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.
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: Player win, Banker win, or a Tie between them.
Scoring the Hands
Cards 2-9: Count as their printed numerical value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): All have a value of 0. Aces: Count as one.
Hand totals are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total is a two-digit number, casino only the second digit is used. If you have a 7 and an 8, your total is 5 (from 15). A "natural" is a two-card hand casino totaling 8 or 9, and it is an automatic win unless both hands are a natural of the same value (a tie).
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.
Option House Edge Notes
The Banker Bet ~1.06% The Banker hand has a slight mathematical advantage, making this the optimal bet even with the commission.
The Player Bet ~1.24% A very solid bet with only a slightly higher house edge than the Banker. There is no commission taken on Player wins.
The Tie Bet ~14.36% While the 8-to-1 payout is tempting, the Tie bet has a massive house edge and is one of the worst bets in the entire casino. It should be avoided by serious players.
The optimal strategy for baccarat couldn't be easier: always wager on the Banker. 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.