Baccarat is one of the oldest and most elegant table games both in online and land-based casinos. It is fast-paced, intriguing, and exciting, with a relatively low house edge, making it a favorite among both gamblers. Like most table games, Baccarat has unique gameplay and rules, which may often seem complex at first glance. However, the game is pretty straightforward.
Our guide to the baccarat game explores everything you need to know to play the game, including gameplay, rules, and tips for winning.
The Basics of the Baccarat Gameplay
Baccarat is a simple card game played between two hands, known as the Player and Banker, using standard decks of 52 cards. Before the gameplay can start, gamblers must decide where to place their bets between the Player’s hand, the Banker’s hand, or a tie.
Once the bets are settled, the croupier will start the game by dealing two face-up cards each for the two hands in play (i.e., the Player and Banker). The gameplay goal of the Baccarat game is to wager on which hand will win the round or if the result will be a tie. The winning hand in Baccarat is the one that has a total card value equal to or closest to 9 without going over.
If you back the Player and the hand is greater than the Banker’s, you will win the bet. You will also win the banker bet if the hand there is greater than the Player’s hand. However, if both player and banker hands total the same value, there’s a standoff, and the tie bet wins. But bets on the two hands neither win nor lose when a tie occurs, and the stake gets returned. You can visit this website to place real money wagers on baccarat and other favorite casino games.
Scoring Cards in Baccarat
One of the hallmarks of table games like Baccarat is that the outcome of the gameplay depends on the cards dealt to the dealer and banker hands alike. Like other table games, each card in Baccarat has a point value (i.e. a worth). Cards with numbers two through nine are worth their exact face value, while the Ace counts as 1. On the other hand, tens and face cards (e.g., King, Jack, and Queen) are valued as zero.
To get the total hand value for any hand in Baccarat, you need to sum the value of the two cards dealt by the dealer. For example, drawing a 6-card and an Ace will result in a total hand value of 7 (i.e. 6+1). However, if the sum of the two cards exceeds 9 and forms a double-digit, only the second digit will count. For instance, drawing a 6-card and 8-card will ideally result in a total of “14”, but the hand value for the cards in Baccarat will be “4”. This means a hand totaling 15 will have “5” as its value, while 17 will be 7, and so on.
Baccarat Third Card Rule-How it Works
Typically, during every baccarat round, the dealer will deal two cards each for the two hands in play. If the player or banker hand has a natural 8 or 9, it’s called a natural win. In that case, the game ends with a win/loss or tie.
However, some scenarios can lead to the dealer having to draw an additional third card for the player and banker hand, known as “Hit.” Thankfully, the rules that dictate when a third card can come into play are clear and well-defined. Let’s check them out.
Third Card Draw For the Player
According to the Baccarat rules, the Player’s hand always goes first in the third card drawing. Generally, the Player’s initial hand will stand as it is if the total is 6 or 7. But if the Player’s hand totals five or less, the dealer adds a third card unless the Banker has an 8 or 9, in which case the Banker wins.
Third Card Draw For the Banker
On the other hand, there are more rules for the banker side. Whether or not the Banker hits and draws a third card depends on its initial total hand and the value of the Player’s 3rd card.
The table below shows when the Banker’s hand has to stand or hit to receive a third card.
| Banker Initial Hand Total | Player’s 3rd Card Value | Banker Draw/Stand |
| 0,1,2 | Any | Draw |
| 3 | Any | Draw |
| 8 | Stand | |
| 4 | 2,3,4,5,6,7 | Draw |
| 0,1,8,9 | Stand | |
| 5 | 4,5,6,7, | Stand |
| 0,1,2,3,8,9 | Draw | |
| 6 | 6,7 | Draw |
| 0,1,2,3,4,5,8,9 | Stand | |
| 7 | Any | Stand |
Odds and Winning Payout on Baccarat
Another critical aspect of the baccarat game is the odds and payout offered during the gameplay. Below is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Player hand: Any winning bet on the player hand typically pays 1 to 1. This means you will receive a $100 profit for a $100 stake.
- Banker hand: A winning bet on the Banker’s hand, too, theoretically pays out 1-to-1. However, the house charges a 5% commission on any winnings made on the Banker, resulting in a 0.95 to 1. This means you will get $95 on a $100 bet.
- Tie: Winning a tie bet is the most lucrative wager in Baccarat, paying out at odds of 8-to-1 or more. This means you can earn a whopping $800 for a $100 stake. However, as you would expect, tie outcomes are rare.
Conclusion
Baccarat is a thrilling classic casino favorite for both beginner and seasoned gambling enthusiasts. While the game might appear complicated, it’s pretty straightforward, as explained in our guide. By understanding the basic rules, employing smart strategies, and choosing the right online casino, you can enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning. Remember to gamble responsibly.