How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the most easy-to-play and fun games in online casinos. Many players love it because it carries a low house edge, while others are attracted mostly because of the glamour of Baccarat and its reputation as a sexy game.

Baccarat was a favorite of the French upper classes, who knew the game as “chemin de fer,” for centuries. It is still one of the fanciest games in land-based casinos. In Las Vegas casinos, for example, Baccarat rooms are usually closed off by a velvet rope, VIP service, and beautiful crystal chandeliers dangling above the table.

Baccarat is played between the player and the banker (dealer). Additional players wager on whether the banker or the player will win, or if the game will result in a tie.

The objective of Baccarat is to get a hand total as close to 9 as possible. Tens and face cards count as zero points, aces are worth 1 point, and number cards are worth their face value. If the total is double digits (over 10), only the second digit counts (e.g., a total of 16 counts as 6).

The game starts when the player and banker are each dealt two cards. If either has a total of 8 or 9—a “natural”—that hand wins immediately. If not, specific rules determine whether a third card is drawn for the player and/or banker.

Baccarat Strategy

What is the best strategy for playing online baccarat? Everyone has their own approach, but consider these 5 key tips before and during your game:

• Choose games using the fewest decks possible.
• Look for casinos charging less than 5% commission on banker bets.
• Bet on the banker, as it offers the lowest house edge.
• Practice good money management: don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Create your own baccarat system rather than following others.