Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it's actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. With a very low house edge and minimal decision-making, it's an appealing option for all skill levels.
The Objective and Basic Rules
In Baccarat, you are not playing against the dealer or casino [how you can help] other players; you are betting on the outcome of two hands, named the Player and the Banker. Your goal is to correctly predict which of the two hands will get a point total nearer to 9. Your betting options are simple: casino Player win, Banker win, or a Tie between them.
Card Values in Baccarat
- Cards 2-9: These cards hold their pip value.
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, casino and Kings (Face Cards): These cards have no point value.
- Aces: Are worth 1 point.
The score of a hand is the rightmost digit of the sum of the cards. A 7 and an 8 would total 15, so the hand's value is 5. If the Player or Banker is dealt a total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards, it's called a "natural" and the round ends.
Understanding Your Options
The beauty of baccarat lies in its simplicity. Once you've placed your bet, there are no more decisions to make; the dealer follows a fixed set of rules to draw additional cards if necessary. Here’s a breakdown of the three bets and their house edge.
| Bet | Casino Advantage | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Bet on Banker | Just over 1% | The Banker hand has a slight mathematical advantage, making this the optimal bet even with the commission. |
| The Player Bet | ~1.24% | This is also an excellent bet with a very low house edge. It pays out at even money (1 to 1) with no commission. |
| The Tie Bet | ~14.36% | Never make the Tie bet. The probability of it occurring is very low, and the house advantage is huge. |
If you want to play with the best possible odds, your strategy should be to bet on the Banker every time. While this may not be the most exciting approach, it gives you the best mathematical chance of winning over the long term. With its elegant pace and player-friendly odds, it's easy to see why baccarat remains so popular.
