If you observe the high-limit rooms of a luxurious casino, you probably noticed intense Asian high rollers gathered around playing Baccarat. Due to its famous connection with Ian Fleming's 007 and million-dollar bets, the game is frequently viewed as incredibly complex or strictly for mathematical geniuses. In stark contrast, the truth is that this card game is one of the most straightforward and most player-friendly games on the entire casino floor.

Understanding the Rules: Picking the Winning Hand

Unlike blackjack or poker, Baccarat requires absolutely no skill once the cards are dealt. The casino staff runs the math. The objective of the game is to place a bet on which of two hands will have a point total nearest to 9. There are only three possible bets: the 'Player' hand winning, the 'Banker' hand winning, or a 'Tie' between the two. You must remember that these names do not represent you and the casino; they are just the designations for the two spots on the felt.

The Weird Math of Baccarat and Baccarat Scoring

How you calculate points in this game is a bit weird at first. All standard number cards retain their pip value. Aces are always worth exactly 1 point. However, Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as zero points. The strange part is that your final score cannot go over 9. If you hit 15, you simply drop the first digit. For example, if the cards are an eight and a seven, the math equals 15. You drop the '1', making the final Baccarat score a 5.

• Always bet the Banker due to the complex third-card math.


• Due to its statistical advantage, the casino charges a standard 5% commission on winning Banker wagers.


• The Tie bet is a massive trap. The casino edge is huge of over 14%.


• Do not worry about the draw mechanics; the dealer does the math for you.

Comparing Baccarat Bets

To make the best mathematical choice, we have constructed a simple table that breaks down the odds, payouts, and house edge for the Player, Banker, and Tie.

In summary, Baccarat is a beautifully simple game that features the lowest house edges in the entire casino. By not worrying about past hands and simply placing your chips on the Banker hand, you can have an exciting time without learning difficult rules. Never forget: the Tie is a trap!