Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.
Novice players tend to stick to familiar games like Blackjack, completely avoiding the intimidating Baccarat pit.
The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.
Furthermore, Baccarat offers some of the absolute best mathematical odds available to a casino player.
We will guide you through your first hand so you can confidently approach the table like a seasoned high roller.
The Objective: Getting Closer to Nine
Your only job is to guess which of these two hands will end up closer to the magic number of nine.
It is crucial to understand that the "Player" hand does not belong to you, and the "Banker" hand does not belong to the casino.
Once bets are placed, the dealer deals exactly two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
For example, if a hand is dealt a 7 and an 8, the sum is 15. You drop the "1", making the true value of the hand a 5.
Because you drop the first digit, it is mathematically impossible to "bust" or go over 9 in Baccarat.
The Dealer Does All the Work
If the Player's initial total is 0 through 5, they must draw a third card; if it is 6 or 7, they stand.
The rules for the Banker drawing a third card are even more complicated, depending on the Banker's total AND the value of the Player's third card.
Unlike Blackjack, where you must actively choose to "Hit" or "Stand," Baccarat is played on autopilot.
You simply sit back, watch the dealer flip the cards, and wait to see if you won your bet.
Do not let the complex mechanics of the dealer deter you from playing this incredibly simple game.
The Only Strategy: Always Bet on the Banker
The math clearly dictates that one of these bets is significantly superior to the other two.
The Banker hand will win approximately 50.68% of the time (excluding ties).
If you bet $100 on the Banker and win, the dealer will pay you $95 (keeping $5 as the commission).
Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.
Finally, you must avoid the "Tie" bet at all costs; it is famously one of the worst sucker bets in the entire casino.
Quick Reference Guide to Baccarat
- Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5).
- The Banker Bet: Pays 1 to 1, minus a 5% casino commission. House Edge is 1.06%. The mathematically superior bet.
- The Third Card Rule: A complex set of rules the dealer follows. You do not need to memorize or understand it.
- Commission: Do not forget that the dealer will take 5% of your Banker winnings; they usually keep track and collect it when you leave.
The Two Most Popular Card Games
| Aspect | Blackjack | Baccarat |
|---|---|---|
| House Edge | ~0.50% (If played perfectly) | 1.06% (No skill required) |
| Mental Effort | High focus required to avoid expensive mistakes | Relaxed; sit back and watch the cards flip |
| Pace of Play | Moderate (Depends on other players at the table) | Very Fast (Especially on Mini-Baccarat tables) |
Do not let the high limits or the James Bond aesthetic intimidate you from enjoying this fantastic game.
Just remember the golden rule: ignore the Tie bet, trust the Banker, and let the dealer handle the complex math.
Whether you play live in a casino or online from your couch, Baccarat is an essential experience for any gambler.
