Learn How to Play Baccarat — It’s Easy!
Baccarat might seem mysterious if you haven’t played it before, but trust us—it’s totally easy to learn! Just read through this guide, and you’ll quickly understand all the basic rules of this popular card game.
Opening
Think you’re a gambling expert? Here’s a quick test: do you know how to play baccarat? If your answer is “no,” no worries! Baccarat is one of the most popular betting card games, enjoyed both in live casinos and online.
If you haven’t learned the rules yet, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll walk you through everything step-by-step. Just scroll down and get ready to master baccarat!
How to Play Baccarat
Let’s get into the details of the game itself:
Banker and Player: What Do They Mean?
In baccarat, there are two sides to bet on:
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Banker hand
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Player hand
When you look at a baccarat table—whether live or online—you’ll see it divided into three main sections: Banker, Player, and Tie.
Important note:
The “Banker” doesn’t mean the casino or dealer, and “Player” doesn’t mean just one person betting. In fact, many people can bet on either side at the same time.
There’s a special player called the “shoe” holder in full-scale baccarat. This person handles the deck (the “shoe”) and can only bet on the Banker or move the shoe.
The Game Process
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The shoe holder takes a facedown card from the deck and places it in front of the dealer.
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No one can see this card until it’s dealt.
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The dealer gives the first card to the highest bettor.
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Then, the second card (which is the Banker’s first card) is placed beside the shoe.
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The Player hand receives a second card.
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The Banker hand receives its second card.
After all cards are dealt:
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The highest bettor on the Player side gets to check the cards first, then returns them to the dealer.
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The dealer reveals the Player’s total points.
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Then the Banker side checks and reveals their total points.
The Third Card Rule
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If the Player hand requires a third card, the shoe holder deals it facedown to the highest Player bettor.
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That bettor checks it and returns it to the dealer, who then reveals the card.
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The same process applies if the Banker draws a third card.
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No more cards are dealt after this.
How to Win or Lose
The winner is the side (Banker or Player) with the highest total points.
Scoring Basics:
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10, J, Q, K count as 0 points
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A counts as 1 point
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Number cards count as their face value
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If the total is over 10, only the last digit counts (e.g., 12 counts as 2)
If both sides have the same score even after the third card, it’s a Tie, and players get their bets back.
Tie Bets
You can bet on the Tie section if you want. If the round ends in a tie, you’ll be paid at 8 to 1 odds. However, ties happen only about 9.5% of the time, so betting on Tie is generally risky and not recommended.
Baccarat Etiquette
Every casino game has etiquette, and baccarat is no different. Here are some important points to remember:
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Using Chips:
Like other casino games, baccarat uses chips instead of cash. Always exchange your money for chips with the dealer—never hand over cash directly. -
When Can You Look at Cards?
If you’re the highest bettor on the Player side, you can only look at your cards after all have been dealt. For example, don’t peek at your cards before the Banker’s second card is dealt. -
Follow Previous Results:
Many players like to track the results of previous rounds to help with their betting strategy. Casinos often provide paper and pen for this purpose.
3 Tips to Play Baccarat Smartly
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Never Play When Drunk or Tired
Baccarat isn’t just luck; it needs good strategy and clear thinking. Avoid playing when you’re not at your best. -
Know When to Quit
If you’re ahead, consider stopping to keep your winnings. If you’re losing, don’t chase losses—know when to walk away. -
Stay Calm and Take Your Time
Don’t rush your decisions. If other players pressure you, remind them to respect the game’s pace or ask casino staff for help.
Conclusion
Now that you understand how to play baccarat, you’re ready to hit the tables—whether live or online! Keep practicing and learn strategies to boost your chances of winning.
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Thanks so much for reading! Good luck and have fun playing baccarat!
