Quick take: In baccarat you bet on one of three outcomes: Banker, Player, or Tie. Standard payouts are Banker 1:1 with 5% commission, Player 1:1, Tie 8:1 (sometimes 9:1). The math says Banker has the lowest house edge (~1.06%), so it is the best long-term bet under normal rules. Always check the table rules first.
Age and legality: Play only if you are 18+ (or your local legal age). Check if gambling is legal where you live. For rules and player rights, see the UK Gambling Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
This guide explains baccarat in plain words. You will learn the rules, the bets, the odds, and the simple math. You will see why Banker is often best. You will learn what to avoid, how to handle your money, and how to pick safe places to play.
We use data from trusted sources. For odds and math, see Wizard of Odds. For safe play help, see BeGambleAware (UK), NCPG (US), and GamCare.
Baccarat is a simple card game. Your goal is to bet on the hand closest to 9. You do not play “against” the dealer. You choose one of three bets: Banker, Player, or Tie. Then cards are dealt to the “Banker hand” and the “Player hand.”
Punto Banco is the most common form. It is used in many land casinos and online live tables. A small table is often called “mini-baccarat.” In mini-baccarat, the dealer controls all cards. The rules are the same, but the game is faster.
For a short history and glossary, you can read Encyclopaedia Britannica: Baccarat.
Only the last digit counts. If a hand is 15, it counts as 5. If a hand is 20, it counts as 0. This is like “mod 10,” but you do not need to do hard math.
Naturals: If a hand totals 8 or 9 with the first two cards, that is a “natural.” The round stops and the higher total wins at once.
Example: Player gets 7 and 5 (total 12 → counts as 2). Banker gets 9 and 3 (total 12 → 2). Right now both count as 2.
In most games (Punto Banco):
House edge (the casino’s long-term math edge):
Win chance (standard rules):
Source for odds and edges: Wizard of Odds.
Why Banker is best long-term: Banker has a tiny math edge over Player. The commission is part of the rules and is already in the math. Over many rounds, Banker loses less money on average than Player. Tie is a fun idea, but the math is bad for you at 8:1.
What if it is a Tie? If you bet Banker or Player and the result is a Tie, your bet “pushes.” You keep your chips. A Tie bet wins only if it is a Tie.
Walkthrough example:
Another quick one:
You do not choose to hit or stand. The table rules decide. Here is the short version you can learn fast:
Player hand:
Banker hand when Player stands (Player has 6–7):
Banker hand when Player draws a third card:
These rules are auto. You do not need to remember all of them to play. Dealers and software do it for you. If you want the full rule chart, see Wizard of Odds.
Some tables change how Banker wins get paid. This changes the house edge. Always read the sign at the table. Ask the dealer if unsure.
Regulated casinos post rules. For rule checks and fairness audits, look for seals from labs like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI.
Side bets can look cool, but the house edge is often high. Learn the math first and use them only for fun, not as a plan to win.
For details on common side bets and their edges, see Wizard of Odds.
Make a plan:
Etiquette tips:
Tax and law: Rules vary by country. For US players, see IRS info on gambling wins and Form W-2G at IRS Topic No. 419. For licensing checks, see Malta Gaming Authority register or your local regulator.
Try free-play first if you can. Learn the flow at low stakes before you bet more. When you pick a casino, use a short checklist:
If you want help comparing licensed baccarat options, https://www.casinoreviewbank.com tests payout speed, table rules, and live-dealer quality across well-known brands. They show pros and cons, explain any affiliate links, and put safe play first.
For player protection tools and advice, see the Responsible Gambling Council and Gambling Therapy. Set limits. Take breaks. If play feels out of control, get help.
Is Banker always the best bet?
Usually yes in standard baccarat. Banker has about a 1.06% house edge, the lowest of the three main bets. Always check the table rules.
What happens on a Tie if I bet Banker or Player?
It is a push. You keep your bet. Only a Tie bet wins on a Tie.
Do online and live baccarat use the same rules?
Most follow Punto Banco rules. Still, read the table sign. Check payouts, commission, and any special pushes.
What is the third-card rule in one line?
If no natural, Player draws on 0–5 and stands on 6–7; Banker draws or stands based on its total and sometimes the Player’s third card.
Is the Tie bet ever good value?
At 8:1, Tie is very bad (about 14.36% edge). At 9:1, it is better but still worse than Banker and Player.
What is the difference between Super 6 and standard baccarat?
In Super 6, Banker wins on a 6 pay 1:2 (half). This removes the 5% fee but raises the house edge on Banker to about 1.46%.
Can I count cards to win at baccarat?
In real play with many decks and normal rules, counting does not give a solid edge to most players.
What is a common minimum bet?
Online it can be as low as $1–$5. Live tables are often $10–$25 or more. It depends on the casino.
You now know the core rules, the bet types, and the key odds. Banker is best long-term under standard rules. Tie is not a good idea at 8:1. Watch for variants like Super 6 and EZ Baccarat. Manage your bankroll and pace. Avoid high-edge side bets. Start small and learn the flow.
To compare licensed sites and table rules, you can check https://www.casinoreviewbank.com. Practice first, and play only where it is legal. If you need help, reach out to BeGambleAware, NCPG, or GamCare.
Sources and further reading: Wizard of Odds: Baccarat; Encyclopaedia Britannica: Baccarat; EZ Baccarat official; eCOGRA; iTech Labs; GLI; UKGC; Nevada Gaming Control Board; Malta Gaming Authority.
Editorial notes: Last reviewed on 2026-01-05. Please confirm payouts and rules on the table placard. Gamble responsibly.