Quick answer: To play baccarat, bet on the Player, the Banker or a Tie. Two hands of two or three cards are dealt, and the hand closest to 9 wins. You don’t make any decisions after betting: the dealer follows fixed drawing rules. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge (about 1.06%), the Player bet is close behind (1.24%), and the Tie bet is best avoided (14.36% at 8:1).
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Baccarat rules in 5 steps
- Place your bet on Player, Banker or Tie.
- The dealer gives two cards each to the Player hand and the Banker hand.
- Count the hand values (see below). Only the last digit counts, so 15 is worth 5.
- A third card may be drawn for either hand, following the fixed rules.
- The hand closer to 9 wins. Equal totals are a Tie.
Card values in baccarat
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 |
| 2 to 9 | Face value |
| 10, Jack, Queen, King | 0 |
Hand totals only use the last digit. A 7 and an 8 make 15, so the hand is worth 5. A total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards is a “natural”, and both hands stand.
Third-card rules
Player hand
| Player total | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 | Draws a third card |
| 6 or 7 | Stands |
| 8 or 9 | Natural: stands, and no more cards are drawn |
Banker hand
If the Player stands, the Banker draws on 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7. If the Player drew a third card, the Banker follows this table:
| Banker total | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 to 2 | Always draws |
| 3 | Draws unless the Player’s third card was an 8 |
| 4 | Draws if the Player’s third card was 2 to 7 |
| 5 | Draws if the Player’s third card was 4 to 7 |
| 6 | Draws if the Player’s third card was 6 or 7 |
| 7 | Stands |
You never have to remember these rules: the dealer or software applies them automatically.
Baccarat odds and payouts
| Bet | Pays | Chance of winning | House edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 minus 5% commission (pays 0.95:1) | 45.86% | 1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | 44.62% | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 | 9.52% | 14.36% |
Figures are for the standard 8-deck game. When a Tie happens, Banker and Player bets are returned. Some tables pay 9:1 on the Tie, which lowers its edge to about 4.84%, but it’s still worse than Banker or Player. Compare baccarat with other games in our low house edge guide.
Baccarat strategy: simple and honest
- Bet on the Banker for the lowest house edge, even after the 5% commission.
- Avoid the Tie bet and side bets, which carry much higher edges.
- Ignore streaks and scorecards: each hand is independent, so past results don’t predict the next one.
- Skip betting systems like the Martingale. They change your bet sizes, not the odds. See our guide to betting systems.
- Set a budget: baccarat is fast, so losses can add up quickly.
Types of baccarat
| Version | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Punto Banco | The standard casino version described here; most common online |
| Mini baccarat | Same rules, lower limits and a faster pace |
| No-commission baccarat | No 5% commission, but Banker wins on 6 pay less (often 1:2) |
| Live baccarat | Real dealers streamed from a studio; includes speed and squeeze versions |
Want live tables? See our live casino guide.
Where to play baccarat online
Baccarat is the most popular table game in Asian casinos and widely available online. Read about the game’s biggest market in our Macau guide. Our top pick for playing online is 1win (9.9/10), with digital and live dealer baccarat. Use promo code Ultragambler for the 500% welcome package. 18+, and check your local laws before you play.
How to play baccarat: FAQs
How do you win at baccarat?
Bet on the hand that ends closest to 9. Banker wins slightly more often than Player.
Is it better to bet on Banker or Player?
Banker has the lower house edge (about 1.06% vs 1.24%), even after the 5% commission.
What does a Tie pay in baccarat?
Usually 8:1, with a house edge of about 14.36%. That’s why it’s best avoided.
Do I need to know the third-card rules?
No. The dealer or software applies them automatically.
Is baccarat a game of skill?
No. After you choose your bet, the outcome is decided by the cards and fixed drawing rules.
Can I play baccarat for free?
Many online casinos offer free baccarat demos of their digital tables.
