Baccarat guide: rules, odds and bets

You bet on which of two hands, Player or Banker, will be closer to nine, or on a Tie. The dealer handles everything else. There are no decisions after the bet, which is why baccarat is so easy.

Card values

Aces count 1, 2–9 face value, 10s and face cards 0. Only the last digit of the total counts: 7 + 8 = 15 = 5.

The draw rules

Each hand gets two cards. A third is drawn according to fixed rules; you don't choose. Totals of 8 or 9 are 'naturals' and win immediately.

The bets

Banker. House edge 1.06%; pays 1:1 minus 5% commission
Player. House edge 1.24%; pays 1:1
Tie. House edge ~14%; pays 8:1 (sometimes 9:1)
Side bets (pairs, etc.). House edge 2–12%; entertainment only

Strategy

Bet Banker. That's the whole strategy. The commission exists because Banker wins slightly more often; even after it, Banker is the best bet in the game. Avoid Tie and side bets.

Variants

Punto Banco is the standard online version. Speed Baccarat shortens rounds; No Commission Baccarat removes the 5% but pays half on a Banker win of 6, which raises the house edge slightly.