BACCARAT RULES

Learn the Rules for Baccarat

Baccarat is a game of elegance and simplicity and holds a prestigious position in the world of gambling. Because of this, it’s favored by high rollers and casual players alike. The origins of the game can trace back to Italy and France in the 1400s. The game’s objective is straightforward: players bet on which of two hands, the “Player” or the “Banker,” will have a point total closest to nine, or whether the outcome will be a tie. Baccarat stands out for its low house edge and uncomplicated rules. This makes it easy for beginners to pick up while still appealing to experienced players. Overall, the game’s distinct blend of chance, and easy play has cemented its status as a favorite in casinos worldwide. We’ll go into the rules for baccarat so you can become an expert in no time. 

Baccarat table

How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat is a classic card game and the rules of baccarat make it easy to learn. This makes it widely played in casinos around the world. The game has three main variants: Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque. The most popular variant found in casinos is Punto Banco. Here are the rules for baccarat (Punto Banco). This is the version that is most commonly played in most casinos:

Objective

  • The objective of Baccarat is to bet on the hand that you believe will have a total closest to 9 – the player’s hand (Punto), the banker’s hand (Banco), or a tie.

Card Values

  • Number cards (2 to 9) have their face value.
  • 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings have a value of 0.
  • Aces have a value of 1.

Gameplay

  • Players first place their bets on either the player’s hand, banker’s hand, or a tie before the cards are dealt.
  • The dealer deals two cards each to the player and the banker face-up.
  • If the total value of either the player’s or banker’s hand is 8 or 9 (a “natural”), then no more cards are drawn, and the hand closest to 9 wins.
Player
  • If the total value of the player’s hand is 6 or 7, then the player stands (no more cards are drawn).
  • If the total value of the player’s hand is 0 to 5, then the player draws a third card. The third card rules are as follows:
    • If the player’s third card is 0 to 7, then the banker’s third card rule comes into play.
    • If the player’s third card is 8 or 9, then the player’s hand stands, and the banker does not draw a third card.
Banker
  • The banker’s actions depend on the value of their own hand and the player’s third card (if drawn). The banker’s third card rules are as follows:
    • If the banker’s hand total is 0 to 2, then the banker draws a third card, regardless of the player’s third card.
    • If the banker’s hand total is 3, then the banker draws a third card unless the player’s third card was an 8.
    • If the banker’s hand total is 4, then the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card was 2 to 7.
    • If the banker’s hand total is 5, then the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card was 4 to 7.
    • If the banker’s hand total is 6, then the banker draws a third card if the player’s third card was 6 or 7.
    • If the banker’s hand total is 7, then the banker stands (no more cards are drawn).
  • After the final cards are dealt, the hand closest to 9 wins. If the player’s hand wins then bets placed on the player win. If the banker’s hand wins then bets placed on the banker win, minus a small commission (usually 5%). If there is a tie then bets on a tie win, and players are paid out at higher odds. However the bets for player or banker are returned. 
baccarat rules quick guide to hands

Rules for Baccarat Conclusion

Baccarat is a game of chance, and once the cards are dealt, players have no control over the outcome. Overall, the rules of baccarat make it a simple game with a low house edge. This has contributed to its enduring popularity in casinos worldwide since it provides an exciting gameplay and low house edge. 

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