Learn How to Play Baccarat

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Updated on: August 19th, 2021

How to play baccarat  is very simple. There are three basic bets to learn and the game has a very fast pace. The object of baccarat is to have a hand that is closest to 9 as possible. Players have to bet on three outcomes if they are playing the classic version of baccarat.

When you play the game you have to bet on whether the hand they have is the winning hand, if the dealer is winning or if it’s a tie. USA baccarat casinos commonly offer the Punto Banco. However the online casinos we recommend have a wider range of games including Dragon, Punto Banco, EZ and more.

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How to Play Baccarat – Beginner’s Guide

  1. Wagers are placed before the cards are dealt.
  2. The winning hand is a natural 9 or a Natural 8
  3. If both player and banker have hands that exceed 9 third cards are dealt.*
  4. If a player’s cards are less than the value of 5, they are dealt another card.
  5. The banker dealing the cards is not forced to draw another card if his cards are worth less than  five. The banker is only forced to hit when his hand is at two or less.

*The Banker and player(s) each get two cards face up. if both hand totals exceed nine, they assume the value of the second digit (since the hand value will be a double digit) e.g.  7 + 3 = 10 therefore = 0 and 9 + 5 = 14 therefore = 4. In the event that there is a hand that gets two face cards i.e. a K; Q; J the same rules apply.

What are the Odds of winning at Baccarat?

The odds of winning baccarat are heavily influenced by what kind of bets players wager. The house edge varies with each bet placed. Betting successfully on a player win will earn you double your wager. Betting on a banker win pays 95% of your wager.

Baccarat Odds

  • Banker Win = Pays 0.95/1 – 5% commission goes to the banker
  • Player Win = Pays 1/1 – Matches your wager 100%
  • Tie = Pays 8/1 or 9/1

How to Play Baccarat and Win

To win at baccarat consistently you need to fully understand how to play the baccarat card game. You also have to be well versed in the different strategies and the odds of different bets.

An often overlooked tip is managing your bankroll well. You may have the best strategies and know your odds well but it is no use if you have no more money to use on bets.

The following three tips will improve your chances of winning consistently at baccarat:

  1. Learn the baccarat rules
  2. Understand the odds of the different bets
  3. Familiarise yourself with different strategies and use the ones that work well for whatever bets you choose.

How to Play Baccarat Dragon?

Some would consider baccarat dragon a side bet and not necessarily a game. However because it has several rules attached to it and is not available at all baccarat tables, it is a game.

Dragon Baccarat follows the same standard baccarat rules however there is a difference in how you win and the payouts.

A win in dragon is a natural or a win by a large margin. The larger the margin of winning the better the payout. The highest payout is 30 to 1 for a 9 point total margin win.

Baccarat Card Game FAQs


How do you play the card game baccarat?

Each player gets two cards and the aim is to have a natural 8 or 9. Bets are placed before you get your cards. Players can only get an additional card if the value of their hand is less than 5. In the event that both dealer and players’ hands exceed 9, they both get an additional card. The winner is determined off the value of the three card hand.

Is baccarat a game of skill?

Baccarat is partly a game of skill and chance. The skill is in how your strategy and how you bet.

What is the best bet in baccarat?

Depending on what your goal is different bets fall in the “best” category.

If you want the highest payout the go for the Tie bet, which has the lowest probability and odds.

The banker bet is the safest bet with the best odds but has the lowest payout.

Is Baccarat hard to learn?

Not at all! You only have to learn three basic bets. If your hand is a double digit value after a third card then you subtract 10 and that is the value of your hand. e.g. if your hand is 17 the value is 7.

Why is Baccarat so popular?

Baccarat is popular because of its simplicity and fast pace. Faster paced game means you can win more often than a game that goes on for longer rounds.

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