Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.
Because of this glamorous reputation, the average casino player often feels too intimidated to even approach a Baccarat table.
The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.
If you can guess heads or tails, you have all the necessary skills to play and win at Baccarat.
We will guide you through your first hand so you can confidently approach the table like a seasoned high roller.
Understanding the Basic Goal of the Game
In every round of Baccarat, the dealer will place two hands of cards on the table: the "Player" hand and the "Banker" hand.
Before any cards are dealt, you place your chips in one of three betting circles in front of you: Player, Banker, or Tie.
Once bets are placed, the dealer deals exactly two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
For example, if a hand is dealt a 7 and an 8, the sum is 15. You drop the "1", making the true value of the hand a 5.
The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).
Why Baccarat Requires Zero Skill
In some situations, the Player or the Banker hand (or both) will receive a third card.
Here is the greatest secret in Baccarat: You do not need to know or understand the third card rules at all.
Unlike Blackjack, where you must actively choose to "Hit" or "Stand," Baccarat is played on autopilot.
This is why Baccarat is a game of pure, unadulterated chance; your choices cannot positively or negatively affect the outcome of the cards.
Therefore, you can ignore the complex drawing charts completely and simply enjoy the fast-paced action of the game.
The Only Strategy: Always Bet on the Banker
To do this, we must look at the house edge associated with each of the three possible wagers: Player, Banker, and Tie.
If you bet on the "Player" hand and it wins, you are paid 1 to 1 (even money). The house edge on the Player bet is a very respectable 1.24%.
If you bet $100 on the Banker and win, the dealer will pay you $95 (keeping $5 as the commission).
Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.
While the Tie bet offers a tempting 8 to 1 payout, the true odds of a tie occurring are roughly 9.5 to 1.
The Baccarat Cheat Sheet
Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5). The Tie Bet: Pays 8 to 1. House Edge is 14.36%. An absolute trap. Never place chips on the Tie. The Third Card Rule: A complex set of rules the dealer follows. You do not need to memorize or understand it. Commission: Do not forget that the dealer will take 5% of your Banker winnings; they usually keep track and collect it when you leave.
Baccarat vs. Blackjack: Comparing the Odds
Game FeatureBlackjack (Basic Strategy)Baccarat (Banker Bet) The OddsExcellent, but requires perfect memorizationVery good, guaranteed every time you bet Banker Mental EffortHigh focus required to avoid expensive mistakesRelaxed; sit back and watch the cards flip Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed
It offers a massive thrill, incredibly fast gameplay, and a mathematical house edge that respects your bankroll.
If you are tired of memorizing Blackjack charts or staring blankly at slot machines, Baccarat is the perfect escape.
Good luck, and may you always draw a natural nine.