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. The game's low house advantage and simple gameplay make it a fantastic choice for anyone visiting a casino.
How to Play Baccarat
The game involves a simple comparison between two hands, the "Player" and the "Banker". The aim is to wager on the hand—Player or Banker—that will end up with a higher score. There are three possible bets: Player, Banker, or Tie.
How Points are Calculated
Cards 2-9: Count as their printed numerical value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): All have a value of 0. Aces: An Ace is valued at 1.
When the sum of the cards is 10 or more, the first digit is dropped. For casino example, casino a hand consisting of a 7 and casino an 8 is not 15, but 5. A starting hand of 8 or 9 is a "natural" and the best possible hand.
Understanding Your Options
After you make your wager, the rest of the game is on autopilot. The dealer handles everything according to strict "tableau" rules. Understanding these three bets is key to playing smart.
Option House Edge Notes
The Banker Bet Just over 1% This is statistically the best bet in baccarat. It wins slightly more often than the Player bet. Winning Banker bets are subject to a 5% commission, but it's still the most favorable wager.
The Player Bet Around 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 Extremely High (over 14%) The high payout of 8:1 or 9:1 is designed to attract players, but the odds are terrible. This is considered a sucker bet.
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. It is this mix of easy rules, great odds, and thrilling gameplay that has made baccarat a casino favorite for generations.