Learn to Play Baccarat in 7 Easy Steps

Baccarat is an exciting casino table game which you can learn in 7 easy steps. Become a master in no time at all!

1. Bet on Either Hand

There are three possible outcomes in baccarat: Player Win, Banker Win, and Tie. Players are able to bet on either the Player or the Banker to win, but all bets must be placed before any cards are dealt.

2. How the Cards Are Dealt

Once the bets are placed, 2 cards will be dealt to both the Player and the Banker. The cards will be dealt face up one at a time to each the Player and Banker until both have 2 cards each.

3. Accumulated Points of Both Sets

The values of the cards are as follows:

• Tens and face cards are all worth 0 points
• All other cards are worth their face value
• Aces are worth 1 point

If the total of 2 cards dealt combined is more than 10, the 2^nd digit is the value of the hand. The aim is to reach a hand value closest to 9.

4. The ‘Natural’ Win

It may happen that the value of the first 2 cards dealt to either the Player or the Banker is 8 or 9 and this known as a ‘natural’ win. If this happens, the game is immediately over and all successful bets are paid out.

5. Is a Third Card Necessary

Unless when playing bingo for money, depending on the total of the first 2 cards dealt, it may be necessary to deal a 3^rd card. The rules for the Player to receive a 3^rd card are as follows:

• A total of 8 or 9 will receive no additional cards
• The Player must stand on a total of 6 or 7
• If the total value is 0-5, a 3^rd card will be dealt to the Player unless the Banker has an 8 or 9 which would mean an immediate end to the game

6. Rules for a Third Card to the Banker

The rules for the Banker in terms of receiving a 3^rd card are as follows:

• If the Player only requires 2 cards, the Banker will draw a 3^rd card on a total of 0-5, but stand with a total of 6 or 7.

If the Player draws a 3^rd card, the following rules apply:

• Player draws a 3^rd card of 9, 10, face-card or Ace, the Banker draws on 0-3, but stands with 4-7
• Player draws a 3^rd card of 8, the Banker draws on 0-2, but stands with 3-7
• Player draws a 3^rd card of 6-7, the Banker draws on 0-6, but stands with 7
• Player draws a 3^rd card of 4 or 5, the Banker draws on 0-5, but stands with 6-7
• Player draws a 3^rd card of 2-3, the Banker draws on 0-4, but stands with 5-7

7. Calculate the Winning Hand

Once all the cards are dealt, the winning hand is whichever is closer to 9. In the event of a Tie, neither hand is won or lost.