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Rules and gameplay: How baccarat works

Baccarat might seem intimidating for new players, but this table game has simple rules and gameplay. Your goal here is to bet which between the Player and Banker’s hands will get closest to a total of 9. You can also bet on Tie if you think that both will have the same total.

Baccarat rules

Let’s understand baccarat better by learning all of its fundamental rules: 

Card Values

Knowing the card values is crucial for understanding the entire game. Since the goal is to predict which hand will get a total value closest to 9, you can’t make an informed decision without knowing the value of each card. 

Check the table below to see the value of the cards in baccarat: 

The numbered cards are worth their value: a 2 gives you two points, a 3 is four points, and so on. High-ranking cards such as 10s, jacks, queens, and kings have a zero value. Ace counts as one point. 

Remember this:

• No card values = No hand totals = No clue who's winning
• Knowing card values = Calculating hand totals = Informed betting decisions.

Betting options

Next to card values are the betting options. Knowing the options lets you choose the best bet that suits your risk tolerance and potential reward. The betting options are the same for all types of baccarat, regular or live:

• Banker bet - Choose the ‘Banker’ bet if you think this particular hand will have a value of 8 or 9. The Banker bet is most likely to win with a 45.86% winning rate. That’s why most of the time, players prefer to wager on this bet. 
• Player bet - Choose the ‘Player’ bet if you think this hand will win. The Player bet has a lower chance of winning than the Banker bet, with a 44.62% winning rate. 
• Tie bet - Choose the ‘Tie’ bet if you think the banker’s and the player’s hand will have the same value. This option has a 9.52% winning rate, the lowest of the three options. 

Side bets

Heighten the thrill and excitement of playing baccarat by betting on side bets. These are optional wagers you can place aside from the main betting options. Take note that they vary depending on the version of the game. Check here the most common side bets:

• Player Pair: This side bet wins if the player's first two cards form a pair. It pays 11 to 1, with a winning rate of 7.47%.
• Banker Pair: This side bet wins if the banker's first two cards form a pair. Like the player pair, it typically pays 11 to 1, with a winning rate of 7.47%.
• Perfect Pair: This side bet wins if either the Player or Banker hand has a pair of identical cards (e.g., two Queens). It pays 25 to 1, with a winning rate of around 3.34%.
• Either Pair: This side bet wins if the player or the banker has a pair, regardless of the suit or rank (e.g., two Jacks). It typically pays 5 to 1, with a winning rate of around 14.2%.

Different baccarat variants

You can find various baccarat versions in online casinos. The goal is the same, but there are some changes in the rules per game. Learn all these versions below and see how they differ from the regular baccarat game. 

Punto Banco

• The most favoured baccarat variations 
• It is the variant that resembles classic baccarat the most
• Played with six standard decks of 52 cards
• The betting options are the same as the classic one
• Players can take turns as the banker.

Chemin de Fer

• It follows the rules in classic baccarat
• Players compete against each other, not the dealer
• Played with six decks
• Players can take turns to be bankers.

Mini Baccarat

• Played in the same manner as Punto Banco, but has faster pace
• It is the lower-stakes version of the classic baccarat
• The game has a smaller table than other versions and the classic game
• Played with eight standard decks.

Baccarat gameplay: Step-by-step process

The step-by-step process below is typically the standard, but there are some differences if you play a live casino baccarat. Here’s how you can play a regular baccarat game at online casinos:

1. Place your bet

After choosing your preferred baccarat game, you must place your wagers on three options:

• Banker Hand: Wins when its value is closer to 9 than the Player's hand.
• Player Hand: Wins when its value is closer to 9 than the Banker's hand.
• Tie: Wins when both Player and Banker hands have the same value. 

2. Dealing

After the betting section, the dealer deals two cards face-up each for the Player's and the Banker's hands.

3. Drawing Third Cards (optional)

This is where the strategic element comes in:

• Player's Third Card: The Player always receives a third card if the initial total is five or less. On the other hand, the Player stands if the initial total is six or seven.
• Banker's Third Card: The Banker's decision to draw a third card depends on two factors:
  • The Player's third card draw (if any).
  • The Banker's initial total.

The dealer follows a predetermined chart to decide whether the Banker draws or stands based on these factors.

4. Card revealing

The game shows the cards and finishes the current round. Then, they add up the total for each hand and compare the value. The side with the closest value to nine wins. Meanwhile, if your cards add up to more than 9, only the one-digit counts. So, a hand with a 6 and a 7 (6 + 7 = 13) becomes a 3 (remove the 1).

5. Receive your payouts

Your winnings depend on the bet you placed: 

• Player Bet: Pays even money (1:1) on your wager.
• Banker Bet: Pays even money minus a small commission (usually 5%) to account for the Banker's slight edge in winning.
• Tie Bet: Pays 8:1.

Factors to consider when choosing the right baccarat casino

When deciding on the best baccarat casino, consider crucial factors, such as licensing, reputation, available games, customer support and more. By carefully considering these factors, you can find the perfect online casino that caters to your specific preferences and ensures a safe, enjoyable and rewarding baccarat experience.

Top baccarat casinos in 2024

All the factors mentioned are present in our Norwegian online casino partners. These top baccarat casinos only provide the best to have an exceptional online gambling experience. 

Check some of them below and find your preferred baccarat casino:

Winning baccarat strategies and tips to follow

While baccarat is a game of chance, you can still apply strategies to improve your chances of winning. Here are some trusted strategies for playing baccarat: