Baccarat is a casino card game that can be played by up to 8 players (considerably more online) and is dealt according to a strict set of rules known as a tableau. Often referred to as the king of casino games, baccarat is one of the simplest games to understand and play.
Essentially, the game boils down to a 50/50 choice over where to place your money, and that’s it. We could probably end this guide right there, but of course, we won’t, as there is a lot more to this game than simply putting your money down. Let’s take a look!
How to Play Baccarat Online
Playing online baccarat is quick, simple, and perfect for beginners. There are three betting options in Baccarat – Player, Banker, and a Tie (Egalite). Essentially, each player must decide which option they want to bet on before the hand is dealt. No other decision is required as the game follows a strict set of rules that never vary.
Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a trusted online casino
Sign up with reputable online baccarat casinos and look out for welcome offers.
- Pick a baccarat game
There are lots of variations to choose from, including classic baccarat, speed baccarat, and live baccarat.
- Set your stake
Decide how much you want to bet within the limits of the game. If you’re new to the game, keep it low.
- Place your bet
It’s time to make your choice – Player, Banker, or Tie.
Once all bets have been placed, the cards are dealt. Two cards are dealt to the Player’s and the Banker’s hands. Depending on the total of those cards (refer to the tableau), a third card may be dealt to either or both hands. The hand closest to 9 wins.
Rules of Baccarat (Tableau)
Baccarat may look complex, but the rules are painfully simple. However, it’s essential to know that, unlike blackjack, in baccarat, only the last digit of the total card count is recognised. So, a King and a nine (19) is nine, and a nine and a five (14) is four.
Player Rules
| When players first two cards total | 0-1-2-3-4-5 | Draws a card |
| 6-7 | Stands | |
| 8-9 | Natural – neither hand draws |
When the PLAYER stands on 6 or 7, the BANKER will always draw on totals of 0-1-2-3-4 and 5 and stand on 6-7-8 and 9. When the PLAYER does not have a natural (8 or 9), the BANKER shall draw on totals of 0-1 or 2 and then observe the following rules:
Banker Rules
| When banker’s first two cards total | Draws when player’s third card is | Does not draw when player’s third card is |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10 | 8 |
| 4 | 2-3-4-5-6-7 | 1-8-9-10 |
| 5 | 4-5-6-7 | 1-2-3-8-9-10 |
| 6 | 6-7 | 1-2-3-4-5-8-9-10 |
| 7 | STANDS | |
| 8-9 | NATURAL – NEITHER HAND DRAWS | |
If the PLAYER takes no third card, BANKER stands on 6. The hand closest to 9 wins. All winning bets are paid even money. Winning bank bets are charged 5% commission. Tie bets pay 8 or 9 to 1 (depending on the casino).
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how a game plays out.
- Two initial hands are dealt – one for the Player and one for the Banker.
- Each hand receives two cards – a third card may be drawn according to the tableau.
- Cards are totalled – only the last digit of the total counts
- The hand with the closest count to 9 wins.
Payouts and Commission
Winning banker and player bets are paid even money (1:1) for all bets, except banker bets are subject to a 5% commission. This is essentially the house edge. Winning tie bets are usually paid 8 to 1.
- Player – pays 1:1
- Banker – pays 1:1 (minus 5% commission)
- Tie – usually pays 8:1 (some casinos pay 9:1)
Which Is the Safest Bet?
If you’re wondering which way to bet, statistically, the Banker is your best bet. Here’s why:
| Outcome | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker Win | 50.68% | 1.06% |
| Player Win | 49.32% | 1.24% |
The above table reflects the true odds of a positive result, without the possibility of a tie. These odds change slightly when you allow for the tie.
| Outcome | Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker Win | 45.86% | 1.06% |
| Player Win | 44.62% | 1.24% |
| Tie (Egalité) | 9.52% | 14.36% |
Even after factoring in the 5% commission on Banker wins, it still holds the lowest house edge at just 1.06%.
Beginner tip: The joy of the game is looking for and following trends. For this reason, we would advise following the largest bet until you get the hang of the game. It pays to study the prevailing trends before making your first bet.
Baccarat Strategies
Baccarat is a game of chance; there are no decisions to take that can influence the outcome of the hand. However, there are strategies to help manage your bankroll and make informed bets.
Look for trends, but always consider the banker’s slightly lower house edge (1.06%)
Avoid the Tie bet – it may look tempting, but it has a high house edge (14.36%).
Set yourself a win/loss limit – know when to walk away.
Baccarat pays even money on banker and player bets, making the game ideal for math-based bankroll strategies.
Martingale Strategy
One example is the Martingale strategy (frequently used at roulette), where you double your bet after each loss until you win. Baccarat, with its greater bet spread and higher maximums, is well-suited to this betting system. However, it is not without risk.
1-3-2-6 Sequence
This is another strategy that lends itself well to near 50/50 games of chance, such as baccarat. With the 1-3-2-6 sequence, you would use a four-bet cycle in multiples of your base bet – usually the table minimum.
It works like this:
- Bet one unit ($5, for example)
- Should you win, bet three units ($15)
- Should you win again, bet two units ($10)
- If you win once more, then bet six units ($30)
Should you be lucky enough to win all four bets, then ‘happy days’, you have just profited by twelve units, and you begin the cycle over again.
If, on the other hand, you lose at any stage, then you should go back to the beginning and resume betting with one unit.
No strategy alters the house edge; they are simply formulas for recouping losses and managing your bankroll. But if you have deep pockets and discipline, they may be effective in the short term.
Most importantly, baccarat is meant to be fun – play responsibly and don’t chase losses.
Playing Online vs. at the Casino
Online baccarat is fast-paced and includes features like auto-play and repeat bet. Live casino baccarat online offers you a real dealer via a video stream, blending the atmosphere of the casino with the convenience of being at home.
Casino baccarat is slower-paced (which some people like) but more social. It also has the added benefits of waitress service for those too lazy to get up and make their own coffee.
How to Play Baccarat in a Casino
If you’re stepping into a real casino to try baccarat for the first time, here’s what to expect.
First, you will need to find the baccarat table. It’s usually located in the quieter or high-limit section of the casino. Next, you need to buy some chips using cash or a credit/debit card. You can do this at the table or the cashier’s cage.
Once you are seated at the table, it is time to place your bet. You can wager on Banker, Player, or Tie.
Now we come to the deal. Depending on the version of the game you are playing, the dealer handles all the cards. There is no strategy in baccarat play, so you just have to sit back and let the hand play out.
Once the result of the hand has been decided, all winning bets are paid. If you predicted the outcome correctly, you get paid.
Baccarat Etiquette
- Don’t touch the cards.
- Wait for the current round to finish before sitting down.
- Keep your chips visible and stacked neatly.
- Don’t slow the game down with small talk and questions. The dealers will guide you.
- Tip the dealer if you’re winning and having a good time. It’s appreciated!
- It’s considered bad luck to bet against the largest wager on the table!
Top Tips for Playing Baccarat Online
Whether you’re a novice or a whale playing $250K hands, the following tips will help you get the most from your baccarat experience:
Start with free games – Try demo baccarat versions first. It’s a risk-free way to learn the rules and flow of the game.
You may want to bet on Banker – Statistically, the banker wins marginally more often. That’s why it comes with a 5% commission.- Avoid the Tie – It pays out big. However, the odds of hitting a Tie are low. Stick to the safer bets early on.
Track your bankroll – Set a budget before you start and stick to it: win or lose.
Play live baccarat for a more realistic experience – Live dealer games feel more immersive. You can see the cards dealt without the need for an RNG.
Don’t chase losses – Baccarat is a game of luck. Stay calm, bet smart, and know when to call it a day.
Learn patterns, but don’t rely on them – Many players follow trends, but these patterns are not 100% reliable.
Baccarat’s beauty lies in its simplicity; no complex decisions, no card counting, just pure chance wrapped in casino elegance. Whether you’re betting table minimums or going all-in like a high roller, remember that the house always has its edge, so play smart and enjoy the ride.
FAQs
The game is super simple. You only have one decision to make, and that is whether to place your bet on the player, banker, or tie. After your bet has been placed, an initial two hands are dealt – only the second digit of any card total counts. The hand with a total closest to 9 wins.
Unlike blackjack, cards are dealt according to a strict set of rules known as the tableau. There are two betting options (not including a tie), and each hand gets two cards. Depending on the value of the hand, a third card may be dealt. Players bet on which hand will win. The highest possible value is 9.
The 1-3-2-6 strategy is a betting progression system where you increase your bets in a 1-3-2-6 sequence. This is a good way to capitalize on winning streaks.
Sadly, no system can guarantee a win; baccarat is essentially a game of chance. However, you can minimize your losses by employing a solid bankroll strategy and avoiding the Tie.
There is no trick – understand the rules, bet wisely, and stay disciplined with your budget.
The goal is to predict which hand, the player’s or the banker’s, will get closest to a total count of 9.
The post How to Play Baccarat – The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Beginners appeared first on CasinoBeats.
Baccarat is a casino card game that can be played by up to 8 players (considerably more online) and is dealt according to a strict set of rules known as a tableau. Often referred to as the king of casino games, baccarat is one of the simplest games to understand and play. Essentially, the game
The post How to Play Baccarat – The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Beginners appeared first on CasinoBeats.