Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.
Many beginners assume that a game favored by the elite must have incredibly complex rules and require deep strategic knowledge.
The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.
Furthermore, Baccarat offers some of the absolute best mathematical odds available to a casino player.
In this article, we will completely demystify the game of Baccarat for the absolute beginner.
Understanding the Basic Goal of the Game
Your only job is to guess which of these two hands will end up closer to the magic number of nine.
They are simply two arbitrary hands of cards; you are merely placing a wager on the outcome of their duel.
Once bets are placed, the dealer deals exactly two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
The total score of a hand is simply the sum of its cards; however, if the total exceeds 9, you drop the first digit.
Because you drop the first digit, it is mathematically impossible to "bust" or go over 9 in Baccarat.
Why Baccarat Requires Zero Skill
If the Player's initial total is 0 through 5, they must draw a third card; if it is 6 or 7, they stand.
The rules for the Banker drawing a third card are even more complicated, depending on the Banker's total AND the value of the Player's third card.
As a player, you make absolutely no decisions regarding drawing cards or standing.
You simply sit back, watch the dealer flip the cards, and wait to see if you won your bet.
Your only required skill is pointing at the table and placing a chip on one of the three options.
The Mathematics of the Baccarat Bets
The math clearly dictates that one of these bets is significantly superior to the other two.
If you bet on the "Player" hand and it wins, you are paid 1 to 1 (even money). The house edge on the Player bet is a very respectable 1.24%.
Because the Banker bet has a built-in mathematical advantage, the casino charges a 5% commission on all winning Banker bets.
Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.
While the Tie bet offers a tempting 8 to 1 payout, the true odds of a tie occurring are roughly 9.5 to 1.
Quick Reference Guide to Baccarat
Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5). The Banker Bet: Pays 1 to 1, minus a 5% casino commission. House Edge is 1.06%. The mathematically superior bet. No Skill Required: The dealer handles all the drawing rules. You only make one choice before the cards are dealt. Mini-Baccarat: A faster, lower-limit version played on a smaller table. Perfect for beginners to learn the flow.
The Two Most Popular Card Games
MetricThe Game of SkillThe Game of Chance Mathematical EdgeHighly dependent on player skillStatic, locked in by the rules of the game Mental EffortHigh focus required to avoid expensive mistakesRelaxed; sit back and watch the cards flip Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed
Baccarat is the ultimate paradox of the casino: it looks incredibly sophisticated but is actually the easiest game in the building.
Find a low-limit "Mini-Baccarat" table, place your $10 on the Banker circle, and experience the easiest game in Vegas.
Whether you play live in a casino or online from your couch, Baccarat is an essential experience for any gambler.