Overview & Rules
Baccarat (specifically the Punto Banco variant) is played with six or eight decks. Two hands are dealt: one called the Player and the other the Banker. Each hand starts with two cards; tens and face cards count as zero, while other cards retain their pip value. Only the last digit of the total counts (e.g., 14 becomes 4). Depending on predetermined drawing rules, a third card may be drawn. The hand closest to nine wins. Players wager on which hand will win or whether they will tie.
Bet Options & House Edge
| Bet | Payout | House edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 19:20 | ≈1.06% | The best bet in the game. A 5% commission is deducted from winning Banker bets to preserve the casino advantage. |
| Player | 1:1 | ≈1.24% | No commission. Slightly worse odds but still reasonable. |
| Tie | 8:1 | ≈14.4% | Pays 8 to 1 if both hands tie. The large house edge makes this a poor long‑term choice. |
House edge figures are approximate and apply to Punto Banco under standard eight‑deck rules. Some tables offer a 9:1 payout on ties, which lowers the house edge but is still significantly higher than Player or Banker bets.
Strategy & Etiquette
- Bet Banker whenever possible: Over thousands of hands, the Banker bet will lose slightly less than Player bets even after paying commission.
- Avoid Tie bets: The 8:1 payout looks tempting, but the house edge is over 14%. Save your bankroll for Banker/Player wagers.
- Manage your bankroll: Because baccarat involves minimal decision‑making, discipline comes from staking and time management. Set a budget and stick to it.
- Respect table etiquette: Do not touch cards or chips once the dealer has called "no more bets". In mini‑baccarat, the dealer turns all cards; in high‑limit games, you may be allowed to squeeze cards gently.
Glossary
- Commission: 5% taken from winning Banker bets to preserve house edge.
- Natural: Two‑card total of 8 or 9; usually ends the hand instantly.
- Third‑card rules: Fixed drawing rules that may add a card to Player/Banker.