How to Play Baccarat – The Ultimate 2026 Guide for Beginners

Baccarat is a casino card game that can be played by up to 8 players (considerably more online) and is dealt according to a strict set of rules known as a tableau. Often referred to as the king of casino games, baccarat is one of the simplest games to understand and play.

Essentially, the game boils down to a 50/50 choice over where to place your money, and that’s it. We could probably end this guide right there, but of course, we won’t, as there is a lot more to this game than simply putting your money down. Let’s take a look!

Baccarat Card Game Basics

The baccarat card game is a simple casino game where you bet on which hand — Player, Banker, or Tie — will end closest to a total of nine. Despite the names, you are not playing as “the Player,” and you are not competing against “the Banker.” Instead, you’re to bet on one of three outcomes: Player wins, Banker wins, or Tie. It’s a matter of choosing option A, option B, or a draw.

As the game begins, the dealer/croupier deals two cards. Fixed rules decide whether a third card is drawn. You don’t make any decisions when the game starts. Your only activity is to pick where to place your bet before the cards are dealt. The ease and low-pressure nature of play are why baccarat is popular with beginners.

Baccarat Card Values

Card values in baccarat are different from most card games in iGaming:

Card Type	Baccarat Value
A	1
2–9	Face value
10, J, Q, K	0

If a hand totals more than 9, only the last digit counts, as shown in the examples below:

• 7 + 6 = 13, which counts as 3
• 9 + 8 = 17, which counts as 7

The hand closest to 9 wins.

How to Play Baccarat

At first glance, baccarat rules can seem confusing, but the actual gameplay is very straightforward. Once you are in tune with the flow, the rest happens automatically in the background.

Here’s how a round plays out, step by step:

1. Bets are placed first: Players choose to bet on Player, Banker, or Tie before any cards are dealt.
2. Two hands are dealt: The dealer deals two cards to the Player hand and then to the Banker hand.
3. Card values are added: In baccarat, only the last digit of the total matters (7 + 6 = 13 becomes 3).
4. Natural check (8 or 9): If either hand totals 8 or 9, this is called a Natural, and the round ends immediately.
5. Third card rules apply: If there’s no Natural, a third card may be drawn based on a fixed rule table called the tableau.
6. The winning hand is decided: The hand closest to 9 wins the round.

Player Rules

If there is no “Natural” (meaning neither initial hand totals 8 or 9), the game checks the Player hand first. This is a fixed rule that is always followed by the game.

Here’s an overview of how it works:

Player’s First Two Cards Total	What Happens
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5	The Player draws one more card
6 or 7	The Player stands (no more cards)
8 or 9	Natural (No cards are drawn by either hand)

Banker Rules

After the Player rules are checked, the game or dealer then looks at the Banker’s hand. The Banker rules are a little more detailed, but you don’t need to worry since you won’t make these decisions yourself. The dealer or software applies them automatically.

So, how does the Banker drawing rules work?

• If the Player does not draw a third card, the Banker draws on totals of 0–5, and stands on 6 or 7. 
• If the Player does draw a third card, the Banker’s decision depends on the Banker’s current total and the value of the Player’s third card. 

Let’s walk through a detailed overview of how it works:

Banker Total	Banker Action To Take
0–2	Always draws
3	Draws unless the player’s third card is 8
4	Draws if the Player’s third card is 2–7
5	Draws if the Player’s third card is 4–7
6	Draws if the Player’s third card is 6 or 7
7	Always stands
8 or 9	Natural. No cards are drawn on either side

Does it look complex? You can always check the baccarat rules chart, but no active effort is needed from you during all this decision-making. You simply place your bet and watch the game unfold.

Real-Life Baccarat Game Example

The following Baccarat gambling examples should answer any remaining questions on “how do I play baccarat,” since they take you through potential real-life scenarios.

As you can see, you don’t control the cards or the rules. You simply choose Player, Banker, or Tie, then let the game play itself out.

Payouts and Commission

Winning Banker and Player bets are paid even money (1:1) for all bets. However, Banker bets are subject to a 5% commission. This is essentially the house edge. Winning tie bets are usually paid 8 to 1.

• Player: pays 1:1
• Banker: pays 1:1 (minus 5% commission)
• Tie: usually pays 8:1 (some casinos pay 9:1)

What to Bet on in Baccarat

If you’re wondering which way to bet, statistically, the Banker is your best bet. Here’s why:

Outcome	Probability	House Edge
Banker Win	50.68%	1.06%
Player Win	49.32%	1.24%

The above table reflects the true odds of a positive result, without the possibility of a tie. These odds change slightly when you allow for the tie.

Outcome	Probability	House Edge
Banker Win	45.86%	1.06%
Player Win	44.62%	1.24%
Tie (Egalité)	9.52%	14.36%

Even after factoring in the 5% commission on Banker wins, it still holds the lowest house edge at just 1.06%.

Baccarat Strategies

Baccarat is a game of chance. There are no decisions to take that can influence the outcome of the hand. However, there are strategies to help manage your bankroll and make informed bets.

🔍 Look for trends, but always consider the banker’s slightly lower house edge (1.06%)

⚠️ Avoid the Tie bet – it may look tempting, but it has a high house edge (14.36%).

☑️ Set yourself a win/loss limit – know when to walk away.

Baccarat pays even money on banker and player bets, making the game ideal for math-based bankroll strategies.

No strategy alters the house edge, though. They are simply formulas for recouping losses and managing your bankroll. However, if you have deep pockets and discipline, they may be effective in the long term. Most importantly, baccarat is meant to be fun – play responsibly and don’t chase losses.

Here’s an overview of the most popular baccarat strategies for your reference.

Martingale Strategy 

Martingale strategy (frequently used at roulette) requires you to double your bet after each loss until you win. Baccarat, with its greater bet spread and higher maximums, is well-suited to this betting system. However, it is not without risk.

1-3-2-6 Sequence

This is another strategy that lends itself well to near 50/50 games of chance, such as baccarat. With the 1-3-2-6 sequence, you would use a four-bet cycle in multiples of your base bet – usually the table minimum.

It works like this:

1. Bet one unit ($5, for example)
2. Should you win, bet three units ($15)
3. Should you win again, bet two units ($10)
4. If you win once more, then bet six units ($30)

Should you be lucky enough to win all four bets, then happy days! You have just profited by twelve units, and you can begin the cycle over again. 

If, on the other hand, you lose at any stage, then you should go back to the beginning and resume betting with one unit.

Paroli Strategy

The Paroli system is the opposite of the Martingale system. You increase your bet after wins, not losses. For example, you bet $10 on Banker, win, then bet $20, win again, then $40. After a loss or three wins, you reset. 

It’s safer than Martingale because losses stay small. However, this strategy relies on catching short winning streaks. Paroli works well for beginners who want low-risk and controlled betting.

Fibonacci Strategy

The Fibonacci strategy follows a sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on) where you move one step forward after a loss and two steps back after a win. If you lose $10, then another $10, your next bet will be $20. If you win, you step back to $10. It’s slower and more controlled than Martingale, making it easier on your bankroll.

How to Play Baccarat Online

If you’re completely new to the world of online gambling and baccarat, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

Playing Baccarat at the Casino vs. Online

If you’re not sure which baccarat variant is right for you, check out the table below for more information that can help you decide.

Feature	Online Baccarat	Live Dealer Baccarat	Casino Baccarat
Dealer	Automated/RNG-based	Real dealer via HD video stream	Real dealer at a physical table
Functionality	Auto-play, repeat bet, low minimums	Real-time play	Table service, use of physical chips
Learning environment	Demo mode available for beginners	Realistic experience at the comfort of your home	Great for observing other players before joining
Atmosphere	Basic visuals and sounds	Live action feel	Full casino ambience with sights and sounds

Casino baccarat is slower-paced (which some people like) but more social. It also has the added benefits of in-house service for those too lazy to get up and make their own coffee.

Baccarat Casino Etiquette

• Don’t touch the cards.
• Wait for the current round to finish before sitting down.
• Keep your chips visible and stacked neatly.
• Don’t slow the game down with small talk and questions. The dealers will guide you.
• Tip the dealer if you’re winning and having a good time. It’s appreciated!
• It’s considered bad luck to bet against the largest wager on the table!

Top Tips for Playing Baccarat Online

Whether you’re a novice or a whale playing $250K hands, the following tips will help you get the most from your baccarat experience:

🆓 Start with free games – Try demo baccarat versions first. It’s a risk-free way to learn the rules and flow of the game.

🏦 You may want to bet on Banker – Statistically, the banker wins marginally more often. That’s why it comes with a 5% commission.

⚠️ Avoid the Tie – It pays out big. However, the odds of hitting a Tie are low. Stick to the safer bets early on.

💵 Track your bankroll – Set a budget before you start and stick to it: win or lose.

👨 Play live baccarat for a more realistic experience – Live dealer games feel more immersive. You can see the cards dealt without the need for an RNG.

💣 Don’t chase losses – Baccarat is a game of luck. Stay calm, bet smart, and know when to call it a day.

🕵️ Learn patterns, but don’t rely on them – Many players follow trends, but these patterns are not 100% reliable.

Baccarat’s beauty lies in its simplicity – no complex decisions, no card counting, just pure chance wrapped in casino elegance. Whether you’re betting table minimums or going all-in like a high roller, remember that the house always has its edge, so play smart and enjoy the ride.

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