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.
Furthermore, Baccarat offers some of the absolute best mathematical odds available to a casino player.
We will guide you through your first hand so you can confidently approach the table like a seasoned high roller.
How the Cards are Scored in Baccarat
The entire premise of Baccarat is to bet on which of two hands will have a total score closest to the number 9.
They are simply two arbitrary hands of cards; you are merely placing a wager on the outcome of their duel.
The scoring system is very specific: cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, and Aces are worth 1 point.
The total score of a hand is simply the sum of its cards; however, if the total exceeds 9, you drop the first digit.
The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).
The Dealer Does All the Work
The rules governing whether a third card is drawn are incredibly complex, based on a rigid mathematical matrix.
The rules for the Banker drawing a third card are even more complicated, depending on the Banker's total AND the value of the Player's third card.
As a player, you make absolutely no decisions regarding drawing cards or standing.
You simply sit back, watch the dealer flip the cards, and wait to see if you won your bet.
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.
However, because of the complex third-card rules, the "Banker" hand is mathematically designed to win slightly more often than the Player hand.
Even with this 5% tax, the Banker bet still carries the lowest house edge in the entire game: an incredibly low 1.06%.
Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.
Finally, you must avoid the "Tie" bet at all costs; it is famously one of the worst sucker bets in the entire casino.
The Baccarat Cheat Sheet
Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5). The Banker Bet: Pays 1 to 1, minus a 5% casino commission. House Edge is 1.06%. The mathematically superior bet. Pattern Tracking: Casinos provide scoreboards, but previous results do not influence future hands. Streaks are purely coincidental. Punto Banco: The official name for the version of Baccarat played in North America and Macau.
Why Play Baccarat Instead of Blackjack?
MetricThe Game of SkillThe Game of Chance House Edge~0.50% (If played perfectly)1.06% (No skill required) Player DecisionsConstant choices (Hit, Stand, Double, Split)Only one choice (Pick a side before the deal) Intimidation FactorHigh (Other players will yell at you for bad moves)Low (Your bets do not affect anyone else's hand)
Do not let the high limits or the James Bond aesthetic intimidate you from enjoying this fantastic game.
Find a low-limit "Mini-Baccarat" table, place your $10 on the Banker circle, and experience the easiest game in Vegas.
Whether you play live in a casino or online from your couch, Baccarat is an essential experience for any gambler.