Baccarat Rules for Beginners, How to Play & Win

Casino lovers and card players have found a real treat for themselves in the form of the online game of baccarat. It is a very popular card game and has found an equal popularity among amateur and season players. The game of baccarat requires the right baccarat strategy to play, and that's all to raise the odds of winning, growing bankroll, and exhibiting good gameplay.

Baccarat is a game that is not only easy to play but also can be mastered quickly. This is the reason for its immense popularity at all casino tables and it is always among the top 4 games in casinos all over the world.

The baccarat game is very similar to blackjack when it comes to the gameplay and theme, but it is comparatively simple and exciting. This game is mainly based on luck and chance, but there are some baccarat rules for beginners and features that you must understand to play this game with more control and confidence that can increase your chances of winning. We will go through the rules and different aspects of this game in our blog.

Baccarat Rules for Beginners to Play Baccarat in 5 Easy Steps

Here are the basic rules that one must know before playing the baccarat game. Understanding these rules will give you a significant advantage while playing the game and you will be able to make an informed decision to play the game with confidence.

1st Step: Players Place Bets Choose

The baccarat game offers three different bet types: Player, Banker, or Tie. You can also choose to make side bets based on which cards come up. For those learning baccarat rules for beginners, understanding these basic bet types is the first step.

2nd Step: Two Hands Distribute the Front

The dealer will lay out two cards for the Player's hand and two for the Banker's hand. All cards are face up and visible to all. Regardless of the number of players at the table, only two hands are dealt and players cannot move during the game. This simplicity is a key aspect of baccarat rules for beginners.

3rd Step: If Either Hand Scores 8 or 9

It's Game Over A score totaling 8 or 9 from the two cards dealt is called 'Natural'. If the Player's or Banker's hands are worth 8 or 9, then the game is over as a win for one or the other, or a tie if they both have the same score. Recognizing a 'Natural' win is crucial when learning baccarat rules for beginners.

4th Step: The Hand Value Closest to 9 Wins

The winning hand is the one with the score closest to 9. If the player guesses correctly, winnings are paid out at 1:1 for a Player win, 1:1 minus 5% for a Banker win, and 16:1 for a Tie. Side bet odds vary from 1:1 to 200:1 depending on the bet. Knowing the payout structure is an important part of baccarat rules for beginners.

5th Step: Different Bet Types in Baccarat Game:

The most important thing to remember before you play is that there are three main bets you can make in a game of baccarat: Player, Banker, and Tie. This can be confusing at first because the player (you) and the banker (the house) are the two participants in any game of baccarat. Understanding these bet types is a fundamental part of baccarat rules for beginners.

"Baccarat is like betting on a coin toss," says Michael Shackleford, "with the Banker and the Player being the two sides of the coin. But there can also be a tie. Imagine the coin standing on its side - that's a tie."

Understanding the Baccarat Table Layout, Commission & No Commission Baccart

Baccarat Table Layout:

The Baccarat table is large and can fit up to 14 players. The table is divided into sections for each player. There are areas marked for bets: Player, Banker, and Tie. The dealer stands in the center to handle the cards and bets. Familiarizing yourself with the table layout is an essential part of baccarat rules for beginners.

Baccarat Commission:

This is a variation of the Baccarat game where a fee is charged for betting on the Banker's hand. In Commission Baccarat, this fee is 5% of the amount you win. For example, if you bet $10 on the Banker's hand in Commission Baccarat and win, you get $9.50. This commission helps give the house an edge. Understanding this fee is important when learning baccarat rules for beginners.

Baccarat No Commission:

In No Commission Baccarat, you don't pay a fee for winning Banker bets. However, if the Banker wins with a total of 6, you get only half your bet back. For example, if you bet $10 on Banker and it wins with 6, you get $5. Knowing the difference between Commission and No Commission Baccarat is valuable when studying baccarat rules for beginners.

How does Baccarat Payout Work?

Among the baccarat rules for beginners, One must know how the payout system of the Baccarat game works no matter which baccarat strategy you are using to play it. The following table describes the payout ratio and house edge for various betting options on the baccarat game.

Player Bets:

If the player's hand is closer to 9 than the Banker's hand, then you win, and your payout is double or even. What this means is that the winner wagers $20 on the hand and wins another $20, so you win a total of $40. Understanding Player bets is a fundamental part of baccarat rules for beginners.

Banker Bets:

Alternatively, if you bet on a Banker's hand and it wins, then you are paid even, minus 5% that goes to the house. So, if you put $20 on the Banker, you'll get $19 in winnings, while that $1 will be kept by the house. Knowing how Banker bets work is essential when learning baccarat rules for beginners.

Tie Bets:

Finally, we have Tie Bets. Making a tie means that all bets placed on the Player's and Banker's hands will be pushed, given that the result is a tie. In that situation, the hand is neither winning nor losing, and you can leave the bet, remove it, reduce it, add more chips to it, or switch it. Recognizing the implications of Tie bets is crucial for those studying baccarat rules for beginners.

Now, one last thing to remember about baccarat rules for beginners is that there may be state and federal taxes involved, so don't expect to get 100% of what you win, because gambling is regulated in places where it is legally allowed, and there are some rules that need to be followed.