Baccarat for Beginners: Rules, Bets, and House Edge Explained

Quick answer:

• Best bet: Banker. It has about a 1.06% house edge in standard games.
• Avoid: Tie. At 8:1 it often has about a 14% house edge.
• Rules load: You do not need to learn the third‑card rules. The dealer applies them.
• Start smart: Pick low limits. Set a budget and time limit before you sit down.

What is baccarat? The game in 60 seconds

Baccarat is a simple card game. You bet on which hand will be closer to 9. The two main hands are called Player and Banker. You can also bet on a Tie.

Cards 2–9 are face value. 10, J, Q, K count as 0. Aces count as 1. If a hand goes over 9, only the last digit counts. For example, 7 + 8 = 15, which counts as 5.

Your goal is to pick the hand that will end with the higher total (closest to 9). You place a chip on Player, Banker, or Tie. The dealer deals the cards and pays the winners.

Want a deep, math‑first view later? See the trusted baccarat math guides at Wizard of Odds: full rules and odds.

Table layout and bet types

A baccarat table has three main betting boxes in front of each seat:

• Banker – bet this if you think Banker will win.
• Player – bet this if you think Player will win.
• Tie – bet this if you think both will tie.

Side bets may also be there. Common ones include Player Pair, Banker Pair, Perfect Pair, or brand names like Dragon Bonus. Side bets have special paytables. They often have a much higher house edge than the main bets. If you are new, you can skip them. If you do try them, always read the paytable at the table or in the online game lobby first.

For a clear visual of a typical layout and boxes, you can check regulator and education sites like the UNLV Center for Gaming Research: gaming.unlv.edu.

How a hand plays out: dealing and third‑card rules

Here is the flow of one round:

1. You place your bet on Banker, Player, or Tie.
2. The dealer gives two cards to Player and two cards to Banker.
3. If either total is 8 or 9, that is a Natural. The round ends. Highest total wins.
4. If not, the dealer may draw a third card for Player and/or for Banker. The dealer uses fixed rules. Players do not make hit/stand choices.
5. The dealer totals both hands. The higher total (closest to 9) wins. Bets are paid.

Scoring is easy:

• 2–9 count as 2–9.
• 10, J, Q, K count as 0.
• Ace counts as 1.
• Only the last digit of the total counts (so 14 counts as 4).

About the third‑card rules: you do not need to memorize them. The dealer follows them every time. Still, here is a simple idea of how they work:

• If Player has 0–5, Player draws a third card. If Player has 6–7, Player stands.
• Banker’s action depends on Banker’s total and sometimes on Player’s third card value. The dealer has a fixed chart for this.

If you want to see the full chart and examples, read this clear guide: third‑card rules overview.

Payouts, probabilities, and house edge

House edge tells you how much, on average, the casino expects to keep from each bet in the long run. Lower is better for you. In standard punto banco (often 8 decks), the common numbers are:

Banker	1:1 (5% commission on wins)	≈ 1.06%	Best long‑term choice for beginners
Player	1:1	≈ 1.24%	Decent choice; a bit worse than Banker
Tie (8:1)	8:1	≈ 14.36%	Very high edge; avoid as a main bet
Tie (9:1) – rare	9:1	≈ 4.8–5.0%	Better than 8:1 Tie, still worse than Banker/Player

These figures come from detailed odds work by experts like Michael Shackleford at Wizard of Odds. You can see the math and exact assumptions here: baccarat odds and house edge.

Variants that change the math

• No‑commission baccarat: This version removes the 5% fee, but makes Banker wins on a total of 6 pay 1:2 (half). That change lifts the Banker house edge to about 1.45–1.46%. Always check the posted rule card at the table or the game info screen online. Example overview from a top live studio: Evolution Baccarat game page.
• EZ Baccarat: Instead of commission, a Banker win on a three‑card 7 is a push (no win, no loss). The result is close to standard Banker math. Exact numbers can shift by deck rules and side bets, so confirm on the felt or rules page. See official rules background: EZ Baccarat.
• Side bets: Side bets can look fun, but many have edges above 10%. Some are even higher. Always read the paytable and, if possible, look up the edge on an independent source like baccarat side bet analysis.

Decks used: Most tables use 6–8 decks. Edges change a little with deck count, but not enough to change the beginner advice above. If in doubt, ask the dealer or read the placard at the table.

Beginner strategy that actually helps

• Keep it simple: Bet Banker. If you want variety, you can mix in Player. Avoid Tie as your main bet.
• Set a budget before you play: Pick a session bankroll. A common plan is 20–40 “units.” If your unit is $5, a $100–$200 bankroll fits this idea. Stop when you hit your limit.
• Pick a unit size you can repeat: Your unit should feel small. You want many hands, not stress after one loss.
• Time matters: Faster tables mean more hands per hour. More hands mean more swing. Take breaks. Drink water.
• Skip betting systems: Systems like Martingale do not change the house edge. They can grow losses fast. They also hit table limits.
• Table selection: Choose clear rules, low minimums, and a calm pace. Watch a few rounds before you join.
• Know the fee: Banker wins pay 1:1 but often take 5% commission. Keep that in mind when you count your chips.
• Know when to walk: Set a stop‑loss and a time cap. If you hit one, leave. A plan beats a hunch.

Popular baccarat variants you will see

• Punto Banco (standard): Fixed third‑card rules. This is the most common form in the US, UK, and online.
• Mini‑Baccarat: Same rules as standard, but the table is smaller, and the pace is faster. Fast pace means higher hour‑to‑hour swing.
• No‑Commission: No 5% fee, but special rules on certain Banker wins. Read the placard.
• EZ Baccarat: Banker 3‑card 7 pushes. Often has branded side bets like Dragon 7 and Panda 8. Side bets are optional and usually high edge.
• Live Dealer + Squeeze: Online streams with real dealers. The “squeeze” is a slow reveal for drama. Check the provider and the rules in the lobby.

Where to play baccarat online safely

If you play online, use this simple checklist:

• License: Pick sites licensed by strong regulators. Examples: UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, AGCO/iGaming Ontario, or Nevada Gaming Control Board for land‑based rules.
• Fair games: Look for games from known studios and testing seals from labs like GLI or eCOGRA.
• Clear rules: The lobby should show table limits, number of decks, and any no‑commission or push rules.
• Fast cashier: Clear withdrawal rules, fair limits, and ID checks.
• Tools to protect you: Self‑exclusion, deposit limits, and cool‑off options. See examples on BeGambleAware and GamCare.

Not sure where to start? You can scan expert baccarat site rankings that check licenses, paytables, and payout speed. Note: if any links are affiliate links, we disclose them. Our views stay our own.

Glossary: quick terms

• Banker / Player: The two main hands you can bet on. They do not mean dealer or you.
• Natural: A two‑card total of 8 or 9. The round ends right away.
• Commission: A small fee on Banker wins (often 5%).
• House edge: The long‑term average the casino expects to keep from each bet.
• Shoe: The box that holds and deals the decks.
• Squeeze: A slow reveal of the cards, often in live dealer games.
• Push: No win, no loss. Your bet comes back.

FAQs

Is baccarat luck or skill?

Baccarat is mostly luck. You do not make hit/stand choices. The third‑card rules are fixed. Your skill is in game selection and money habits. You can pick low house edge bets, set limits, and avoid tilt. For the math behind this, see Wizard of Odds.

What is the best bet in baccarat?

Banker is the best in most standard games. Its house edge is about 1.06%. Player is close at about 1.24%. Tie is much worse at standard 8:1. If Tie pays 9:1, the edge is lower, but it still is not as good as Banker or Player.

Do I need to learn the third‑card rules?

No. The dealer handles them. It is like an auto‑pilot. If you want to see the chart later, you can. Here is a clear chart: third‑card rules.

What is the house edge for Tie, and why is it risky?

At 8:1, Tie is about 14.36% edge against you. That means you lose faster on average. At 9:1, the edge drops to around 5%, but that is still worse than Banker or Player. If you like Tie, keep it as a rare small bet, not your main plan.

Is no‑commission baccarat better for beginners?

It is not better or worse by default. It just moves the cost. The game pays even money on Banker, but special cases (like Banker 6) pay less or push. That change lifts the edge on Banker to about 1.45–1.46% in the common version. Read the rules at the table sign or in the online info screen.

Can card counting help in baccarat?

Not in a useful way for normal play. Experts tested it and found the gain is tiny and hard to use. You can read a full breakdown here: baccarat and counting.

How many decks are used, and does it matter?

Most tables use 6 or 8 decks. The house edge shifts a little with decks, but not enough to change the simple plan: Banker is best, Player is okay, Tie is poor at 8:1.

What is a safe bankroll for a $5 table?

A simple plan is 20–40 units. For a $5 unit, that is $100–$200. Pick a stop‑loss and a time limit. If you hit either, stop. This helps you avoid chasing losses.

Responsible gambling and legal note

Only play if you are of legal age in your area. Laws change by country and state. If you need help or feel you are losing control, please use these free resources:

• BeGambleAware (UK)
• GamCare (UK)
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
• UK Gambling Commission safer gambling

If you play online, make sure the site is licensed. You can check operators on regulator sites like the UKGC public register or the MGA licensee register.

Sources, author, and last updated

• Wizard of Odds – Baccarat rules, odds, and side bets
• Third‑card rules reference
• UNLV Center for Gaming Research
• UK Gambling Commission
• Malta Gaming Authority
• Nevada Gaming Control Board
• Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
• EZ Baccarat official information

Author: Alex M., table games analyst and former live dealer. Alex has taught game basics and bankroll skills to new players since 2015.

Fact‑checked by: Editorial research team. Odds verified against independent sources listed above.

Editorial policy: We do not promise wins. We focus on clear rules, odds, and safe play. If we recommend sites, we check licensing and fair rules first.

Last updated: 5 January 2026