Mastering Baccarat: Rules and Basic Strategy

Despite its glamorous reputation, baccarat is actually one of the simplest games in the casino.

Your only real decision is deciding which side to bet on before the cards are dealt.

Understanding the Basics of Baccarat

The objective of the game is to bet on the hand that will score closest to nine.

Aces are always valued at one point, and the maximum possible score is exactly nine.

• You can bet on the Banker, Player, or Tie
• Winning Banker bets usually pay a 5% commission
• The hand closest to nine wins the round

The Banker Bet vs. The Player Bet

Mathematically, the Banker bet is the safest wager you can make on the casino floor.

The Player bet is also excellent, offering a low house edge of approximately 1.24% with no commission.

The Danger of Betting on a Tie

The house edge on the Tie bet skyrockets to over 14%, making it a statistically ruinous choice.

Smart players universally agree that the Tie bet should be completely ignored at all times.

Enjoy the elegance of the game without worrying about making a costly strategic mistake.