How to Play Baccarat | Beginners Guide 2024

Counting Baccarat Card Values

The hand with a card value closest to 9 wins. To determine the value of any hand, add the card values together. If the value is 10 or more, subtract 10 to get your card value.

Here are a few examples:

• For a 3, 5 hand, the hand value would be 8 because 3 + 5 = 8.
• For a 7, 8 hand, the hand value would be 5 because 7 + 8 = 15, then minus 10 = 5.
• For a 9, 10 hand, the hand value would be 9 because the 10 card has a value of 0.
• For a 9, ace hand, the hand value would be 0 because the ace has a value of 1, so 9 + 1 = 10, then minus 10 = 0.

Third Card Rule

Once the initial two cards have been dealt, if there is no instant win, the ‘coup’ (game) continues per the drawing rules, with the player going first.

Player’s Rule

• If a player’s hand totals between 0 and 5 points, the player will be dealt a third card.
• If a player’s hand totals either 6 or 7 points, they stand.

Banker’s Rule

If the player ‘stands’ – i.e. has only two cards – the banker proceeds with the same rules the player had: drawing a third card if they had 0-5 points, or standing if they had 6 or 7 points.

If the player drew a third card, there are more complex rules:

Baccarat Payouts

Banker bets in baccarat are the most likely to payoff. When learning how to play baccarat online, you must understand they have a house edge of just 1.06%. However, the payouts reflect this. Banker bets are typically paid out at a rate of 19:20.

For player bets, the house edge rises to 1.24%. These bets are paid out at 1:1.

We do not recommend betting on a tie because the house edge is nearly 15%. Casinos will try to entice you with a 8:1 or 9:1 payout.

Baccarat Side Bets

Baccarat variations often offer risky side bets with high payouts. We recommend never placing side bets as the house edge is simply too high to make them worthwhile. If you are set on placing them, be sure to manage your bankroll accordingly.

Punto Banco

Punto Banco is the most common version of baccarat found in online and land-based casinos in the US.  The odds, strategy, and gameplay described in this guide apply to real-money Punto Banco. 

Chemin de Fer

Live dealer baccarat uses video streaming technology to connect you to a real-life dealer working in a casino setting. The live dealer rules are the same as you’d find in a land-based casino; you can even communicate with the dealer using the live chat feature.

Live Dealer

Chemin de Fer is a French version typically faster than a round of Punto Banco. 

In each round, one player at the table is designated as the banker. This responsibility rotates around the table. At the start of the game, the banked places a bet which must be matched or exceeded by all the other players.

The player with the highest bet becomes the ‘chief punter’ and represents all the players. The banker and the player are dealt two face-down cards each. If neither has an 8 or 9 total value, the chief punter can choose to take a third card or stick with the hand they have.

If the banker wins, they collect the wagers from all players and keep their position for the next round. If the players win, the banker must return their original stakes plus an equal amount.