Baccarat is one of the most popular card games in casinos, known for its straightforward structure and clear rules. Understanding the basics is important for anyone interested in learning how to play responsibly.
This guide explains how each round works, how cards are valued, and how the score is calculated. It also covers the third card rule, the main bets and their payouts, banker commission, and the meaning of a natural win, plus how tie bets are settled.
You will also find an overview of common variants—Punto Banco, Chemin De Fer, and Baccarat Banque—along with table layout, betting flow, and essential etiquette. If you choose to play, keep to personal limits and use support tools that help you manage your play.
How Does Baccarat Work?
Baccarat is played with multiple decks, shuffled together. Each round features two hands dealt to fixed positions: the Player hand and the Banker hand.
Before the deal, participants place their bets on one of three outcomes: Player, Banker, or Tie. Two cards are then dealt to both the Player and Banker positions, and the totals are calculated. Depending on those totals, a third card may be drawn to one or both hands according to set rules.
The hand with a total closest to nine wins the round, and winning bets are paid based on the type of wager placed. Because the drawing rules are fixed, there are very few decisions to make during play, which keeps the game easy to follow.
To understand what happens next on the table, it helps to know how the cards are valued.
What Are Card Values And How Is The Score Calculated?
Each card contributes a specific amount to the hand’s total. Number cards from 2 to 9 are worth their face value. Tens and picture cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth zero. An Ace is worth one.
Totals are calculated by adding the card values together, then using only the last digit if the sum is 10 or more. For example, a 7 and an 8 total 15, which counts as 5. The highest possible total is 9, known as a “natural,” which is explained later.
With scoring in mind, the third-card rules decide whether a hand draws again.
Third Card Rule Explained
A third card may be drawn to the Player or Banker hand based on fixed conditions. These rules are automatic; participants do not choose whether to draw.
If either hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards, no more cards are drawn. This is a natural. If there is no natural, the Player hand is considered first. The Player draws a third card on totals of 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7.
The Banker’s action depends on both the Banker total and, in many cases, the Player’s third card:
- If the Banker total is 2 or less, the Banker draws.
- On 3, the Banker draws unless the Player’s third card was an 8.
- On 4, the Banker draws if the Player’s third card was 2 to 7.
- On 5, the Banker draws if the Player’s third card was 4 to 7.
- On 6, the Banker draws if the Player’s third card was 6 or 7.
- On 7, the Banker stands.
For clarity, consider a quick example: if the Player stands on 6 and the Banker has 5, the Banker draws only if the Player’s third card (if any) was 4, 5, 6, or 7. These patterns might look detailed at first glance, but they are applied automatically at the table.
Once the drawing sequence is settled, attention moves to the available bets and how they are paid.
What Are The Main Bets And Payouts?
Baccarat offers three core bets: Player, Banker, and Tie. Each settles at the end of the round based on the outcome.
A Player bet backs the Player hand to finish closer to nine. Winning Player bets usually pay 1 to 1.
A Banker bet backs the Banker hand. Winning Banker bets also usually pay 1 to 1, though a commission may be deducted from the winnings, which is covered in the next section.
A Tie bet predicts that both hands will end with the same total. Tie bets typically pay 8 to 1, although payout rates can vary by table.
Understanding these options and how they settle helps keep play clear and consistent from one round to the next.
How Does Banker Commission Work?
A commission is commonly applied to winning Banker bets. This balances the statistical edge that the Banker position holds due to the drawing rules.
If a winning Banker bet would normally pay 1 to 1, a standard 5% commission is usually deducted from the winnings. For example, a £10 winning Banker bet would return £9.50 profit rather than £10. The commission is taken when the bet is paid.
Commission rates can vary slightly, so it is worth checking the table rules before joining a game.
With payouts understood, another quick rule that can end a round early is the natural win.
How Is A Natural Win Defined?
A natural win occurs when either the Player or Banker totals 8 or 9 with the first two cards. When that happens, no further cards are drawn for that hand.
If only one hand has a natural, that hand wins immediately. If both hands have naturals of the same value, the result is a tie. Regular payout rules apply to any bets that match the outcome.
When totals match without a natural deciding things, the tie bet becomes relevant.
How Is A Tie Bet Resolved And Paid?
A tie is settled when both hands finish on the same total after all drawing rules are applied.
If a tie bet was placed and the totals match, it is paid according to the table’s advertised rate, typically 8 to 1. If the round does not end in a tie, the tie bet loses. For Player and Banker wagers, a tie usually results in a push, meaning those chips are returned and the bet carries no win or loss for that round.
Checking the table layout or rules card will confirm the exact payout used for ties.
Baccarat Table Layout And Betting Flow
A standard baccarat table is oval or rectangular, with marked areas for Player, Banker, and Tie bets. Each participant has clearly defined spaces to place chips on their chosen outcome.
The dealer, or software if playing online, manages the deal and announces results. Bets are placed before any cards appear. Once chips are down and the dealer closes the betting, the initial two cards are dealt to each hand. Drawing, if needed, follows the fixed rules, and the dealer then declares the result and pays any winning wagers.
Because each stage follows a set order, newcomers can follow along confidently after a few rounds.
As you explore different tables, you may encounter alternative versions of the game.
Common Baccarat Variants
Baccarat is available in several variants, each with its own structure. Knowing the differences helps you recognise what to expect at the table.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is the most widely played version. The casino acts as the banker for all rounds, and participants place bets on the outcome. All drawing decisions are governed by the rules rather than player choice.
Chemin De Fer
Chemin De Fer gives players a more active role. One participant serves as the banker, and this role rotates around the table. Players may decide whether to draw a third card in certain situations. It is more commonly found in some European settings.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque resembles Chemin De Fer, but the banker role is held by one participant for an entire shoe rather than rotating each round. That banker covers all banker bets, and other players may wager against them. Depending on local rules, some drawing choices may rest with the banker.
Whichever variant you meet, a quick check of the table rules will set expectations before the first deal.
Table Etiquette For Players
Baccarat tables follow a few simple etiquette points to keep the game running smoothly for everyone.
Wait until a round finishes before joining a table or placing chips. After bets are placed and the round begins, chips should not be touched until the result is announced. Conversation is fine, but keep it respectful, and be mindful of others’ concentration. Dealers and staff are there to help, so feel free to ask brief questions if a rule or outcome is unclear.
Mobile phones and other devices are generally not used at live tables. In online games, follow any on-screen guidance and posted rules.
If you choose to take part, set personal limits that fit your circumstances, take breaks, and never wager more than you can afford to lose. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early.
Understanding the rules, variants, and etiquette goes a long way to making any session informed, controlled, and enjoyable on your terms.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.