How To Play Baccarat for Real Money
Card values, third card rules, bets and the house edge on each wager
How to Play Baccarat for Real Money
Baccarat is one of the easiest casino games to learn. You make one choice per round. You then watch the cards decide the result.
The game also has a classic reputation. It was once a table for the rich and famous. In the film Dr. No, James Bond plays a version of it with Sylvia Trench.
Baccarat is a comparing card game. Two hands compete: the player and the banker. The hand closest to nine wins.
Many players move from free play to online baccarat for real money. The format is simple, rounds are fast and the house edge is low. This guide explains the rules, the bets and the numbers.
Baccarat at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game type | Comparing card game between player and banker hands |
| Goal | Bet on the hand that finishes closest to nine |
| Bets | Player, banker or tie |
| Player bet house edge | 1.24% |
| Banker bet house edge | 1.06% |
| Skill level | Very low. Rules decide every card drawn |
| Origin | Italy, in the 1500s according to the traditional story |
Baccarat Card Values
You only need to know three value rules.
- Cards 2 to 9 count at face value.
- Aces count as 1.
- Tens and picture cards count as 0.
You add up the cards in a hand. If the total passes nine, you drop the first digit. A hand of 7 and 8 makes 15, which counts as 5.
The best hand is a natural 9. The next best is a natural 8.
How to Play Online Baccarat
Online play is simple. You place your bet and press the deal button. The game then follows a fixed set of rules.
You make no drawing choices. An embedded action grid decides every card for you. A few extra points help you play well.
1. Place your bet
You have three betting options. You can back the player hand, the banker hand or a tie.
2. The deal
The dealer gives two cards to the player side and two to the banker side. The goal is to get as close to nine as possible.
3. Natural hands
If either hand totals 8 or 9 on the first two cards, the round ends. This is called a natural. The higher total wins.
4. The third card rules for the player
Player hands of 0 to 5 draw a third card. A hand of 6 or 7 stands. A hand of 8 or 9 is a natural and wins.
5. The third card rules for the banker
The banker rules are slightly more complex. If the player stood, the banker draws on 0 to 5. If the player drew a third card, the banker follows the table below.
| Banker total | Banker draws if the player’s third card is | Banker stands if the player’s third card is |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 | Any card | Never |
| 3 | 0 to 7 or 9 | 8 |
| 4 | 2 to 7 | 0, 1, 8 or 9 |
| 5 | 4 to 7 | 0 to 3, 8 or 9 |
| 6 | 6 or 7 | 0 to 5, 8 or 9 |
| 7 | Never | Any card |
You do not need to memorise this table. Online games and live dealers apply it for you. It only helps to know why a round plays out as it does.
A Sample Round Explained
Here is how one round might play out. You place R100 on the banker. The player side receives a 4 and a 3, which totals 7. The banker side receives a 5 and a king, which totals 5.
Neither hand is a natural. With 7, the player side stands. Because the player stood, a banker total of 5 draws a third card.
The banker draws a 4 and now totals 9. The banker hand wins. You are paid R95, which is your R100 win minus the 5% commission.
You made no decisions after placing the bet. The rules did everything else, which is why baccarat feels so relaxed to play.
Baccarat Bets and Payouts
| Bet | Typical payout | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Player | 1 to 1 | 1.24% |
| Banker | 1 to 1, minus a 5% commission | 1.06% |
| Tie | 8 to 1 | About 14.4% |
The banker hand wins slightly more often than the player hand. Casinos balance this with a commission on banker wins. Most casinos set it at 5%.
The tie bet pays more, but it loses far more often. The house edge on a tie is much higher than on the other two bets. Most careful players avoid it.
These figures assume a standard game with eight decks. Some tables pay 9 to 1 on a tie, and some charge no commission. Always read the paytable at your table.
Is Baccarat Luck or Skill?
Baccarat is a game of pure chance. Rules decide every draw, and you cannot change the outcome.
The house edge is still low. The player and banker bets sit near 1%. That makes baccarat one of the better-value table games.
Your only real decision is which bet to place. The banker bet has the lowest edge. The player bet is close behind.
No betting system beats the house edge. Systems that raise your stake after a loss only increase your risk.
Baccarat Variants You Will See
- Punto banco: the standard version in most casinos. It follows the fixed draw rules described above.
- Mini baccarat: a smaller table with lower stakes and a faster pace.
- Live baccarat: a real dealer streams the game to you in real time.
- Speed baccarat: a live version with shorter betting windows.
- Chemin de fer: a version where players take turns as banker and can choose whether to draw.
Baccarat is also known as punto banco, which means player and bank. The name can look confusing at first. The game is still easy to follow.
Our earlier review of Gunsbet Casino mentioned live and speed baccarat. Check the live lobby to see what is on offer now.
Baccarat is also one of the casino games players often skip. Read more in our guide to games that get overlooked by online casinos.
Tips for Playing Baccarat for Real Money
- Set a budget before you sit down and stick to it.
- Choose the banker or player bet, not the tie.
- Check whether the table charges commission on the banker bet.
- Pick a table with stakes that suit your bankroll.
- Take regular breaks, since rounds are fast.
- Treat any winnings as a bonus, not an income.
Rounds move quickly, so losses can build up fast. A live table may deal a round every minute. Set a time limit as well as a money limit.
Playing Baccarat Outside English
Baccarat is popular worldwide. In Polish it is called bakarat. Our Polish guide, Sekrety sukcesu w bakaracie, covers the game for Polish speakers.
Baccarat Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to learn | No skill to improve results |
| Low house edge on banker and player bets | Tie bet has a very high edge |
| Fast rounds | Fast rounds can lead to quick losses |
| Live and mobile versions | Banker commission lowers payouts |
Baccarat FAQs
What is the aim of baccarat?
You bet on the hand that ends closest to nine.
What bets can I place?
You can bet on the player, the banker or a tie.
Which bet is best?
The banker bet has the lowest house edge at 1.06%.
What is the house edge on the player bet?
It is 1.24%.
Why do banker wins pay a commission?
The banker hand wins slightly more often, so casinos charge a commission, usually 5%.
Is the tie bet worth it?
It pays 8 to 1 at most tables, but the house edge is about 14.4%. Most players avoid it.
Do I make drawing decisions?
No. Fixed rules decide when a third card is drawn.
What is a natural in baccarat?
A natural is a two-card total of 8 or 9. The round ends at once.
Can I play baccarat on my phone?
Yes. Most online casinos offer baccarat on mobile browsers.
Is baccarat a game of skill?
No. It is a game of chance, and no strategy changes the house edge.
Please gamble responsibly. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and use deposit limits if you need them.
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