Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it's actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. With a very low house edge and minimal decision-making, it's an appealing option for all skill levels.
The Objective and Basic Rules
Baccarat is a comparing card game played between two hands: the "Player" and the "Banker". The objective is to bet on which hand you think will have a total closest to 9. Your betting options are simple: casino Player win, Banker win, casino or a Tie between them.
How Points are Calculated
Cards 2-9: Are worth their face value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): These cards have no point value. Aces: Are worth 1 point.
Hand totals are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total is a two-digit number, only the second digit is used. For example, casino a hand consisting of a 7 and an 8 is not 15, but 5. A starting hand of 8 or 9 is a "natural" and casino the best possible hand.
Understanding Your Options
Your involvement ends after you place your bet. The game proceeds based on a predetermined set of drawing rules. Understanding these three bets is key to playing smart.
Wager Type Expected Loss Important Details
Banker Extremely Low (1.06%) The Banker hand has a slight mathematical advantage, making this the optimal bet even with the commission.
Bet on Player Very Low (1.24%) This is also an excellent bet with a very low house edge. It pays out at even money (1 to 1) with no commission.
Bet on a Tie ~14.36% Never make the Tie bet. The probability of it occurring is very low, and the house advantage is huge.
If you want to play with the best possible odds, your strategy should be to bet on the Banker every time. It might seem repetitive, but it is the mathematically soundest way to play the game. Baccarat's combination of simplicity, low house edge, and suspense makes it a timeless classic.