Baccarat Rules for Beginners – How To Play Baccarat Guide
Baccarat may seem a bit daunting at first, but it is one of the simplest casino games to follow once you get to know it.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to start playing, from the basic rules to what each bet means, with clear examples.
If you have ever wondered what happens at a baccarat table or want to understand how totals are calculated, you are in the right place. By the end, you will have a clearer idea of how the game works and what to look out for before placing a bet.
Keep reading to see how baccarat is played in the UK and what to consider before joining a game.
What Is Baccarat and How Does It Work?
Baccarat is a card game found at many online and land-based casinos. The game is played on a table with cards dealt from multiple decks, usually between six and eight. You place a prediction on how you think the round will end, and the dealer manages the rest.
In each round of baccarat, you place a bet on one of three possible outcomes:
- The “Player” hand wins
- The “Banker” hand wins
- The round ends in a “Tie”
Despite the terms “Player” and “Banker,” these are simply the names of two hands dealt on the table. You are betting on which hand you think will finish closest to a total of nine points.
After bets are placed, two cards are dealt to each hand. Depending on the totals, a third card may be drawn for one or both hands according to fixed rules. You win if your prediction matches the outcome.
Baccarat rounds are independent, and past results do not influence the next one. Rules and table limits can vary between games, so it can be worth checking the information panel before you start.
Baccarat Rules Explained Simply
Baccarat is typically played with eight decks of cards, though this can vary. The dealer handles all dealing and drawing according to preset procedures.
Two hands are dealt to begin with: one called “Player” and the other “Banker.” The goal is for the hand you back to end closest to nine points.
Card values are straightforward, and if a total exceeds nine only the last digit counts. The dedicated card values section below breaks this down with examples below.
The drawing rules are fixed. If either hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards, this is a “natural” and no further cards are drawn. If not, the Player hand draws a third card on 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7. The Banker’s third-card rules depend on its total and, if the Player drew, the Player’s third card.
Bets must be placed before any cards are dealt. A winning Player bet pays 1:1. A winning Banker bet usually pays 1:1 with a typical 5% commission on any winnings. A winning Tie often pays 8:1, though this can differ by table, so you may want to check.
Game options, side bets and payout structures may vary between versions such as Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer or Baccarat Banque, so it can help to review the table rules you are joining. Outcomes are determined by the cards drawn and no strategy can ensure a win.
How Do You Play Baccarat Step by Step?
Baccarat moves in a steady rhythm. Players choose a table with limits that suit their budget, then place a wager on Player, Banker or Tie before any cards are dealt. Once the bets are in, the dealer places two cards face up for each hand.
The totals are calculated and, if required by the rules, a third card is drawn for one or both hands. When the drawing is complete, the two final totals are compared and the result is declared. Winning bets are paid according to the table’s payout rules and losing stakes are collected.
Online games show results and payouts almost instantly, and many tables offer optional side bets or different commission setups. It can be sensible to glance at the rules summary on the table you choose, so you better understand how it works.
Player Bet, Banker Bet, and Tie Bet Explained
In baccarat, the three main bets are predictions on how the round might finish.
A Player bet backs the hand labelled “Player” to end closest to nine. A successful bet pays 1:1, so a £10 stake returns £10 winnings, plus your £10 stake.
A Banker bet backs the “Banker” hand to finish nearer nine than the Player hand. This also pays 1:1, but most tables take a 5% commission on any potential winnings. A £10 winning bet typically returns £9.50 in winnings plus your £10 stake.
A Tie bet predicts both hands will have the same total. This usually pays 8:1, so a £10 winning bet returns £80 in winnings plus your stake. Ties are less common, with the average chance in standard games around 9.5%.
There is no guaranteed option. Some players focus on how commission or payout levels may affect any potential returns, but each round is independent and results can vary.
What Are the Card Values in Baccarat?
Understanding how cards are scored makes the rest of the game click into place. As noted earlier, totals determine the result, and the scoring is deliberately simple.
Cards two through nine are worth their face value. Aces are worth one point. Tens and face cards, meaning jack, queen and king, count as zero.
If a hand’s total reaches a two‑digit number, only the last digit counts. For example, a seven and an eight add to 15, which is scored as five. A nine and a six add to 15 as well, so that hand also counts as five. This is why totals of 8 or 9 on the first two cards are called naturals.
You can usually find a quick summary of these values in the game’s information panel if you need a reminder during play. With the scoring clear, deciding the winner is straightforward.
How Is the Winner Decided in Baccarat?
At the end of each round, the Player and Banker totals are compared and the hand closest to nine wins. When a total is above nine, only the second digit is used. If both hands finish on the same total, the result is a Tie and only Tie bets are paid.
Some game variants may adjust how the third card is drawn or how payouts work, so it can be worth checking the table rules you are playing. Baccarat is a game of chance with fixed procedures, and no method can guarantee a result. If you choose to play, set limits that suit you and keep it enjoyable.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.