Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.
Because of this glamorous reputation, the average casino player often feels too intimidated to even approach a Baccarat table.
The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.
Furthermore, Baccarat offers some of the absolute best mathematical odds available to a casino player.
We will guide you through your first hand so you can confidently approach the table like a seasoned high roller.
How the Cards are Scored in Baccarat
The entire premise of Baccarat is to bet on which of two hands will have a total score closest to the number 9.
It is crucial to understand that the "Player" hand does not belong to you, and the "Banker" hand does not belong to the casino.
Once bets are placed, the dealer deals exactly two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
For example, if a hand is dealt a 7 and an 8, the sum is 15. You drop the "1", making the true value of the hand a 5.
The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).
Why Baccarat Requires Zero Skill
The rules governing whether a third card is drawn are incredibly complex, based on a rigid mathematical matrix.
Looking at the third-card chart can cause a beginner to instantly panic and walk away from the table.
The casino dealer has memorized the complex matrix and handles all the card drawing strictly according to the rules.
You simply sit back, watch the dealer flip the cards, and wait to see if you won your bet.
Your only required skill is pointing at the table and placing a chip on one of the three options.
Why the Banker Bet is the Best Option
To do this, we must look at the house edge associated with each of the three possible wagers: Player, Banker, and Tie.
The Banker hand will win approximately 50.68% of the time (excluding ties).
Even with this 5% tax, the Banker bet still carries the lowest house edge in the entire game: an incredibly low 1.06%.
Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.
This discrepancy gives the casino a massive, predatory house edge of 14.36% on the Tie bet.
The Baccarat Cheat Sheet
The Goal: Bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will finish closest to a total score of 9. The Banker Bet: Pays 1 to 1, minus a 5% casino commission. House Edge is 1.06%. The mathematically superior bet. Pattern Tracking: Casinos provide scoreboards, but previous results do not influence future hands. Streaks are purely coincidental. Commission: Do not forget that the dealer will take 5% of your Banker winnings; they usually keep track and collect it when you leave.
Why Play Baccarat Instead of Blackjack?
Game FeatureBlackjack (Basic Strategy)Baccarat (Banker Bet) Mathematical EdgeHighly dependent on player skillStatic, locked in by the rules of the game Player DecisionsConstant choices (Hit, Stand, Double, Split)Only one choice (Pick a side before the deal) Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed
Baccarat is the ultimate paradox of the casino: it looks incredibly sophisticated but is actually the easiest game in the building.
Find a low-limit "Mini-Baccarat" table, place your $10 on the Banker circle, and experience the easiest game in Vegas.
Whether you play live in a casino or online from your couch, Baccarat is an essential experience for any gambler.