Official Baccarat Rules

Last Updated on September 2, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Baccarat is a casino card game that combines elements of chance and strategy. With its simple premise and fast-paced rounds, Baccarat offers a sophisticated gaming experience for both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike. Prepare to place your bets, watch the cards unfold, and experience the excitement of this timeless game of chance. This page provides a clear and concise breakdown of the rules, guiding you through the betting options, hand rankings, and gameplay that define this classic casino favorite.

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How to Play Baccarat

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Objective of Baccarat

The goal is simple: predict which hand will have a total closest to 9. Players can bet on three outcomes:

• Player hand wins
• Banker hand wins
• Tie (both hands have the same total)

The hand with a total nearest to 9 wins the round.

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Baccarat Card Values

Understanding card values is key:

Card	Value
Ace	1
2–9	Face value
10, Jack, Queen, King	0

Important: Only the last digit of the sum counts.

• Example: 7 + 8 = 15 → hand total = 5

Aces are low, face cards are zero, and numeric cards carry their number.

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Game Setup

1. Baccarat is usually played with 6–8 standard decks shuffled together.
2. Cards are dealt from a shoe held by the dealer.
3. Players place bets on Player, Banker, or Tie before any cards are dealt.
4. The dealer handles all dealing and ensures rules are followed.

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Dealing the Cards

1. Two hands are dealt: Player hand and Banker hand.
2. Each hand initially receives two cards:
   • Player: two cards face-up
   • Banker: two cards (one face-up, one face-down in some casino variants)

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Natural Wins

• If either hand totals 8 or 9 with the first two cards, it is a natural.
• If one hand is natural and the other is not, the natural wins immediately.
• If both hands are naturals, the higher total wins; if equal, the result is a Tie.

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Third Card Rules

Whether a third card is drawn depends on the initial totals:

Player Hand

• 0–5 → Draw a third card
• 6–7 → Stand
• 8–9 → Natural, no third card

Banker Hand

Banker’s action is more complex and depends on both the Banker’s total and the Player’s third card:

Banker Total	Player Third Card	Action
0–2	Any	Draw
3	Not 8	Draw
4	2–7	Draw
5	4–7	Draw
6	6–7	Draw
7	Any	Stand
8–9	Any	Stand

Tip: These rules are automatic and applied by the dealer; players do not choose whether a third card is drawn.

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Winning the Round

• The hand closest to 9 wins.
• If totals are equal, the round is a Tie.
• Payouts:
  • Player bet → 1:1
  • Banker bet → 1:1 minus 5% commission
  • Tie bet → 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino

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Detailed Scoring Examples

1. Player hand: 7 + 6 = 13 → total 3
   Banker hand: 4 + 4 = 8 → Banker wins
2. Player hand: 5 + 3 = 8 (natural)
   Banker hand: 4 + 4 = 8 (natural) → Tie
3. Player hand: 2 + 3 = 5 → draws third card (7) → total 2 + 3 + 7 = 12 → hand total = 2
   Banker hand: 4 + 2 = 6 → draws third card per rules → final total calculated → winner determined

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Betting Options Explained

1. Player: Pays even money (1:1)
2. Banker: Pays even money minus 5% commission; slightly better odds than Player
3. Tie: Pays 8:1 or 9:1, but house edge is much higher

Some casinos also offer side bets, including pairs, perfect pairs, or other variations.

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Strategy Tips

1. Bet on Banker: Statistically wins ~45–46% of the time, slightly better than Player.
2. Avoid Tie bets: High payout, but house edge is ~14%.
3. Ignore streaks: Baccarat outcomes are mostly independent; past hands don’t influence the next.
4. Manage bankroll: Set a budget per session. Don’t chase losses.
5. Commission awareness: Banker bets include a 5% commission in most casinos. Consider it when calculating expected returns.
6. Start small: For beginners, low bets help learn patterns and rules without risking much.

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Variations of Baccarat

1. Punto Banco: Most common in North America; strictly chance, no player decisions.
2. Chemin de Fer: Popular in Europe; players can choose to draw a third card.
3. Baccarat Banque: Banker is assigned for multiple rounds, often a three-player game.
4. Mini-Baccarat: Smaller table, lower stakes, same rules as Punto Banco.

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Baccarat FAQ

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Baccarat is often considered a game of chance, but understanding the basic rules and the third card rules can improve your gameplay.