Baccarat Rules and Game Play
As mentioned above, the rules of baccarat are pretty easy to learn. Below we will describe how a classic baccarat game works. Remember that both the banker and the player have essential roles in this game. Let us have a look at a baccarat game step-by-step:
Baccarat can be played with six to eight decks of standard playing cards. The objective of the game is to bet on either the player’s or the banker’s hand to win or if it will be a tie.
The game starts when the dealer deals two cards each to the player and the banker. Once the cards are dealt, it is time to add them up to get the hand’s total value.
The cards are added up, and the hand that comes closest to nine wins. Face cards and tens are worth zero points, and aces are worth one point. All other cards are worth their face value.
If a hand totals more than nine, the second digit of the total becomes the score. For example, the hand is worth two points if the player is dealt a seven and a five (totalling 12).
Both hands automatically stand if the player or banker is dealt an eight or a nine.
If neither the player nor the banker has a natural (an eight or nine), the player’s hand is played first following these rules:
- If the player’s total is five or less, they draw a third card.
- If the player’s total is six or seven, they stand.
If the player stands, the banker’s hand is played using the same rules as above, with one exception:
- The banker draws another card if their total is zero to two.
- The banker stands if their total is seven.
- If the banker’s total is three to six, whether they draw a third card depends on the player’s third card.
If the player has drawn a third card and the banker has a hand worth 3-6 points, the banker will draw a third card if the player’s third card is either a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. The banker will not draw a third card if the player’s third card is not any of these numbers.
Once the hands are finished, the highest hand wins. There are three possible outcomes:
- If the player wins, bets on the player are paid out at even money.
- If the banker wins, bets on the banker are paid out at even money, minus a 5% commission.
- If there is a tie, bets on the tie are paid out at 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino.
Pretty simple, don’t you think? If not, let us summarize it for you:
Here’s a table summarizing the different moves that can be made in baccarat and when they should be made:
Move, When to Make
| Bet on winner or tie |
At the beginning of the game |
| Banker deal cards |
At the beginning of the game and after bets have been placed |
| Time to add up cards |
After cards dealt |
| Check for natural |
If either the player or the banker has a total of eight or nine |
| Player draws third card |
If player’s total is five or less |
| Banker draws third card |
If banker’s total is zero to two, or three to six if player drew a third card |
| Determine winner |
After both hands have been played according to the rules |
| Pay out bets |
Winning bets are paid out after winners have been determined |
