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How to Play Baccarat Online?

Have you ever wondered how to confidently play baccarat and win, especially in an online setting? Been scared to try baccarat because you don’t know the rules? Then this comprehensive guide on baccarat’s rules, advice, and tips for success is for you.

Let’s start by exploring baccarat rules explained simply to build a strong foundation for your gameplay.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Learn the basic rules and objectives of baccarat to get started confidently.
  • Discover the differences and similarities between playing baccarat online and in a land-based casino.
  • Find out how to play baccarat in the best conditions with tips from seasoned players and experts.

Understanding Baccarat Basics

Baccarat’s appeal lies in its straightforward gameplay and low house edge, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned players.

Its origins? The game originated in Italy during the 15th century and later gained immense popularity in France. The game’s name, derived from the Italian word “baccara”, means zero, referring to the zero value of the face cards and tens.

Unlike other casino games that require complex strategies, baccarat is easy to learn and play, offering an exciting blend of chance and strategy.

The Objective of Baccarat

The primary objective of baccarat is to achieve a hand value closest to nine. Each card has a specific value:

  • Aces are worth one.
  • Face cards (K, Q, J) and tens are worth zero.
  • Numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) are worth their face value.

When the total value of the cards exceeds nine, only the second digit is considered (e.g., a hand of 7 and 5 equals 2, not 12).

Try the advice of one gambler responding to “Is baccarat beatable?” on Reddit:

All games require bet and money management strategy if you want to win. It’s not the same strategy as in BJ, where you decide to hit or not base on cards. That’s not the type of strategy is used in baccarat. It’s more of decision strategy of which side to pick.

From Reddit

Baccarat Rules Explained

The basic rules of baccarat, pulled from international baccarat standards and multiple casino handbooks, including Caesars International, are as follows:

  1. Objective: The goal is to have a hand value closest to nine.
  2. Card Values:
    • Aces = 1
    • King, Queen, Jack = 0
    • Tens = 0
    • All other cards = their face value (one = 1 / two = 2 / five = 5…)
  3. Initial Deal: Both the player and the banker receive two cards each.
  4. Hand Value Calculation:
    • The total hand value is calculated by adding the values of the cards.
    • If the total exceeds nine, only the second digit is considered.
  5. Drawing Rules:
    • Player:
      • If the total is 0-5, they draw a third card.
      • If the total is 6 or 7, they stand.
    • Banker: The banker draws based on a more complex set of rules depending on the player’s third card.
  6. Winning:
    • The hand closest to nine wins.
    • If both hands have the same value, it’s a tie.

You don’t need a complicated baccarat rules chart as long as you understand these basic steps.

Baccarat Drawing Rules

Baccarat drawing rules determine when a third card is drawn. 

For the player:

  • If their total is 0-5, they must draw a third card.
  • If their total is 6 or 7, they stand.

For the banker:

  • The rules are more complex and depend on the player’s third card.
  • Example:
    • If the banker’s total is 2 or less, they draw a third card, regardless of the player’s hand.
    • If the banker has 3, they draw unless the player’s third card is 8.

Baccarat Dealer Rules

Baccarat rules aren’t any simpler for the dealer!

  • Initial Deal: The dealer deals two cards each to the player and the banker.
  • Card Values: The dealer follows the same card values.
  • Third Card Rule for Banker:
    • If the banker’s total is 0-2, the banker draws a third card regardless of the player’s hand.
    • If the banker’s total is 3, the banker draws a third card unless the player’s third card is an 8.
    • If the banker’s total is 4, the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card is 2-7.
    • If the banker’s total is 5, the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card is 4-7.
    • If the banker’s total is 6, the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card is 6 or 7.
    • If the banker’s total is 7, the banker stands.
  • Bet Management: The dealer manages all bets placed before the cards are dealt and ensures they are placed correctly on player, banker, or tie.
  • Payouts: The dealer pays out winning bets according to the game’s payout structure (e.g., 1:1 for player wins, 19:20 for banker wins, 8:1 for tie).

These baccarat dealer rules, based on training manuals and professional guidelines from reputable casinos like Caesars International, ensure the game is played correctly and fairly.

How to Play Baccarat

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play baccarat, with an example of a real game scenario you might encounter in a casino.

  1. Place Your Bets: Before any cards are dealt, players place their bets on either the player hand, the banker hand, or a tie.
  2. Dealing Cards: The dealer deals two cards each to the player and the banker.
    Real Game Scenario: Let’s say the player receives a 6 and a 7 (totaling 3), and the banker receives a 4 and a 5 (totaling 9).
  3. Natural Win Check: If either the player or banker has a total of 8 or 9, it’s a natural win and no more cards are drawn.
    Real Game Scenario: In our example, the banker wins naturally with a 9.
  4. Drawing a Third Card:
  5. If the player’s total is 0-5, they draw a third card.
  6. If the player’s total is 6 or 7, they stand.
  7. The banker follows specific drawing rules based on the player’s third card (if any).
  8. Determine the Winner: The hand closest to nine wins.
    Real Game Scenario: Here, the banker’s total of 9 beats the player’s total of 3.

Example Game:

  • Bets Placed: You bet on the banker.
  • Cards Dealt: Player: 6 and 7 (total 3) / Banker: 4 and 5 (total 9).
  • Outcome: The banker wins with a natural 9.

Playing baccarat online or in a land-based casino follows these same basic rules and steps. However, some baccarat winning strategies exist if you want to maximize your earnings. It is the way advanced baccarat players play!

How to Play Baccarat Online

Online baccarat provides convenience, allowing you to play from anywhere at any time. It also offers a wider range of betting options and game variations. Find an online casino that offers baccarat (most do!) and get ready to play.

Consult our list of the best baccarat casinos for your next gaming session, you’ll be sure to find a reliable place to play.

Land-based casinos offer a more social experience, with the excitement of a live dealer and interactions with other players. Despite the differences, the core gameplay remains the same in both formats. Players still follow the standard baccarat rules sheet, betting on either the player, banker, or a tie. 

Expert John May, author of Baccarat for the Clueless adds:

Both formats have their advantages; online is convenient, while land-based provides a more engaging environment.

John May

Our Top 3 Tips for Baccarat Beginners

Starting out in baccarat can be exciting yet daunting. Here are our top three practical tips to help you get started confidently:

  1. Understand the Rules: Before diving into the game, familiarize yourself with the basic rules of baccarat. Knowing how the game works, the card values and the drawing rules for the player and banker will give you a solid foundation. Seasoned players always stress the importance of mastering the basics.
  2. Manage Your Bankroll: Setting a budget before you start playing is crucial. Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. This helps prevent overspending and ensures that you can enjoy the game without financial stress. Casino experts recommend using a portion of your budget for each session rather than betting it all at once.
  3. Choose the Right Table: Look for baccarat tables with favorable minimum and maximum bet limits that suit your bankroll. This allows you to play comfortably without feeling pressured. Experienced players suggest starting at tables with lower stakes to get a feel for the game.

For more baccarat tips visit our dedicated page.

So, Ready to Apply Knowledge of Baccarat Rules Into Play?

From our baccarat rules overview, you’ve got the basics down! Now, it’s time to start playing and try more advanced strategies. Use your new knowledge to enhance your gameplay and boost your confidence, whether you’re playing online or in a land-based casino, that’s a good start.

Ready to explore more about baccarat? Before playing, we recommend you learn more about baccarat odds. Click here to read our detailed guide on the topic.