favorable option due to the drawing rules.
Why Baccarat Is Popular
Players enjoy baccarat because:
- Rules are extremely simple
- No decisions required
- Very low house edge
- Elegant casino atmosphere
- Fast gameplay
- Suitable for both beginners and professionals
Its balance of simplicity and favorable odds is why baccarat remains a casino classic.
FAQ
Is baccarat the same as Punto Banco?
Punto Banco is the most common modern form of baccarat.
Rules are identical — the only difference is naming.
Can I influence gameplay decisions?
No. The dealer follows fixed rules.
Why does Banker have lower house edge?
Because the drawing rules statistically favor the Banker position.
What is a Natural?
A total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards, ending the round immediately.
Are face cards worth zero?
Yes. 10, J, Q, and K all count as 0.