Baccarat Rules Explained
Baccarat is a game of comparing two hands, the Player and the Banker, with the goal of guessing which hand will come closest to nine. Cards are dealt from a shoe, with rules that determine when a third card is drawn. The house edge favors the Banker slightly, and outcomes are typically simple to read for beginners.
In most casinos, bets are placed on Banker, Player, or Tie, with Banker often offering the best long run value. A standard payout sees Banker and Player wagers paid even money minus 5% commission on Banker wins; Tie pays more but carries higher risk. Understanding the draw rules helps you decide when to place bets and how to manage your expectations.
Core Betting Concepts
In baccarat, the Banker bet carries the smallest house edge, around 1.06 percent, while the Player sits near 1.24 percent. The Tie bet offers a much higher edge, typically around 14 percent, and should be avoided by most players. Bankroll management and bet sizing are essential components of a solid betting strategy.
Flat betting means wagering the same amount on each hand, reducing volatility and making it easier to track performance. Unit-based planning ties your bets to a fixed number of chips, helping you preserve capital during runs. Evaluate results over a sample of hands rather than chasing short-term outcomes to avoid irrational swings.
Effective Betting Tips
Set a strict budget and a maximum loss limit before you sit at a baccarat table or casino site. Start with small units and scale up only after steady wins, keeping overall exposure controlled. Favor Banker bets for value, but be mindful of commission costs that change the math over time.
Avoid chasing losses with larger bets, and take breaks to prevent emotional decisions. Use simple rules such as flat betting on Banker or Player to maintain discipline and clarity. Track outcomes, note patterns, and review results to refine your betting strategy without falling into hype.