Baccarat is primarily a game of chance rather than skill, although a little strategy gives you an edge. This guide will teach you how to play baccarat like a pro.
The game is easy to learn and play. You’re betting on which hand will win between the Banker and the Player. That’s pretty much the long and short of playing baccarat, but it has nuances that I’d like to unpack here. Join me as I discuss the best baccarat variants, betting options, odds, payout structures, and winning tips.
How to play baccarat – Basic rules
Baccarat is an iconic online card game played at leading sites, including the
top 50 online casinos. The goal is to bet on whether the Player’s or Banker’s hand will have the highest value or a total close to 9. 9 is the highest hand, and 0 is the lowest.
Card Values
To better understand how to play baccarat, you need to know what each card represents in terms of value. Each card in the game has points assigned to it, and I’ve outlined the card values below:
| Card type | Card value |
| Aces | 1 |
| Cards 2 to 9 | Their face value |
| Cards 10, Jack, Queen, and King | 0 |
Only the finest casino sites
Baccarat betting options
In a game of baccarat, you can bet on the player, banker, or tie. The game starts with the dealer dealing two cards to the player and the banker. Once you have placed your wager, the game plays out as follows:
1. Drawing
If a player’s hand value is zero to 5, they must draw a card, i.e. pick another card, unless the banker has an 8 or 9. The banker draws if they have a hand value of between 0 and 5. If both the player and banker’s hands are close to 8 or 9, they don’t have to draw. It’s termed a natural win, and the game is over and payouts are issued.
2. Standing
If your hand has a value of 6 or 7, you stand, i.e., you don’t have to draw any new cards. The banker also stands if their hand value is 6 or 7.
3. Hitting
The total value of the first two card hands will depend on the third card (which is termed Hitting). For instance, if the player’s third card is a 9, 10, face card, or Ace, the banker draws if their hand value is between 0 and 3.
4. Common side bets and features
I can’t not talk about side bets when discussing how to play baccarat, as these add a layer of excitement to the game:
- Player / Banker Pair:
You bet that the two cards dealt to the banker or player will form a pair.
- Perfect Pair:
Here, you bet that the banker or player is dealt identical cards in suit and value.
- Big / Small Bet:
You bet that the total number of cards dealt between the player and banker will be Big (5 and 6) or Small (4).
Baccarat odds and payout structure
Part of learning how to play baccarat is understanding which bet pays out what and when. Note that the game has an impressive 98.94% RTP. However, I noticed the RTP dips for side wagers, ranging from 89.24 % to 97.35%. Naturally, the RTPs affect the payouts for each bet.
Below is a quick rundown of the different payouts to expect from each wager.
| Bet type | Payout | House edge |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% |
| Banker | 1:1 | 1.6% |
| Tie | 8:1 | 14.36% |
| Player / Banker Pair | 11:1 | 10.36% |
| Perfect Pair | 25:1 | 13% |
| Big / Small | 2: 1 and 3:2 | 4.35% |
Top baccarat variants
One thing I like about Baccarat is it comes in several variants to cater to both beginners and high rollers. Top software studios have come up with their own versions of the game with distinct features, and below are the most popular:
Gameplay is similar to standard Baccarat, except additional bonus wagers are added. These include the Super 7 Bonus that pays up to 40 to 1 if the banker wins with a 3-card hand totaling 7. The Fortune 8 bonus wager pays up to 25 to 1 if the player wins with a 3-card hand totaling 8.
Unlike traditional baccarat, this version slows things down a bit. Cards in Baccarat Squeeze are revealed slowly by the dealer or player to build anticipation.
On the flip side of Baccarat Squeeze, we have NetEnt’s Speed Baccarat Gold picking up the pace. It is characterized by quicker card deals and fast game rounds that can wrap in less than 27 seconds!
This baccarat variant from Evolution Gaming is for all my players with deep pockets. It is typically played in an exclusive setting. The gameplay is the same as traditional baccarat, except the stakes are higher (between $25 and $100). It comes with a VIP room manager and VIP online chat.
More of our favorite sites for you to explore
1.
Our Exclusive Deal:
125 SC
+ 625K GC
2.
Unlock 560K Gold Coins
+
56 SC
3.
Our Exclusive Deal:
105 SC
+ 500K GC
4.
Get 80K Gold Coins
for free +
40 SC
5.
Exclusive 100K Gold Coins +
30 SC
Choosing where to play baccarat
Now that you know how to play baccarat, let’s talk about where to play. As a popular game, you can bet most casinos worth their salt feature it, but consider the following when picking a site.
1. Game Variety
Variety is the spice of life, and I always go for the site that offers a wide range of baccarat variants for maximum gaming pleasure. I suppose this is a standard factor I consider when choosing where and
how to play keno online
too. Not only am I overly concerned about game variety, but they should be available in traditional and live dealer formats for increased excitement.
2. Game developers
You can’t go wrong with a casino that features baccarat games from industry-leading studios like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt. You know you’re in for a worthwhile gaming experience with quality graphics and engaging audio to match.
3. Baccarat game bonuses
The
best new online casino sites
offer exciting bonuses directly linked to Baccarat games. I’ve seen several casinos offer attractive bonuses to use on live baccarat titles. Just be sure to check the bonus terms for fairness.
4. Mobile compatibility
When deciding how to play baccarat online, I prefer gaming on the go, and the casino that lets me play my favorite baccarat titles on the move has my vote. Go with a casino that allows for mobile-friendly play on your smartphone. Whether you want to do that via your mobile browser or from a native app is up to you.
Baccarat strategy and tips – How to play baccarat successfully
I did mention that when figuring out how to play baccarat and win, know that winning has more to do with chance than strategy. However, there’s no harm in employing tips to help you better manage your bankroll and increase your gameplay experience.
This is a strategic system to use when you want to know the baccarat game and how to play. You double the stake for your next bet if your first wager loses. So, if you bet a dollar and it loses, you put down $2 of the next wager. You also double your next wager if you win. The idea is to capitalize on wins and recover from losses quickly.
Another tried and tested strategy is the Paroli system, where you place your original bet size each time you lose and double it when you win. It’s identical to the Martingale strategy except you’re using your original bet size here. The goal is to stretch your bankroll and keep you in the game longer.
I’d strongly advise you to steer clear of tie bets when learning baccarat and how to play. Yes, the 8:1 payout is attractive, but it has a very high house edge, and landing that wager is a stretch. Let’s just say it isn’t worth the risk.
You can also use strategy charts to better understand patterns and trends in a game of baccarat. An example of a common chart I use is the Big Road, which records each hand outcome to help one identify winning streaks from the banker or player and make informed betting decisions.
Baccarat pros & cons
Advantages
- Highly entertaining card game
- Easy to learn
- Suitable for new and experienced players
- Flexible betting limits
Disadvantages
- Different variants may be confusing for new players
Start playing baccarat today
I can think of several reasons why baccarat remains a popular casino game. It’s simple to learn, has a low house edge, and can be enjoyed by casual gamers and high-stakes players. Baccarat is available in many interesting variants, so you go with what you like. The high RTP and low house edge also mean you have a greater chance of winning over time if you keep playing.
I can’t overemphasize how baccarat is a game of chance and how core play depends on chance. Still, that doesn’t stop anyone from using a few pointers to stretch their balance, stay in the game longer, and boost their gaming experience. I say pick a variant from our list today and try it for unmatched entertainment and great fun.
Only the best casino bonus offers
1.
Our Exclusive Deal:
125 SC
+ 625K GC
2.
Unlock 560K Gold Coins
+
56 SC
Wagering (WR): 3x
3.
Our Exclusive Deal:
105 SC
+ 500K GC
4.
Get 80K Gold Coins
for free +
40 SC
5.
Exclusive 100K Gold Coins +
30 SC
How to play baccarat FAQs
🃏 How many cards are used in a game of Baccarat?
On average, between 6 and 8 decks of cards are used in Baccarat, each containing 52 cards except jokers.
👥 How many players play a round of baccarat?
A standard game of baccarat can be played by a maximum of 14 players. There isn’t a minimum number of players required, and as few as 2 people can sit down for a game.
📈 What is the best Baccarat strategy?
The Martingale is hands down the most feasible strategy. In this strategy, you double the size of your wager after each losing hand to offset any losses when you win.
