Baccarat is a simple game with only three betting options: the players hand, the dealers hand, or a tie. The winning hand is whoever holds 2 or 3 cards totaling closest to 9. A bet on the players hand pays 1 to 1, a bet on the dealers hand pays 1 to 1 (plus 5% to the house) and a tie results in a 9 to 1 win. After the initial bet, no more bets are placed.

The value of cards are: tens and face cards equal 0, aces count as 1, and cards 2 – 9 are face value.

After all bets have been placed, the dealer continues to deal a 2 card/face up hand to every player and the dealer. If a tie occurs in the game, all tie bets are paid and the hand is over. If anyone receives 2 cards totaling 9, it is considered a “natural” and the holder automatically wins. If no one is holding a natural 9, a hand with an 8 becomes a natural winner. If any player receives a 9 or 8 off the bat they automatically win (unless the dealer holds a 9 and the player an 8).

If, after the first 2 cards are dealt, no one holds an 8 or 9, and there are no ties, a third card may be dealt depending on the total. Check the table below to see when additional cards are dealt:

Player’s Hand (first 2 cards)
Total
Result
6-9 Player stands
0-5 Dealt a 3rd card

 

Bankers Hand (first 2 cards)
Total
Result
7-9 banker stands
0-6 banker draws if:
6 player has 6 or 7
5 player has 4-7
4 player has 2-7
3 Player has 0–7 or 9
0-2 Player has anything

If more cards are dealt after the initial 2, the player’s hand is dealt first (only if he is holding a total of 0-5). After the player is done, the banker has some options depending on the players hand. If the player did not draw a 3rd card, the banker is only dealt another card to a hand of 0-4. If the player did draw a 3rd card, the banker has the options as described in the table above.

Card Values
Ace 1
2-9 face value
Ten / Face Cards 0
We do not recommend the tie bet, although it looks appealing with a 9 to 1 payout, it still holds a considerable house advantage.