How to Play Baccarat
Grant Jones
Baccarat is an exciting card game often seen in fancy movies with high-stakes gamblers in luxurious casinos. It looks elegant, with people in tuxedos and evening dresses, betting as the dealer gives out cards.
If you’re unsure how to play Baccarat online, don’t worry—it’s easy to learn and fun. Its sophistication is mostly about style, not difficulty. No matter your gaming experience, you can pick it up in no time. With practice, you can become a pro at this popular card game.
Understanding the Rules
Baccarat, believed to have originated in Italy around the year 1400, is an ancient card game. Its name is derived from the Italian word “zero,” reflecting that tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings carry a value of zero in the game. Often referred to as Punto (player) Banco (bank), it’s typically played with 4-8 decks of standard playing cards from a “shoe.”
Baccarat Card Values
Understanding card values in baccarat is quite simple and easy to recall:
- Numbered cards 2 to 9 hold their face value (e.g., a 5 of diamonds is worth 5 points).
- Cards with a value of 10 and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth zero points.
- Aces have a value of 1 point.
Hand values are determined by the last digit of the total card values. For instance, if a player is dealt a 5 and a 9, their total is 14, and the last digit, 4, represents the hand value. In baccarat, card suits are not relevant.
When playing baccarat, there are two actions available to participants: “draw” or “stand.” Drawing means taking an additional card, which brings the total to three cards. This is also referred to as a “hit.” When a player “stands,” they choose not to draw and continue the game with their current hand value.
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1.
Player’s Hand
- If the player’s initial total is 5 or less, they draw a third card.
- If the player’s total is 6 or 7, they stand.
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2.
Banker’s Hand
- The Banker draws if their hand value is 0 to 5.
- The Banker stands if their hand value is 6 or 7.
However, if the player has drawn a third card, the Banker’s rules become more complex. The dealer typically manages these actions during baccarat gameplay, but it’s helpful to understand what to expect. Here are the Banker’s rules when the player has drawn a third card:
- If the Banker’s total is 2 or less, they always draw a card.
- If the Banker’s total is 3, they draw unless the Player’s third card was an 8.
- If the Banker’s total is 4, they draw if the Player’s third card was a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
- If the Banker’s total is 5, they draw if the Player’s third card was 4, 5, 6, or 7.
- If the Banker’s total is 6, they draw if the Player’s third card was a 6 or 7.
- If the Banker’s total is 7, they always stand.
Betting Options
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1.
Player Pair
- This side bet, with odds of 11:1, predicts that the player will receive two identical cards during the initial deal.
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2.
Banker Pair
- Much like the Player Pair, this side bets that the banker will be dealt a pair of identical cards on the deal, also offering 11:1 odds.
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3.
Either Pair
- This bet allows you to wager on either the player or banker receiving a pair during the deal, providing 5:1 odds.
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4.
Perfect Pair
- The Perfect Pair bet speculates that the player, banker, or both will be dealt cards with matching face values and suits. Betting on either option offers odds of 25:1, while betting on both simultaneously yields 200:1 odds.
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5.
3-Card Win
- This side bet enables participants to predict whether it will take the player or the banker three cards to secure victory in the hand. In this bet, the chosen side must draw a third card before winning for you to succeed. A player 3-card win bet has odds of 4:1, and a banker 3-card win bet pays 5:1.
Depending on the specific platform where you’re playing Baccarat, there are various side bets available in addition to the standard options of betting on the player, banker, or a tie. These side bets are made before the round begins, and their odds may differ depending on the particular venue or platform.
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How does Baccarat differ from other card games in casinos?
Baccarat sets itself apart from other casino card games due to its simplicity. Unlike games that involve complex strategies, Baccarat relies more on chance and luck. Its unique betting system, with options like player, banker, or tie, distinguishes it from games such as Blackjack or Poker.
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What's the main objective in Baccarat and how can you win?
The main objective in Baccarat is to correctly predict the hand that gets closest to a total of nine. You can win by betting on either the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie and having your bet match the actual outcome.
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How are cards dealt in Baccarat, and what roles do the player and banker play?
In Baccarat, there are two hands dealt: one for the player and one for the banker. The player’s role is to bet on either their own hand or the banker’s hand. The banker’s role is to oversee the game and stick to specific drawing rules based on their initial cards.
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What are the card values in Baccarat and how do they determine the winner?
Baccarat’s card values are straightforward. Numbered cards from 2 to 9 are worth their face value, while 10s and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) carry a value of zero. Aces are valued at 1 point. The winning hand is determined by the last digit of the total points, and if the hand value exceeds 9, the first digit is dropped.
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What does the third-card rule entail in Baccarat, and under what circumstances is it applied?
The third-card rule in Baccarat comes into effect when specific conditions are met. If the player’s initial hand totals 5 or less, they draw a third card. The banker’s decision to draw a third card depends on their initial hand and the value of the player’s third card. For instance, if the player draws a 2 or 3, the banker will draw with 0–4 and stand with 5–7. This rule ensures a fair and consistent game progression.
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