How to Play Baccarat in 6 Simple Steps
Baccarat is simple once you understand the flow of each round. Choose your bet, watch the Player and Banker hands, and let the fixed drawing rules decide whether a third card is needed.
Choose Your Bet
Place your wager on Banker, Player, or Tie before the dealer starts the round.
Cards Are Dealt
The dealer gives two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
Count The Total
Only the last digit of the hand total counts. For example, a total of 15 is counted as 5.
Apply Third Card Rule
The game automatically decides if the Player or Banker hand must draw a third card.
Compare Hands
The hand closest to 9 wins. Banker, Player, and Tie bets are settled based on the final result.
Collect Payout
Winning bets are paid according to the payout rules, with Banker bets usually charged a small commission.
For beginners, the Banker bet is usually the safest starting point because it has the lowest standard house edge in Baccarat.
2–9
Number Cards
Face Value
10 • J • Q • K
Face Cards
0 Points
A
Ace
1 Point
Natural 9
Best Hand
Maximum total
Betting Strategy Guide
Unlike Blackjack, Baccarat requires no decisions after the cards are dealt. Your strategy is choosing which betting option offers the best long-term value. This guide compares the three main bets and helps beginners understand which choices are safer and which are higher risk.
| Bet Type | House Edge | Risk Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1.06% | Low | Best Choice |
| Player | 1.24% | Low | Good Alternative |
| Tie | 14.36% | High | High Risk Only |
Evolution
Playtech Live
Pragmatic Play Live
