Baccarat originated in Italy in the 1400s, made its way to French casinos, and is now available everywhere. The name comes from “zero” because face cards and tens are worth nothing.
It’s popular because it’s easy: you bet on the “Player,” the “Banker,” or a tie, and whoever gets closest to 9 wins. There are no complicated rules and no big decisions.
In this guide, I’ll show you what baccarat is, the basics of how baccarat works, some strategies, and tips for playing online. By the end, you’ll know enough to jump in and give it a shot.
What Is Baccarat?
What’s Baccarat, you ask? Baccarat is a game where you bet on which hand will get closest to 9. No strategy; just place your stake and see. It’s like a coin flip but with cards and a bit of glamour.
Two hands, each with two cards, are dealt. A third card is sometimes drawn based on fixed rules (the dealer handles this). Place a bet before the cards are dealt, and guess who’ll win.
In baccarat, card values are simple:
- 2 through 9 are worth their face value.
- Tens and face cards are worth zero.
- Aces are worth one.
The first digit is dropped if a hand’s total goes above 9. For example, 7 + 8 = 15 becomes 5.
The betting options are straightforward:
- Bet on the Player: You get a 1:1 payout if their hand wins.
- Bet on the Banker: Slightly better odds, but the casino takes a 5% commission.
- Bet on a Tie: Rare and risky, but pays 8:1. Pro tip: don’t count on this one too often.
Baccarat Explained: How It Works
At its core, the game is all about numbers and a few easy casino baccarat rules. You can calculate a hand’s total by adding the card values. You drop the first digit if the total is over 9 (e.g., 14 becomes 4). Let’s break it down step by step:
- Before dealing cards, decide where to place your wager: Player, Banker, or Tie.
- Two cards are dealt to both the Player and the Banker.
- If either hand totals 8 or 9, it’s called a “Natural,” and the game ends there.
- If no Natural occurs, a third card might be drawn.
- The hand closest to 9 wins. If it’s a tie and you’ve bet on it, you get an 8:1 payout. Otherwise, bets on Player or Banker are paid 1:1, with the 5% commission applying to Banker bets.
Quick Tips For Baccarat Beginners
Always bet on the Banker—it has the lowest house edge at 1.06%. Avoid Tie bets since the house edge is a steep 14.4%. While the dealer handles the details, understanding the basics of baccarat game rules will keep you in the running. Don’t forget to practise placing bets with 22Bet, as there are hundreds of baccarat options.
Basic Rules Of Baccarat
In Baccarat, you bet on which hand gets closest to 9. The dealer starts by giving two cards to the Player and the Banker. If the total calls for it, the dealer adds a third card based on the rules of baccarat:
- The Player draws with a total of 0–5 and stands with 6 or 7.
- The Banker follows specific rules based on the Player’s third card.
The hand closest to 9 wins. You focus on your bet while the dealer runs the game.
How Is Baccarat Played On 22Bet?
You can play Baccarat on 22Bet like in a casino, but faster and more convenient. You bet on Player, Banker, or Tie, and the goal is to get closest to 9. The dealer handles the rules, so you just focus on placing bets.
The main difference is that everything happens online. The cards are dealt automatically or by a live dealer. There’s no waiting for others to place bets or shuffle cards. You can play anytime, anywhere. Plus, 22Bet adds bonuses and unique game variations.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Play Baccarat Online
Play Baccarat online with 22Bet! Here’s a quick guide:
- Create an account at 22Bet and deposit funds. Go to the live casino or table games.
- Find a baccarat table that suits you. You can play classic, mini or live dealer baccarat. Choose one, and you’re ready to play.
- Place your bet. You’ll see three options: Player, Banker or Tie. Place your chips. Start with a small bet on the Banker to keep it simple.
- The dealer deals two cards to each player and the banker. If either hand totals 8 or 9, the game ends. If not, the dealer draws a third card based on fixed rules.
- The hand closest to 9 wins. If you bet on the Player and they win, you’ll earn a 1:1 payout. A winning Banker bet also pays 1:1 but comes with a small 5% commission. A winning Tie pays 8:1 but with a much more considerable risk.
Online Baccarat Strategy
If you’ve ever faced losses in Baccarat, I have some good news: some strategies can help you. While Baccarat is primarily a game of chance, you can improve your odds with a few tips and a baccarat online strategy. Here are some of the “how to play online baccarat like a pro” strategies I like the most:
Stick With The Banker Bet
If you want to keep things simple, always bet on the Banker. It has the lowest house edge at just 1.06%, making it the safest choice in most situations.
Avoid The Tie Bet
The Tie might look tempting with its 8:1 payout but don’t fall for it. The house edge on this bet is a steep 14.4%, which makes it one of the riskiest options in the game.
Use A Progressive Betting System
Some players swear by strategies like the 1-3-2-4 system or the Martingale. For example:
- In the 1-3-2-4 system, you start small and bet more after each win.
- You can double your bet to try and win back what you lost if you lose. These systems work best with a clear budget.
Play With Bonuses
22Bet offers bonuses to help you play casino games without spending your own money. For example, you can get up to €300 in bonuses for your first deposit.
Detailed Baccarat Card Game Rules
You’ve learned the basics, but now, let’s understand the finer points of the baccarat casino game rules. If you want to play better, let’s break it down like the pros.
Card Values And Scoring
Knowing how cards are valued is essential. In baccarat, card values are as follows:
- Number cards (2–9): Face value.
- Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) and 10: Zero points.
- Aces: One point.
To calculate a hand’s total, you simply add the card values together. If the total exceeds 9, drop the first digit. For example:
- 7 + 8 = 15 → Total = 5.
- Ace + 9 = 10 → Total = 0.
Dealing And Third Card Rules
In each round, the dealer deals two cards each to the player and the banker. Depending on the totals, a third card may be drawn. The rules for drawing a third card differ for the Player and the Banker.
Player’s Hand Third Card Rules
- Total of 0–5: Player draws a third card.
- Total of 6–7: Player stands.
- Total of 8–9: It’s a “Natural,” and the hand stands immediately.
Banker’s Hand Third Card Rules
The Banker’s third card baccarat rule depends on the Player’s hand. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Banker’s Total | Player’s Third Card | Action |
| 0, 1, 2 | Any | Draws a card |
| 3 | Any card except 8 | Draws a card |
| 4 | 2–7 | Draws a card |
| 5 | 4–7 | Draws a card |
| 6 | 6–7 | Draws a card |
| 7 | Any | Stands |
Winning The Rounds
The hand closest to 9 wins. If both hands have the same total, it’s a tie. Payouts follow these baccarat rules:
- Player Bet: Pays 1:1.
- Banker Bet: Pays 1:1 minus a 5% commission.
- Tie Bet: Pays 8:1 (rare but lucrative).
The Role Of The Banker And Player
Betting on the Player or Banker doesn’t mean you’re playing that hand or becoming the dealer. You just have to predict which one will win.
Effective Baccarat Strategies For Winning
If you want to know how to play Baccarat and win, this is your place to be. We’ve collected the best strategies from top players worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of the top Baccarat rules and strategy insights.
Bet On The Banker Consistently
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge in baccarat at 1.06%. The Banker wins more often than the Player because the rules for baccarat favour the Banker’s hand. Casinos charge 5% on Banker wins, but it’s still the most profitable long-term option.
The maths shows that sticking to the Banker is the best way to play. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to overthink their bets.
Avoid The Tie Bet
The Tie bet offers an 8:1 payout, but the house edge is 14.4%. The casino expects to keep 14.4 units on average for every 100 units you bet. Tie bets rarely win, so chasing this payout can drain your bankroll fast.
Winning a Tie bet feels fantastic, but it’s unlikely. Stick to Banker or Player bets and treat Ties like a fun side gamble if you’ve already had a good run.
Follow Trends, But Don’t Obsess
Many Baccarat players track patterns, such as Banker or Player streaks. These trends don’t guarantee outcomes but can guide your bets and make the game more engaging.
Treat trends as entertainment, not gospel. I think tracking streaks adds a layer of fun to the game, but remember that every round is independent. Use patterns as a baccarat guide while sticking to a solid strategy.
Manage Your Bankroll Like A Pro
Baccarat is fast-paced, and without proper bankroll management, you can quickly lose your funds. Set limits on your bets and stick to them to extend your playtime and avoid chasing losses.
I always tell players that the golden rule of gambling is to decide how much they’re willing to lose before they start and stick to it. For example, if your budget is €100, divide it into smaller bets and walk away if you hit your limit. Discipline is the key to long-term enjoyment.
Conclusion
Baccarat is simple: bet on who gets closer to 9. When you play offline, you get that old-school casino feel, which is great if you like live sessions. Online, it’s faster and easier, and you can play practically anywhere.
If you’re new to baccarat mechanics, follow the basic rules outlined in this article. You can check the detailed baccarat rules and game techniques to learn more. Play smart, enjoy the gameplay, and may the cards treat you well!
