How to Play Baccarat: Rules, Bets and Beginner Strategy
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Updated September 24, 2026. Baccarat is a comparing-card game in which players bet on the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a Tie. This guide explains the standard drawing rules and the basic differences between the main bets.
Baccarat Card Values
- Aces count as 1.
- Cards 2 through 9 count at face value.
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 0.
- Only the last digit of a hand total matters. For example, 7 + 8 = 15, so the baccarat total is 5.
The Three Main Bets
- Banker: Wins if the Banker hand finishes closer to 9 than the Player hand.
- Player: Wins if the Player hand finishes closer to 9 than the Banker hand.
- Tie: Wins if both hands finish with the same total.
In standard commission baccarat, the Banker bet generally has the lowest house edge, followed by the Player bet. The Tie bet typically carries a much higher house edge.
Natural 8 or 9
If either the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9 from the first two cards, the hand is a natural and both sides stand. No third card is drawn.
Player Third-Card Rule
If there is no natural, the Player hand draws a third card on a total of 0 through 5 and stands on 6 or 7.
Banker Third-Card Rule
If the Player stands on 6 or 7, the Banker draws on 0 through 5 and stands on 6 or 7.
If the Player draws a third card, the Banker decision depends on both the Banker total and the value of the Player’s third card. The standard rule is:
| Banker Total | Banker Action |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Always draw. |
| 3 | Draw unless the Player’s third card is 8. |
| 4 | Draw if the Player’s third card is 2–7. |
| 5 | Draw if the Player’s third card is 4–7. |
| 6 | Draw if the Player’s third card is 6 or 7. |
| 7 | Stand. |
Typical Payouts
- Player: Usually pays 1:1.
- Banker: Usually pays 1:1 minus a commission, commonly 5% in standard baccarat.
- Tie: Often pays 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the table.
Different baccarat variants can use different commission or payout rules, so always check the table rules before playing.
Beginner Strategy
Baccarat does not require players to make hit-or-stand decisions; the drawing rules are automatic. The main decision is which bet to place. In standard baccarat, the Banker bet generally has the lowest house edge, while the Tie bet is significantly more expensive over time.
- Read the table rules before betting.
- Avoid assuming past results predict the next hand.
- Do not chase losses by increasing stakes.
- Set a budget and session limit before you play.
- Be cautious with side bets, which often have higher house edges than the main Banker and Player bets.
Online and Live-Dealer Baccarat
Online baccarat may be offered as an automated table game or with a live dealer. The standard drawing rules remain the same, but table limits, side bets, commission structures, and payouts can differ between providers.
Responsible Gambling
Baccarat outcomes are random and no betting system can guarantee a profit. Treat gambling as entertainment, never as a way to recover losses or make dependable income.
For more information, read our Responsible Gambling guide.
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