Baccarat Rules & How To Play – Step by Step Beginner Guide
Baccarat is one of the most popular card games found at both land-based and online casinos across the UK. Despite its reputation, this game is much simpler than many expect, making it a popular choice for newcomers who want to explore something different.
This guide is written with beginners in mind, offering clear explanations throughout. If you are interested in how baccarat is played or simply want to understand the key rules, this introduction is designed to provide an accessible starting point.
Rules can vary slightly between versions, so it might be wise to check the paytable before you begin. Read on to learn more.
What Is Baccarat and How Does It Work?
Baccarat is a straightforward card game where the aim is to predict which hand, ‘player’ or ‘banker’, will finish closest to nine. Two hands are dealt and compared at the end of the round. You choose your wager before any cards appear, and then the game plays out automatically. There are no decisions to make after betting, which may be part of the appeal for beginners.
Hands are usually made up of two cards, with a third card sometimes drawn under fixed rules. Totals follow a simple pattern: if a hand goes above nine, only the last digit counts. So a total of 15 becomes 5. Many online casinos present the action with clear on-screen totals, which could make it easier to follow along.
If you do decide to try your hand at baccarat, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Baccarat Rules Explained Simply
Baccarat uses standard playing cards and two competing hands, named ‘player’ and ‘banker’. You are betting on which hand will finish higher, not taking a hand yourself.
Card values work as follows. Aces count as one. Cards two through nine keep their face value. Tens, jacks, queens, and kings count as zero. When a hand’s total reaches double digits, only the second digit is used. For example, a 7 and an 8 add up to 15, which is treated as 5.
The drawing of a third card follows set rules rather than personal choice. If either hand totals eight or nine with the first two cards, this is called a natural and both hands stand. If not, the player hand draws a third card if its total is five or less, and stands on six or seven. The banker hand then follows its own rule set, which takes into account both hands’ totals and whether the player drew.
How Do You Place Bets in Baccarat?
Placing a bet is simple. At the start of each round, you select one of the standard options: ‘player’, ‘banker’, or ‘tie’. Some versions include optional side bets, but these are not required to play and come with separate rules.
Choose your stake within the table limits shown on screen or at the table. Minimums can be as low as £1 online, while maximums vary by table. Once bets are placed, there is nothing more to do until the outcome is announced; the dealing and any third-card draws are handled automatically.
Before you start, you could choose to review the paytable and table rules to see the betting limits, any commission on banker bets, and the odds for ties and side bets. It also might be wise to set a budget you are comfortable with, and avoid chasing your losses.
Step by Step Guide to Playing Baccarat
Here is how a typical round unfolds, so you can follow the action from the first deal to the final result.
Dealing the Cards
Two hands are dealt, one for ‘player’ and one for ‘banker’. Each receives two cards to begin with. In a live game, a dealer handles the cards; in online versions, the software or a live host does the same job.
Understanding the Hand Values
Totals are calculated using baccarat-specific hand values. Tens, Jacks, Queens and Kings are counted as zero, an Ace counts as one, and all the other cards count as their face value. Because only the last digit counts above nine, totals always sit between 0 and 9. For instance, a 9 and a 6 equals 15, which counts as 5. The hand closer to nine at the end of the round wins, unless both are equal, in which case the result is a tie.
When Do Extra Cards Get Drawn?
Third cards are drawn by rule, not by choice. The most important points are:
- Naturals: If either hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards, both hands stand and the round ends.
- Player hand: Draws a third card on 0 to 5, stands on 6 or 7.
- Banker hand: Acts after the player. The banker draws on 0 to 2. On 3 to 6 it may draw, depending on whether the player took a third card and what that card was. The banker stands on 7.
A simple example may help; if the player stands on 6 and the banker shows 3, the banker will draw a third card. If the player drew a third card that was an 8, and the banker shows 3, the banker stands. Most online games display a short summary of these actions as they happen, so you can see why a card was or was not drawn.
What Are the Payouts in Baccarat?
Payouts match the type of bet you chose. The three standard wagers are on the player hand, the banker hand, or a tie.
A bet on the player hand typically pays 1:1. If you place £5 on player and it wins, you receive £10 in total (£5 stake plus £5 winnings).
A banker bet often pays 19:20. With a £5 banker bet, a win would return £9.75 in total. This reflects a common 5% commission because the banker hand has a slightly higher chance of winning over time. The commission and rounding rules are shown in the paytable.
The tie bet pays more because it occurs less often, usually at 8:1. So a £5 tie bet that comes in would return £45 in total. Some games pay 9:1 for a tie, but that is less common.
If you backed player or banker and the result is a tie, those bets are usually returned to you as a push. Optional side bets, when offered, come with their own odds and conditions, so you might want to check the paytable for details before you get involved.
Common Questions Beginners Ask About Baccarat
Can I play baccarat online in the UK?
Yes. Baccarat is widely available at licensed UK online casinos and in-person venues. Licensed operators publish game rules and paytables so you can see how each table works.
Do I need any skill or experience to play baccarat?
No special skill is required. Your choice happens before the deal when you place your bet. After that, the dealer or software follows fixed rules to complete the round.
What is the minimum amount to play baccarat?
Minimum stakes vary by table and operator. Online tables commonly start from around £1 per round. Land-based venues may set higher minimums depending on the room and time of day.
Are there different types of baccarat?
Yes. ‘Punto Banco’ is the most common version. You may also see ‘Mini Baccarat’ or regional variants. The core idea is the same, but specific rules and side bets can change, so you might want to check the paytable.
How do I know if a game is fair?
Licensed operators use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) for digital games and trained dealers for live tables, with published rules and odds. You could check a site’s licence details and read the game rules before you potentially play.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
