How the game works
Baccarat is a straightforward comparison game played between two hands dealt on the table: the “Player” and the “Banker.” You are simply wagering on which hand will finish with a total score closest to 9. The scoring system is unique but simple: Aces count as 1, cards 2 through 9 hold their face value, and 10s and face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) count as zero. If the total of a hand goes over 9, you drop the first digit. For example, a 7 and an 8 make 15, which is scored as a 5.
The basic rules
- You place your chips on either the Player, the Banker, or the Tie betting area before the dealer deals any cards.
- The dealer distributes two cards face up to the Player hand and two cards face up to the Banker hand.
- If either hand totals an 8 or 9 on the first two cards, it is called a “natural.” The hand ends immediately, no more cards are drawn, and the closest to 9 wins.
- If there is no natural, a rigidly defined set of drawing rules dictates whether the Player, Banker, or both receive a third card. Neither you nor the dealer makes any strategic choices here; it is entirely automated by the rules.
- Once all required third cards are drawn, the final totals are compared. The closest to 9 wins. Winning Player bets pay 1 to 1. Winning Banker bets pay 1 to 1 minus a 5% house commission. Tie bets pay 8 to 1.
A typical hand/round
You place a $25 bet on the Player hand. The dealer slides two cards to the Player circle (a 4 and a 2, totaling 6) and two cards to the Banker circle (a King and a 7, totaling 7). Neither hand has a natural 8 or 9, so the dealer checks the rules. Because the Player has a 6, they must “stand” and do not take a third card. The Banker has a 7, which also requires them to stand. The hand is over. The Banker’s 7 beats the Player’s 6. The dealer sweeps your $25 chip, pays out the Banker bettors, and immediately prepares for the next hand.
What’s different at different tables
The most common variation you will see on the casino floor is “No Commission” Baccarat, often branded as EZ Baccarat. In these games, winning Banker bets are paid an even 1 to 1 without the 5% tax. However, the casino makes up for this by altering a rule: if the Banker wins with a three-card total of 7 (or sometimes a total of 6 depending on the variant), the Banker bet only “pushes” or pays 1 to 2 instead of a full payout. You will also see different table sizes: Mini-baccarat (fast-paced, dealer handles everything) and Midi/Big baccarat (slower, players can squeeze the cards).
Where to go next
If you want to understand exactly when that third card comes out, read the Baccarat Third Card Rule. Once you have the mechanics down, dive into the Baccarat Odds to see the true math behind the wagers.