Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in the world, particularly among high-stakes players. Despite its sophisticated reputation, baccarat is actually one of the simplest casino games to play, with only three possible outcomes: Player wins, Banker wins, or Tie.
Baccarat Rules and Gameplay
In baccarat, two hands are dealt — the Player and the Banker. Cards 2-9 are worth face value, 10s and face cards are worth 0, and Aces are worth 1. The hand closest to 9 wins. If the total exceeds 9, only the second digit counts (e.g., 15 = 5).
Baccarat Betting Options
Banker Bet
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge at approximately 1.06% (after the 5% commission). This is statistically the best bet in baccarat and should be the foundation of any baccarat strategy.
Player Bet
The Player bet has a house edge of approximately 1.24%. While slightly worse than the Banker bet, it pays even money without commission, making it simpler to calculate returns.
Tie Bet
The Tie bet pays 8:1 but has a house edge of approximately 14.4%. This bet should be avoided by serious players despite its attractive payout.
Baccarat Strategy Tips
- Always bet Banker for the lowest house edge
- Avoid the Tie bet — the house edge is too high
- Set a strict session budget and stick to it
- Ignore betting systems — they cannot overcome the house edge
- Take advantage of baccarat bonuses with low wagering requirements