Baccarat is one of the easiest casino games to learn, with clear rules and straightforward gameplay. Although it can look complex at first glance, its structure suits both newcomers and those with experience in table games.
Many players like baccarat’s simple betting choices and steady pace. Understanding the basics helps avoid common mistakes, especially around card values and payouts.
This guide covers the essentials: card values, how each round plays out, the third-card rules for both Player and Banker hands, the main bets and payouts, ties, commission, common variants, table limits, and betting rounds.
If you decide to play, set limits that suit your circumstances and take regular breaks.
What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a casino card game with two main hands called the Player and the Banker. The aim is to predict which hand will have a total closest to nine, or whether the round will end in a tie.
In each round, cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker sides. You place a bet on Player, Banker, or Tie before the cards are revealed.
Baccarat runs on fixed, automatic rules. There are no personal hits or stands to decide, which is why it moves at a calm, predictable rhythm.
Before we get to how the rounds unfold, it helps to understand how the cards are valued.
How Do Baccarat Card Values Work?
Baccarat uses standard playing cards, but the values differ from those of many other games.
Cards from 2 to 9 are worth their face value. For example, a 6 of hearts counts as 6 points.
All 10s and face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth zero.
Aces are worth 1 point.
To find a hand’s total, add the card values and keep only the last digit. For example, a 7 and an 8 add up to 15, which counts as 5. The same idea applies to three-card hands. A 9, a 7, and a 5 total 21, which counts as 1.
Once these values make sense, the flow of a round becomes much easier to follow.
How Is A Baccarat Round Played?
Each round begins with bets on Player, Banker, or Tie. After betting closes, two cards are dealt to both the Player and the Banker.
If either hand totals 8 or 9 with the first two cards, this is called a natural and the round ends straight away. If not, a third card may be drawn under fixed rules.
With that in mind, here is how the third-card rule applies to each hand.
How The Third-Card Rule Works For The Player
The Player hand follows a simple rule. If the first two cards total 0 to 5, the Player draws a third card. If the total is 6 or 7, the Player stands and does not draw.
Knowing this helps you follow the rhythm of the deal and see why a third card appears.
How The Third-Card Rule Works For The Banker
The Banker hand’s rule depends on both sides. If the Player stood on 6 or 7, the Banker draws on 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7. If the Player drew a third card, the Banker’s action depends on its own total and the value of the Player’s third card. For example, the Banker often draws with a total of 3 unless the Player’s third card was an 8, and tends to stand on 6 if the Player’s third card was 6 or 7.
Most tables display this chart, and dealers apply it automatically, so you do not need to memorise every detail.
With the dealing rules fixed, the next piece is what you can bet on and how those bets pay.
What Are The Main Bets And Payouts?
Baccarat has three main betting options: Player, Banker, and Tie. Each pays according to the round’s result.
A winning bet on Player pays 1 to 1. A winning bet on Banker also pays 1 to 1, but a commission is usually deducted from the winnings, as explained below.
The Tie bet pays if both hands finish on the same total. The standard payout is usually 8 to 1, although some tables offer 9 to 1.
Some tables also include optional side bets, which vary by venue. If you are considering them, check the paytable first so you know how they work.
How Are Ties Handled And Paid?
A tie occurs when the Player and Banker have the same total after all cards are dealt. In that case, only the Tie bet pays out.
Tie bets typically pay 8 to 1, with some tables offering 9 to 1. For instance, a £10 Tie bet would return £80 or £90 in winnings, depending on the table’s rate.
If a tie happens and you had bet on Player or Banker, your original stake is returned. This is a push, so there is no win and no loss.
Since payouts can differ between casinos, it is worth checking the table information before betting. With ties covered, it is also useful to understand how commission affects Banker wins.
What Are Commission Rules And How Are Commissions Calculated?
The most common commission in baccarat applies to winning Banker bets, usually at 5% of the amount won.
For example, a £20 bet on Banker would normally win £20. With a 5% commission, £1 is deducted, so the net win paid is £19.
In both land-based and online games, commission is settled automatically. While 5% is the standard, some tables use different rates.
You may also see no-commission baccarat. In those versions, certain outcomes pay differently to balance the missing commission. For example, a Banker win on a total of six might pay less than even money. Always review the rules displayed at the table so you know what to expect.
What Are The Common Baccarat Variants?
Baccarat has several well-known variants, each with small rule and dealing differences.
Punto Banco is the most widely played version. All actions are fixed by the house rules, and you simply bet on Player, Banker, or Tie.
Chemin de Fer is often found in Europe. Players can take turns acting as the banker, so some decisions sit with the table rather than being automatic.
Baccarat Banque is similar to Chemin de Fer, but the banker role usually stays with one player for longer, and the setup can vary by venue.
No Commission Baccarat removes the usual 5% deduction on Banker wins, but compensates with adjusted payouts for certain results, such as a Banker win on six paying less.
Online tables may add side bets or minor twists, so a quick look at the rules helps you pick a version that suits how you like to play. Whichever you choose, the table limits shape how each session feels.
What Are Typical Table Limits And Betting Rounds?
Baccarat tables display minimum and maximum limits that show the smallest and largest stake allowed on a hand.
Limits vary between casinos and even between tables in the same venue. A common minimum might be £5 or £10, while maximums can run into the hundreds or thousands of pounds.
Each round begins with a betting phase, followed by the deal and any third-card draws. When the outcome is settled, winnings and stakes are paid before the next betting round opens.
Checking the limits and paytable details before you join helps avoid surprises.
What Are Common Mistakes New Players Make?
New players often mix up the card values or feel unsure about when a third card appears for each hand. That confusion can make the flow of the round harder to follow.
Another frequent error is overlooking the paytable, especially commission on Banker wins and the Tie payout, which can vary between tables. Side bets can add to this if their rules and returns are not clear.
Some people also arrive without a plan for how much to spend or how long to play. Setting a clear budget and taking breaks helps keep play in perspective.
It is also common to assume that patterns will continue. Each baccarat round is independent, so previous results do not change the probabilities of the next hand.
If you choose to play, keep stakes within an amount you can afford to lose and take regular time-outs. If gambling begins to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early.
**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.