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. With a very low house edge and minimal decision-making, it's an appealing option for casino all skill levels.
The Objective and Basic Rules
The game involves a simple comparison 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: casino Player win, Banker win, or a Tie between them.
Scoring the Hands
Cards 2-9: Are worth their face value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): These cards have no point value. Aces: An Ace is valued at 1.
When the sum of the cards is 10 or more, the first digit is dropped. A 7 and an 8 would total 15, so the hand's value is 5. A "natural" is a two-card hand totaling 8 or 9, and it is an automatic win unless both hands are a natural of the same value (a tie).
Which Bet is Best?
After you make your wager, the rest of the game is on autopilot. The dealer handles everything according to strict "tableau" rules. Here’s a breakdown of the three bets and their house edge.
Wager Type Casino Advantage What to Know
Banker ~1.06% Despite a 5% commission on wins, this is the smartest bet you can make. It has the lowest house edge of the three.
Player ~1.24% A very solid bet with only a slightly higher house edge than the Banker. There is no commission taken on Player wins.
Tie Extremely High (over 14%) The high payout of 8:1 or 9:1 is designed to attract players, but the odds are terrible. This is considered a sucker bet.
The optimal strategy for baccarat couldn't be easier: always wager on the Banker. While this may not be the most exciting approach, it gives you the best mathematical chance of winning over the long term. It is this mix of easy rules, great odds, and thrilling gameplay that has made baccarat a casino favorite for generations.