Learn baccarat rules fast: Easy guide for new players

Baccarat has garnered an image of sophistication. The way it’s portrayed in James Bond films, for example, can make it seem like a game reserved for pros. However, it’s among the easiest casino games to learn. It all boils down to a simple guess: which hand will get closer to nine?

Baccarat is one of the easiest card games you can find at online casinos. It’s perfect for beginners to pick up quickly. You just need a good hunch paired with a strategic mindset. While luck plays a role, understanding baccarat rules, payouts, and some smart tips can make you a savvier player. Learn everything you need to know at Bitcasino.

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What is baccarat?

Baccarat is a card game played with two hands: the player’s and the banker’s, each having two cards. The objectives are simple: bet on a hand that’ll get as close to nine as possible. If the total value goes over nine, only the second digit counts. For instance, a hand with a ten and a five would only be worth five.

Each round has three possible results: the player wins, the banker wins, or a tie. It starts with placing bets on which outcome you think will occur. Then, four cards will be drawn. Those from the side you didn’t bet on will be revealed first, followed by the cards from the side you did bet on. If needed, third cards will be drawn to determine the final result.

Introduction to baccarat: Bets, payouts, and card rules

In baccarat, you always place bets first before the dealer deals cards. There will be specified areas on the betting table labelled ‘Player’, ‘Banker’, and ‘Tie’. You’ll place your chips on where you want to bet and withdraw winnings after the game.

Baccarat card values

Understanding the card values unlocks the core mechanics of the game. A hand’s value refers to the sum of its cards. If you don’t know the values of each card, you won’t be able to calculate the total of the hand you bet on and see if you won.

The cards themselves follow simple rules:

• Two to nine hold their face value
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) and 10s are worth zero
• Aces are worth one.

If the total value exceeds nine, only the last digit is considered. 

Main bets

Player bet

The player is a wager you place when you think the player's hand is bigger than the banker’s. This bet has less favourable odds than the banker bet, with a higher house edge at 1.24%. But the upside is that this bet has no commission, meaning you keep all your winnings.

Banker bet

The banker bet is placed when you predict it will have a better hand value than the player’s. This is the most popular wager in baccarat since it has the lowest house edge at 1.06%. 

There’s a 5% commission on each winning banker bet. This fee is collected once you leave the table. However, the rate can differ based on the casino rules and baccarat variation.

Tie bet

Betting on a tie means predicting that both hands will have the same value. While the payout is higher, the house edge is less favourable at around 14.36%.

Payout

Refer to the table below for the odds and payout of each bet:

A 1:1 payout means that if you win, you get your original wager back plus an additional amount equal to it. Meanwhile, if you win a tie bet, you get your original wager back plus eight times that amount. Keep in mind that payouts can vary depending on the casino.

Side bets

Many baccarat games offer optional side bets or bonus bets with higher payouts. You stake on them alongside the main bets before the round starts. These vary between game variations, but here’s a quick breakdown of five popular ones:

All red or all black

Bet on whether all four starting cards will be either all red or all back. An ‘all red’ win typically has a payout of 22:1, while an ‘all black’ boasts a payout of 24:1.

Bellagio match

Bet whether the banker or player will receive a hand with a three-of-a-kind. In card games, a three-of-a-kind refers to a hand with three cards of the same rank with different suits. When the player side achieves this, the payout is 75:1. Conversely, when the banker does, the payout is 68:1.

Lucky 8, Unlucky 8, Double 8

• Lucky 8: Wager on the hand you think will have a value of eight. Winning gives a payout of 4:1.
• Unlucky 8: Wager on the hand you think will lose the round with a hand value of eight, offering a payout of 8:1.
• Double 8: Wager on both hands when you think both will have a value of eight. It typically pays 15:1.

When to draw a third card

According to a casino baccarat rule, the player or the banker stands when they get a natural win. Otherwise, set rules dictate when a hand should hit and get a third card. 

Rules might differ based on the casino or game, so check the terms before joining a table. Here’s a quick summary of the general rules mostly followed:

For the player:

For the banker:

The flow of the game: How to play baccarat

Baccarat uses eight standard decks of cards. No matter how many players are at the table, the dealer only draws two cards for each hand unless declared otherwise by the rules. Here’s a quick overview of how a round goes:

1. Place your bet

All players must place their wagers before the dealer draws any cards. You have three choices: bet on the player, banker, or tie (draw). Note that the player’s hand refers to the hand dealt for the player side, not a hand you build yourself.

2. The round starts

After placing bets, the dealer draws two cards for each hand and adds the totals. The casino sets rules regarding payouts and dealing with a third card.

3. Wait for the results

The dealer then reveals the cards. All winning bets are settled before the next round begins, ensuring a quick pace throughout the game.

The possible game outcomes are:

• The player wins: When the player’s total hand value is closer to nine than the banker’s, those who bet on the player’s side win.
• The banker wins: When the banker’s total hand value is closer to nine than the player’s, those who bet on the banker’s side win. Banker wins typically incur a small commission for the house.
• Tie: A tie occurs when both hands have the same hand value, resulting in losses for the player and banker bets. Depending on the game rules, your bets can also be left on the table for another round.
• Natural win: When the first two cards dealt add up to eight or nine, the hand scores a natural win, ending the round.

Types of online baccarat games

Bitcasino offers a wide range of baccarat games to suit all styles. You can play classic table games with computer dealers or try live casino tables that recreate the vibe at brick-and-mortar casinos. There are also mini baccarat tables with lower minimum bets and no commission baccarat, with no fees on banker wins.

Whether you’re a baccarat high roller or a curious newbie, there’s a table for you. Keep reading to discover the exciting baccarat games available on our platform.

Mini baccarat

It’s a good idea for new players to start with mini baccarat tables. Here, the minimum bet is usually lower than in regular baccarat. Tables are often smaller and accommodate fewer players, which can be less intimidating if you’re just starting.

Mini Baccarat by OneTouch

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Mini Baccarat is perfect for a quick and easy game, with wagers between 0.50 USDT and 5,000 USDT. You play at your own pace, without any pressure from other players. You can take your time placing your bet and then watch the results unfold in seconds.

No commission baccarat

Feeling irked by the commission taken on winning banker bets in regular baccarat? Good news: no commission baccarat games are available in online casinos! This variation removes the banker bet commission, giving you a 1:1 payout on winning bets.

Baccarat No Commission by OneTouch

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Baccarat No Commission looks like a virtual baccarat table where you play solo. You don’t need to worry about keeping up with other players or feeling rushed. Plus, the game offers provably fair gaming where you can verify the randomness of each round.

Video table games

Video table games are computerised variations of the game. They run on software that executes the flow of the game, such as dealing with the cards and determining the winning hand. Unlike traditional baccarat, this variation doesn’t have a live dealer facilitating the game. 

Live baccarat

Live baccarat brings the casino straight to you. Unlike regular online tables, you’ll see a human dealer interacting with you in real time via live stream. The gameplay occurs in a studio that mimics traditional casino settings to create an authentic casino atmosphere.

Baccarat 1 by Live88

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Baccarat 1 lets you play live at the baccarat table, enhancing your experience with real-time action. In addition to the main bet, you can make side bets like Mystic 5, where you predict the results of the next five rounds, adding more thrill to the gameplay.

Other types of live baccarat games to try at Bitcasino include:

• Speed baccarat
• Lightening baccarat
• Squeeze baccarat
• High roller baccarat
• Dragon Tiger
• Baccarat Baruto
• Baccarat Supreme
• No commission baccarat
• Tao Yuan baccarat
• Triple Threat.

Baccarat tips for winning

Like any game of chance, there’s no guaranteed way to win in baccarat. Still, some tips can help you manage your bankroll and make informed decisions at the table. Check out five key tips to help elevate your baccarat gaming and improve your baccarat strategy:

Master the basics and practice

Start by learning the game rules, betting options, and payouts. Once you’re comfortable, explore different versions of baccarat online. Many casinos like Bitcasino offer demo versions of the game where you can practice and place bets for free. 

This is a great way to find a game and strategy that suits your style without risking any real money. However, switch back to ‘real mode’ once you’re ready to play for real money rewards.

Use the right betting strategy

To become a good gambler, you must know how to place smart bets and bounce back from losses. Savvy players often use betting strategies to score bigger wins potentially. 

The most popular betting strategy is the Martingale system. In this system, you double your bet after each loss, aiming to recover all previous losses with a single win. 

Avoid betting on the tie outcome

The higher payout may be tempting, but remember that the tie outcome doesn’t happen often. So, it would be wiser to steer clear of this option and go for the bets with higher chances of winning, like the banker bet.

Set your limits

Before you start playing, set a clear limit to resist the urge to chase losses. Always walk away when you’re ahead and resist the temptation to go beyond your budget to pursue more winnings. Prioritise responsible gambling for a more enjoyable experience.

Play smart and win big at Bitcasino’s baccarat tables 

Bitcasino is a great place to start your baccarat journey. We have various baccarat games with a wide range of betting limits. This means you can wager using your preferred amount for thrilling gameplay. 

Regardless of skill level, responsible gambling is the key to a rewarding baccarat experience. Set realistic goals, define clear limits before you start, and never chase losses when you play baccarat at Bitcasino. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is baccarat?

Your goal here is to guess which hand will have a total value closer to nine without going over. Card values are simple: numbers two to nine count as they are, face cards and 10s are zero, and Aces are worth one.

How to play online casino baccarat?

Playing online casino baccarat is easy and simple. You start by placing a wager, then you’ll predict whether the round results in a win for the banker or player or if it’s a tie. You’ll be automatically rewarded with the indicated payout if your prediction is correct.

Are baccarat rules easy to understand?

Yes, the main goal is to bet on whether the player’s, the banker’s, or both hands will have a total closest to nine. The rules for drawing a third card are predetermined and don’t involve any decisions from the player; the dealer handles everything.

What is the house edge in baccarat?

House edge is the casino's built-in advantage over players in the long run. Baccarat has a house edge that typically falls between 1% and 1.5% for player and banker bets. Meanwhile, the house edge rises to 14-15% for tie bets.

Words by: Stephanie Dela Cruz