Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it’s actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. It offers some of the best odds in the casino and requires very little strategy, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.

The Objective and Basic Rules
The game involves a simple comparison between two hands, the “Player” and the “Banker”. Your goal is to correctly predict which of the two hands will get a point total nearer to 9. There are three possible bets: Player, Banker, or Tie.

How Points are Calculated

Cards 2-9: Are worth their face value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): Are worth zero points. Aces: An Ace is valued at 1.

Hand totals are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total is a two-digit number, only the second digit is used. A 7 and an 8 would total 15, so the hand’s value is 5. If the Player or Banker is dealt a total of 8 or casino 9 on the first two cards, it’s called a “natural” and the round ends.

The Three Bets and Their Odds
After you make your wager, the rest of the game is on autopilot. The dealer handles everything according to strict “tableau” rules. Understanding these three bets is key to playing smart.

Wager Type Expected Loss Notes

Bet on Banker Just over 1% This is statistically the best bet in baccarat. It wins slightly more often than the Player bet. Winning Banker bets are subject to a 5% commission, but it’s still the most favorable wager.

Bet on Player Very Low (1.24%) A very solid bet with only a slightly higher house edge than the Banker. There is no commission taken on Player wins.

The Tie Bet ~14.36% The high payout of 8:1 or 9:1 is designed to attract players, casino but the odds are terrible. This is considered a sucker bet.

If you want to play with the best possible odds, your strategy should be to bet on the Banker every time. While this may not be the most exciting approach, it gives you the best mathematical chance of winning over the long term. With its elegant pace and player-friendly odds, it’s easy to see why baccarat remains so popular.