How to Play Baccarat 2024- Beginner’s and Advanced Strategy
If you’re looking to indulge in baccarat, this comprehensive guide offers you all the information you need to learn the ropes of this exciting yet suspenseful game.
You’ll learn the rules, how to play, and how to calculate card values. But if you’re already ahead, this guide will provide advanced betting strategies to maximize your winning potential. So, what do you say we get to learning?
Before getting into the nitty gritty of baccarat, let’s get acquainted with the game, how it originated, the basic principles, and its popularity, as well as cultural significance among players.
A Brief History of Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the most classic and popular card games. Even so, the game’s true genesis is somewhat unclear, considering the game’s intense evolution over the years. As such, game experts and historians are always at loggerheads regarding the game’s heritage.
Some studies state that baccarat may have originated from a non-card game known as the Chinese Pai Gow. This game used tiles and not cards. Its linkage with the Chinese game is the meaning behind Pai Gow, which is “make nine”). As you may know, 9 is the winning hand value when playing online baccarat.
Over time, baccarat became a popular pastime among kings, nobles, and aristocrats. But the game has evolved since the time of monarchs to something more accessible to the common man. The internet is to thank for this accessibility, and it has also made the process of learning how to play baccarat simple.
Basic Overview of Baccarat
In a game of baccarat, the main objective is to predict which hand will have a value closest to nine. Typically, you have three main bets: the Player, the Banker, and the Tie. However, the game has additional bets known as side bets. They include the Banker Pair, Player Pair, Perfect Pair, and Either Pair, just to mention a few.
Understanding card values is an important part of learning how to play baccarat online or in a casino. We’ll go into detail about the card values later in this guide.
Popularity and Cultural Significance
Baccarat’s allure extends far beyond the casino floor. Its popularity transcends borders, sweeping through the Monte Carlo halls, opulent Macau casinos, and the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas casinos. Due to its popularity, baccarat has woven itself into the cultural fabric, appearing in art, film, and literature.
For instance, its appearance in James Bond movies and references in classic novels solidify its status as a game of sophistication and intrigue.
Additionally, today’s baccarat is about accessible luxury. Remember, the game was a common pastime activity among powerful figures in society. As a result, the game was always seen as a luxurious hobby.
Now, online baccarat is now available at the click of a button as long as you have access to a stable internet connection. With accessibility comes convenience and affordability. That’s why you’ll find tables with bets as low as $5 per round.
Understanding the Baccarat Table Layout
Learning how to play casino baccarat requires understanding the table layout. This section provides an in-depth look at the baccarat table.
Description of a Baccarat Table
The baccarat table is an exciting area, and you must follow some rules for smooth gameplay. The table differs depending on the type of baccarat you choose, but you can expect to find these common elements:
Card display: Cards in baccarat are dealt facing up. The exception is Baccarat Squeeze, where cards are dealt facing down, and the dealer slowly reveals them in a suspenseful action to add more excitement to the game.
Scoreboard: Almost all baccarat tables feature a scoreboard. This handy feature allows you to keep track of trends and recent outcomes in a bid to try and help you make informed betting decisions about the next round.
Betting options and chips: For online players, placing bets is simple. You’ll see virtual chips with different denominations at the bottom. All you have to do is click on your preferred chips and place them on the chosen bet type.
Settings and controls: You can customize your gaming experience by playing around with the settings and controls. These options allow you to adjust the video and audio quality and access help sections for guidelines and rules.
The Player, Banker, and Tie Betting Areas
The heart of baccarat lies in the betting areas. This is where you’ll make crucial decisions that will determine the outcome of every round. Let’s break down each betting area.
The Player betting area is available on one end of the table. Placing a chip here means you believe the Player will emerge as the winner.
On the other end of the table is the Banker betting area. This is where you will place your chip if you want to bet on the Banker. In doing so, you believe the Banker’s hand will emerge victorious.
Finally, you have the Tie. This bet is usually located at the center of the table in almost all versions. Even though unlikely, the Tie results in higher payouts, adding an element of risk and reward to the game.
Player Positions and Dealer Role
Baccarat typically accommodates multiple players. The table usually has designated spots for up to 14 players, each represented by a number.
The dealer is responsible for managing the cards, overseeing the betting process, and ensuring the game follows the rules. That is for land-based and live dealer baccarat versions. Online baccarat, on the other hand, uses a random number generator (RNG). This computerized system handles card distribution and game progression.
Basic Rules of Baccarat
Like any online casino game, there are rules to follow. To become a pro at this game, you must learn and understand the basic rules that govern baccarat. Let’s dig deeper into the game’s objective, the card values, and how to score.
The Objective of the Game
Baccarat is a straightforward game played with six, seven, or eight decks of 52 cards. The main objective of the game is to predict who, between the Player and the Banker, will have the highest hand value. However, the game could also end in a tie.
Card Values and Scoring
Understanding the card values and scoring is integral in learning how to play baccarat and win. You already know the maximum value a hand can have is 9. So, what about the face cards, ace, and ten cards?
In baccarat, face cards (the King, Queen, and Jack) and 10 are worth zero. The remaining cards are worth their face value. That means they are worth the number you see on each card.
What happens if the value of a hand is 10 or above? Well, in such exceptional instances, the value is calculated by dropping the first digit. For example, if a hand comprises 6 and 7, that equals 13. That means you drop the one for a final value of three.
The Role of the Banker and Player in Gameplay
You’d be forgiven for thinking the Player’s role is simple. Of course, it’s only a bet, and the simplicity is what makes the Player bet a popular one among new players. However, looking at it from a different perspective, you realize it involves strategic decision-making.
On the other hand, you have the Banker. Depending on the variation you choose, the Banker is represented by the casino or a designated player. We’ll explore further how both options work when dissecting different types of baccarat.
As for their role, they are responsible for making crucial decisions that affect the flow of the game. One such instance is whether to draw a third card based on specific rules.
How to Play Baccarat: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know and understand the basic rules, our baccarat game how to play guide will cover the rest of what you need to know.
Placing Bets
Before any game round starts, players must place their bets. Live baccarat games often have a specified period (15 seconds) within which to choose a preferred chip value and place it on the corresponding bet area in the table: the Banker, Tie, Player, or side bets.
Dealing the Cards
After placing bets, the game begins with two cards, with additional cards drawn from the deck. However, there are certain rules followed when dealing the cards. First, the Player and the Banker will each receive a hand comprising two cards.
After the first round of dealing cards, the player will bet on whether the Banker’s hand or the Player’s hand is closer to nine or there is a tie.
Understanding the Third Card Rule
The third card rule can be a bit complex. Thankfully, you have this guide to learn from. For starters, a third card will only be drawn if neither hand achieves a nine or eight total. However, there are certain conditions followed when drawing a third card. Let’s start by looking at the Player.
The Player will only draw a third card if their initial hand value is below 6. If the value is 6 or 7, they cannot draw a third card. The Player will stand if the hand value is 8 or 9, and that also means no extra card will be drawn.
As the Player draws a third card, the Banker must abide by certain rules:
If the Banker’s total is 0, 1, or 2, the Banker will draw a third card
If the Banker’s total is 3, the Banker will draw a third card if the Player’s total is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 9. The Banker will stand if the Player’s third card is 8.
If the Banker’s total is 4, the Banker draws a third card if the Player’s third card is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. The Banker will stand if the Player’s third card is 0, 1, 8, or 9.
A hand value of 5 for the Banker will see them draw a third card if the Player’s third card is a 4, 5, 6, or 7. However, if the Player’s third card is a 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, or 9, the Banker will stand.
A hand value of 6 means the Banker draws a third card, but only if the Player’s third card is 6 or 7. Any other value of the Player’s third card means the Banker will stand.
Winning and Payouts
Baccarat offers better payouts compared to other games. It’s also worth noting the Tie is an unlikely result, and thus, it carries higher odds at 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the baccarat version.
Odds are 1.24% for the Player’s hand and 1.06% for the Banker’s hand. Without factoring in the Tie, the Banker’s hand is likely to win 51% of the time. Add the Tie to the equation, and the figure drops to 45.8%. This is slightly higher than the 44.6% offered by the Player’s hand.
The payout for the Player bet is even money (1:1), but the Banker’s hand pays out 0.95:1. That’s because it features a 5% commission on winning bets, therefore lowering the ultimate payout.
Variations of Baccarat
Baccarat comes in several variations, whether online or at land-based casinos. These variations have slight differences, and it’s important to understand how they work before playing.
Punto Banco
This is the most popular version in the United States. In fact, unless stated otherwise, baccarat titles use the Punto Banco version. The game is straightforward, and the casino plays the cards on a fixed table. Players can then choose to place bets on the Banker (Banco), Player (Punto), or a tie. However, it’s worth noting that the winning Banker bets will pay 95% because of the 5% commission deducted by the casino.
Chemin de Fer
Some historians attribute the early origins of baccarat to Italian soldiers. According to these historians, the soldiers came back from a conflict in the 17th century and taught the French people how to play baccarat. The game would later evolve to produce two variations.
One of them is Chemin de Fer, which translates as “railway.” This particular version was a staple among high-ranking French officials as well as King Charles VIII. In this version, players take turns assuming the role of the Banker. Additionally, the dealer’s role will rotate around the table to add a layer of excitement and strategy.
Chemin de Fer uses six decks of cards, with the shoe moving in an anticlockwise direction around the table. The first Banker in a round will be the player closest to the dealer’s right. They will deal two cards to the Player facing down and another two cards to themselves. Furthermore, the player who places the highest bet will assume the Player’s hand, and the Banker will take the other.
The next round involves both parties looking at their hands. If one of the card totals is an 8 or 9 (natural), the respective player will announce this and reveal their cards. If no natural hand is available, there’ll be another round where more cards are drawn facing up based on the game rules.
Player bets pay even money (1:1). However, the Player’s losing bets will go to the Banker if the Banker’s hand wins. The Banker will then decide whether to pass on their role or continue. The round could also end in a tie, and in such a case, the bets will remain for the next round.
Baccarat Banque
The other version with French origins is Baccarat Banque, also known as Two Table Baccarat (Baccarat à Deux Tableaux). In this version, the game uses three decks of cards and rules similar to those used in Chemin de Fer, albeit with slight differences. One such difference is in the Banker’s role. In Chemin de Fer, every time the Banker loses, the role is passed around.
In Baccarat Banque, the player with the highest bet will maintain the Banker’s role until the entire shoe is played. The Banker’s role will also shift to someone else if their bankroll runs out and they cannot replenish their account.
The game starts with the players to the right and left shuffling their cards, not forgetting the dealer. However, in this version, the Banker will shuffle their cards last.
Next, the Banker will pick a player to cut cards, and later, the dealer will issue the player a card to the right on the table. Another one is issued to the one on the left and, finally, to the Banker.
Another interesting aspect of Baccarat Banque is there’s no Tie bet. Instead, the player with the fewest cards will win if the result is a tie.
Super 6 Baccarat
Often referred to as Mini Baccarat, Super 6 Baccarat is especially favored in Macau casinos for its ability to accommodate more players. This variant stands out from Punto Banco primarily in how it handles banker bets. In Super 6, there’s no 5% commission, but if the banker secures a win with a score of 6, players only get half of their wager back.
This twist brings banker bet the house edge on to 1.46%, slightly diminishing the player’s advantage.
EZ Baccarat
EZ Baccarat shares similarities with Super 6, offering even payouts on both banker and player bets minus the commission. The twist here is when the banker wins with a 7-point hand from three cards, leading to a push on all banker bets.
An intriguing feature is the Dragon 7 side bet, offering a lucrative 40:1 payout, diverging from the usual push when the banker wins with a 7.
Mini Baccarat
Mini Baccarat is common in Asia, and it enjoys massive popularity thanks to its low bets. Bets in this game usually range from $5 to $25, while the highest bet can reach $5,000. The table used in this game can accommodate six or seven players, with the dealer at the center. This game is suitable for players looking for fast-paced action since the table accommodates few players, with the dealer the only one handling the cards.
Midi baccarat is another exciting game. The most outstanding feature? It’s a bridge between the big baccarat and mini baccarat tables and accommodates a maximum of 9 players. However, players on a budget will not appreciate the high minimum bet amount which starts at $25. The maximum bet amount is $10,000.
Strategies and Tips for Playing Baccarat
Baccarat has an impressively low house edge, which makes it one of the top casino games. However, this game can be quite volatile; therefore, a strategy can greatly improve your winning potential.
Having said that, it’s worth remembering that baccarat is a game of chance, and no strategy will affect the house edge. Players don’t have control of the game’s outcome after placing the bets.
However, some online baccarat games allow you to squeeze and peek at the cards, but this doesn’t influence the ultimate results. Here are some of the top strategies and tips you can implement in your gameplay.
Betting Strategies
While baccarat is a game of chance, there are several strategies you can implement to improve your winning chances. Here are some of the top strategies to implement in your gameplay:
Baccarat Roadmaps: Utilize scorecards or “roadmaps” to track historical outcomes. Patterns like the Bead Plate and Big Eye Boy can help identify trends, assisting players in making informed betting decisions based on past results. While not foolproof, roadmaps provide a visual guide to the game’s trends.
Martingale System: Consider the Martingale betting system, a progressive betting strategy where players double their wager after each loss. This approach aims to recover losses with a single win. Exercise caution with this strategy, as it requires a substantial bankroll and entails the risk of hitting table limits or facing extended losing streaks.
Flat Betting: Opt for flat betting, a strategy that involves maintaining consistent wager amounts throughout the game. This measured approach avoids drastic increases or decreases in bets, promoting stability and disciplined gameplay.
Pattern Recognition: Some players rely on pattern recognition, adjusting their bets based on perceived trends in Baccarat outcomes. For example, if the Banker has won several consecutive hands, they might switch to betting on the Player, anticipating a change in the pattern.
Money Management
Money management encompasses several factors. One of them is to set a clear budget before starting your baccarat session. This involves determining how much you’re comfortable risking and sticking to this limit.
After setting your budget, managing your bankroll is important if you want it to last you throughout the gaming session. One of the ways to manage your bankroll is by setting consistent bet sizes. A disciplined approach to bankroll management is essential for long-term enjoyment.
You can also set both win and loss limits for every session. Reaching your predetermined win limit will allow you to take a break or cash out. On the other hand, hitting your loss limit will allow you to stop and rethink your strategies while also resisting the temptation to chase losses.
If you are also a fan of blackjack, check our blackjack strategy guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Emotional decision-making: One of the most common mistakes gamblers make when enjoying any online casino game is making emotional decisions. Don’t mistake the emotions as those related to losing only. Many players also lose their cool when on a winning streak. With this in mind, it’s important to remain cool and act on strategy and analysis instead of emotions.
Chasing losses: You’ve probably been down this road at some point in your gambling journey. Increasing bets significantly after a losing streak to recoup losses quickly can lead to further financial setbacks. It’s crucial to resist the urge to chase losses and instead adopt a disciplined approach.
Not understanding the rules: You wouldn’t start driving without learning the rules of the road, would you? The same principle applies when playing baccarat. It’s important to learn how to play baccarat by understanding the rules, such as the third-card rule and payout structures.
Online vs. Land-Based Baccarat
How to play baccarat and win doesn’t differ too much when playing online or at a land-based casino. But playing online presents the best way to learn the game. On the other hand, land-based gambling offers a more sociable experience. Here are the main differences between the two:
Atmosphere and ambiance: The sound of shuffling cards. Muffled conversations. Occasional cheers of victory. These are all experiences you cannot get when you learn how to play online baccarat in the comfort of your pajamas.
Social interaction: Face-to-face interactions with the dealer and fellow players. This is the level of human interaction you can expect when you learn how to play baccarat in a casino. What’s more, it adds a sense of camaraderie, which is essential in gameplay.
Professional croupiers: Live dealers are also a key difference between online and land-based baccarat gameplay. However, live dealer games are available at safe online casinos to try and offer players the experience of interacting with a professional croupier.
Convenience and accessibility: On the other hand, the digital frontier offers convenience and accessibility. This allows players to launch their favorite game from anywhere in the world, provided there’s an internet connection. Online baccarat is also available in many versions, as described earlier in this guide. As a result, players can choose a game tailored to suit their preferences.
Speedy gameplay: This is another factor that distinguishes online baccarat from its land-based counterpart. The absence of physical cards and the automation of certain processes contribute to a swift and efficient gaming experience, making it ideal for those seeking dynamic and rapid-fire gameplay.
Conclusion – How to play baccarat and win
Baccarat, whether live or online, is a popular table game anyone can play. It features fast-paced gameplay, and its rules are simple. However, it’s important to learn how to play baccarat to become a pro at the game – but even so, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll win every time. Thankfully, this in-depth guide provides the perfect roadmap to the rules, variations, gameplay, and strategies around baccarat. We recommend you start with the demo version to get acquainted with the game while playing online. Afterward, you can switch to real money gameplay.
If you want to learn more about other casino games, read our guides on how to play roulette.
How to Play Baccarat Online FAQ
How do you play the game baccarat?
To play baccarat, you must place bets on one of the available options. You have the Player, the Banker, and Tie as the main bets. Alternatively, you can bet on side bets, such as the Banker Pair or Either Pair.
Is baccarat a skill or luck-based game?
Baccarat is mostly about luck. However, players can improve their chances of winning by placing smart bets. Remember, the dealer controls a big chunk of the gameplay, and players have no control over the cards they play. Therefore, there are few opportunities in the game for players to manipulate the outcome using skill.
How do you win in baccarat?
To win in baccarat, you must choose which hand you believe will emerge as the winner. Is it the Banker’s hand or the Player’s hand? The game could also end in a draw, and if you placed a bet on the Tie, you will win.
Is there any strategy to baccarat?
While baccarat is a game of chance, players can use several strategies, as described in this guide, to maximize their winning potential.
References
- The History of Baccarat – Crescent.edu
- The Case for Using Personally Relevant and Emotionally Stimulating Gambling Messages as a Gambling Harm-Minimisation Strategy – NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
About the Author
Nick Pappas 
Goran Radanovic