How To Play Baccarat: A Guide to Baccarat Rules & Gameplay

Baccarat is one of the simplest casino table games to learn. With a straightforward structure, limited decisions to make, and clear outcomes, it’s easy to follow while remaining engaging.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what baccarat is, how the rules influence each round, the main variants you might encounter, the types of bets available, and how potential payouts and odds work.

Read on to find out more.

What Is Baccarat?

Baccarat is a card game played between two hands: the Player and the Banker. The aim is to try to predict which hand will finish closest to nine, or whether both will end on the same total.

The game uses standard decks, often six or eight shuffled together. Card values are simple: 2 to 9 count as their number, 10s and picture cards count as zero, and Aces count as one. Participants place a stake on an outcome at the start of each round, then the cards are dealt and the result is settled.

With the basics in place, it helps to see how the rules turn those cards into a final total.

Baccarat Rules Explained

Baccarat compares the Player and Banker hands. Each starts with two cards. Totals use the values above, but only a single-digit result matters. If the sum is over nine, the second digit is used. For example, 15 becomes 5 and 20 becomes 0. This is why totals are often described as working “modulo 10”.

After the first two cards, a third card may be drawn for the Player, the Banker, or both. This follows fixed drawing rules based on the current totals, not personal choices. For instance, the Player may draw on a total of 5, while the Banker’s action depends on both hands and the value of any third card drawn for the Player.

All of this is automatic once bets are placed. No decisions are required after staking, and participants do not play against each other.

Now that the format is clear, it is easier to follow how a round flows from bet to result.

How Do You Play Baccarat Step by Step?

If you choose to play baccarat, you’ll find that each round follows a clear and consistent sequence. While the game is mostly automatic, especially in online or dealer-led formats, it’s helpful to understand what happens at each stage. Here’s how a typical round would unfold:

1. Place Your Bet: To start, you would choose which outcome to back: the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a Tie. This is the only decision you need to make before the cards are dealt.
2. Cards Are Dealt: Two cards would be dealt to the Player hand and two to the Banker hand. This is done using a multi-deck shoe, either by the dealer or automatically in a digital game.
3. Hand Totals Are Calculated: The value of each hand is calculated using baccarat’s rules. If a hand totals more than nine, only the last digit counts (for example, a total of 15 becomes 5).
4. Third Card Rules Come Into Play: Depending on the totals, the drawing rules might trigger a third card for one or both hands. These rules are fixed and applied automatically, with no input needed from you.
5. Winning Hand Is Determined: The hand closest to a total of nine wins the round. If both hands have the same total, it results in a Tie. Your bet is then settled according to the table’s payout structure.

Different Types of Baccarat Games

Baccarat appears in several formats. They share the same foundation but differ in how decisions are handled and how the table is presented.

Punto Banco

The most common format in the UK. All drawing actions are governed by preset rules and managed by the house. Participants simply choose their bets and watch the outcome.

Chemin de Fer

More traditional in parts of Europe, this version allows participants to take turns acting as the “banker”. There is more interaction, and certain third-card decisions may be influenced by the table’s participants, within the variant’s rules.

Mini Baccarat

A compact version of Punto Banco played on smaller tables, often at a brisker pace. The drawing rules are identical to Punto Banco; only the presentation is different.

Once a format is chosen, the next question is where to place a stake.

What Bets Can You Make in Baccarat?

Baccarat’s core bets are straightforward:

• Player: Paid at 1:1 if the Player hand finishes closer to nine than the Banker.
• Banker: Paid at 1:1 when it wins. However, most tables apply a 5% commission on winning Banker bets. This exists to balance the statistical advantage the Banker hand has due to the way third-card rules favor it over time. Even with the commission, it’s still considered the best bet in terms of odds and house edge.
• Tie: Paid at a higher rate, typically 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the table, when both hands end on the same total. Ties occur much less frequently than Player or Banker wins, and the house edge on Tie bets is significantly higher, often over 14%.

Some tables also offer optional side bets, such as Player Pair, Banker Pair, Perfect Pair, and bonus-style wagers on winning by a specific margin. While these may offer high payouts if they’re successful, they usually come with much higher house edges, often over 10%, meaning they are less favorable from a statistical standpoint. 

Availability and exact payouts vary between casinos, so it is worth checking the table layout before placing these types of wagers.

How Is the Winner Decided in Baccarat?

After all cards are dealt and any third-card rules have been applied, the Player and Banker totals are compared. The hand with the higher total wins, with nine as the best possible total. If both hands are the same, the round is a Tie.

There are no further decisions once betting closes, so the outcome is always determined by the fixed rules of the game.

What Are the Odds and Payouts in Baccarat?

If you choose to play baccarat, you’ll find that the main betting options are quite straightforward:

• Player: This bet typically pays out at 1:1 if the Player hand ends up closer to nine than the Banker hand.
• Banker: Also usually paid at 1:1 when it wins. However, most tables apply a 5% commission to winning Banker bets. This commission exists to balance the statistical advantage the Banker hand has due to the drawing rules. Even with the commission, the Banker bet remains the most favorable in terms of odds.
• Tie: This bet offers a higher payout, often 8:1 or 9:1, when both the Player and Banker hands finish with the same total. That said, ties occur far less frequently than Player or Banker wins.

If you’re considering playing baccarat, it helps to understand the house edge for each main bet type:

• Banker Bet: Around 1.06% house edge (even after the 5% commission)
• Player Bet: Around 1.24% house edge
• Tie Bet: Up to 14.4% house edge (when paying 8:1), making it the least favorable statistically

In addition to these core bets, some tables offer optional side bets, such as Player Pair, Banker Pair, Perfect Pair, or bonus-style bets based on a hand winning by a specific margin.

These side bets may provide higher payouts, but they usually come with a significantly higher house edge, often over 10%. Availability and payout rates for side bets vary between casinos and table formats, so it’s worth reviewing the table layout before placing these wagers.

If you choose to play baccarat, it’s important to follow responsible gambling practices. Always set limits and never wager more than you are prepared to lose.

Common Questions About Baccarat Rules

Is skill needed to play baccarat?

No. Once a bet is placed, the game follows strict rules for dealing and drawing. Personal choices do not affect how the cards are drawn.

How many decks are usually used?

Most games run with six or eight decks shuffled together.

What happens if both hands have the same total?

It is a Tie. Bets on Tie are paid according to the table’s posted rate, while Player and Banker stakes are usually returned.

Are the rules different online and in person?

The core rules are the same. Presentation, side bets, and table limits may vary by venue or software provider.

Can participants touch the cards?

In most online and mini baccarat games, only the dealer handles cards. Some traditional tables allow limited card handling based on local practice.

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_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}