Baccarat Game Rules

How to Play Baccarat

This guide explains the baccarat rules, betting options, payouts, strategies, and game variations so you can start playing confidently.

Preparations

• Table Size: Usually seats up to 14 players.
• Available Bets: Player, Banker, or Tie.
• Decks Used: 6 to 8 standard 52-card decks shuffled into a shoe.
• Hands Dealt: Only two hands, the Player hand and the Banker hand.
• Players do not receive individual hands, you bet on which outcome will win

Gameplay

Here is how the game goes:

1. Place Your Bets

• Before cards are dealt, choose one of three bets:
  • Player Hand (pays 1:1)
  • Banker Hand (pays 1:1, minus 5% commission)
  • Tie (pays 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the casino)

2. Dealing Cards

• Two cards are dealt to the Player and Banker hands, face up.

3. Card Values

• Aces = 1
• 2–9 = Face value
• 10, J, Q, K = 0
• If totals exceed 9, only the last digit counts.
  • Example: 7 + 8 = 15 → score is 5

4. Baccarat Third Card Rules

• Player Hand:
  • Draws a third card if total = 0–5.
  • Stands on 6 or 7.
• Banker Hand:
  • Banker’s draw depends on:
    • Its total and
    • Whether the Player drew a third card.
• You don’t need to memorize the full rules, the dealer follows them automatically.

5. Winning the Round

• The hand closest to 9 wins.
• Winning payouts:
  • Player Bet: 1:1
  • Banker Bet: 1:1 (minus 5% commission)
  • Tie Bet: 8:1 or 9:1

How to Win at Baccarat

To win, correctly bet on the hand that gets closest to 9.

Tip: The Banker bet is statistically the best choice.

Baccarat Strategies & Tips

Want to master baccarat? Study these strategies to increase your chances of winning.

Best Bets & Basic Strategy

• Bet on Banker: Wins slightly more often than Player, even after the commission.
• Avoid the Tie Bet: The payout is tempting, but the house edge is very high.
• Stick to One Side: Some players “ride streaks” and keep betting Banker or Player.

Money Management Tips

• Set a bankroll limit and stick to it.
• Avoid chasing losses.
• Use flat betting or light progressions for longer play.

Advanced Strategies

• Roadmaps: Some players track trends like the Big Road and Bead Plate, but these are based on past results and offer no mathematical edge.
• Pattern Switching: Some switch between Player and Banker after specific outcomes, but this is psychological, not strategic.

Alternative Baccarat Versions

Baccarat comes in many different shapes and sizes. Here are a few versions you could try:

Mini Baccarat

• Same rules as classic baccarat.
• Smaller table, 7 seats, lower stakes.
• Dealer handles everything. Faster-paced, great for beginners.

Super 6 / Punto 2000

• No 5% commission on Banker wins.
• If Banker wins with a 6, payout = 1:2.
• Popular in Asian casinos.

Chemin de Fer

• French version played mostly in Europe.
• Players take turns being the Banker.
• Players may choose to draw a third card.
• Slower-paced, more strategic.

EZ Baccarat

• No commission on Banker bets.
• Banker wins on a 7 with three cards = Push.
• Popular in some U.S. casinos.

Baccarat Banque

• Similar to Chemin de Fer, but one player acts as Banker for longer periods.
• Mostly found in European high-stakes rooms.

Dragon Bonus Baccarat

• A side-bet variation where payouts are based on point differences between Player and Banker hands.

Overview of Baccarat Rules