How to Play Online Baccarat (2025)

Baccarat Rules and Guides: How Beginners Can Play the Baccarat Game

Learn the basics of how to play baccarat games with BaccaratTraining. We offer a comprehensive introduction for beginners, explaining the core mechanics of baccarat. You will also find a breakdown of the basic rules, betting strategies, table layout, and dealing process with practical examples. This guide answers common questions like “what is baccarat” and “how to play it” and shows you how to play online baccarat on sites BaccaratTraining and improve your skills over time.

Baccarat Rules: Explained from Beginners to Advanced Player

In baccarat, your goal is to bet on the player, banker, or tie outcome and aim to win by achieving 9 points or a total higher than the opponent. However, the rules aren’t as simple as they might seem, and the question "what are the rules of baccarat?" requires a more detailed explanation.

To properly understand the game, you need to look at aspects like card values, how the cards are dealt, and the table setup. No baccarat guide would be complete without addressing these topics separately. Let’s start by examining the decks and the value of each card.

Decks and Card Values

In baccarat, the game is played with at least one deck, though casinos typically use 6 to 8 decks to discourage card counting. Each card holds a specific point value:

Aces are worth 1 point.

Tens and all face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 0 points.

The remaining cards have their face value (for example, a 7 equals 7 points). When adding points, if the total is a two-digit number, only the last digit is counted. For instance, if your first two cards are 9 and 5, the total is 14, but the hand's value will be 4 since only the second digit is used.

Dealing Rules: When Player or the Banker Can Draw a Third Card

Understanding “how to play a baccarat game” gets trickier when dealing with the rules for drawing a third card. Each round starts with both the player and banker receiving two cards. Whether a third card can be drawn depends on the role and the current point total of those cards. In certain situations, neither side is permitted to take a third card, regardless of preference. These third card rules differ for the Player and the Banker, so they must be explained separately.

THIRD CARD RULES FOR THE PLAYER

TOTAL OF FIRST TWO CARDSWHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE PLAYER?
8 or 9 pointsPlayer wins the game, the round ends.
6 or 7 pointsPlayer must stand (no third card).
0 – 5 points Player can draw a third card.

THIRD CARD RULES FOR THE BANKER

TOTAL OF FIRST TWO CARDSWHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE BANKER?
8 or 9 pointsBanker wins the game, the round ends.
7 pointsBanker must stand (no third card).
6 points Banker can draw a third card only if the third card of the player is 6 or 7.
5 pointsBanker can draw a third card only if the third card of the player is 6 or 7.
4 pointsBanker can draw a third card only if the third card of the player is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
3 pointsBanker can draw a third card only if the third card of the player is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
0, 1 or 2 points Banker draws a third card.

The key point to remember is that it must first be decided if the player can draw a third card. The banker’s actions are only determined afterward, and in most situations, what the banker does will depend on the player’s third card.

Table Layout

The table layout in classic baccarat is relatively simple. You’ll see three main sections labeled Tie, Player, and Banker, which represent the available betting options. When you place your chips in one of these sections, you are betting on that specific outcome. The card shoe and chips can be placed in various spots, depending on the table’s design.

In a physical casino, you will notice numbered circles on the table, indicating the players, as multiple people can play at once. For example, if there is a number 4 in front of you, it means you are player 4, and you should place your chips in the appropriate area. Additionally, a section in front of the dealer with numbers 1-7, called the “commission box,” shows the percentage of your winnings owed to the dealer, except when playing a no commission version.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Baccarat

Now that you know the card values and third card rules, let's break down the gameplay from the player's point of view.

  1. Place your bets: Start by placing your chips on Player, Banker, or Tie. You can choose more than one option, like betting on both Player and Tie simultaneously. If you’re playing a version with side bets, you’ll have extra betting choices.
  2. Get your first two cards: The cards will be dealt face up. In RNG baccarat, the game will automatically calculate your score. If your total is 8 or 9, you win, and the game pays you out. If not, move to the next step.
  3. Decide on a third card: Based on the third card rules, decide if you can draw another card. If eligible, take a third card and recalculate your score. If you reach 8 or 9, you win. In some cases, the dealer may also take a third card.
  4. Check the winner: The last card dealt will always be the third card. Compare your score with the dealer’s total. The side with the closest total to 9 wins.
  5. Receive your payout: If you win, you’ll be paid according to the bet you placed. Player bets pay 1 to 1, Banker bets pay 0.95 to 1, and Tie bets pay 8 to 1.

Keep in mind that these instructions are mostly for classic or straight baccarat. The version you choose to play might have slightly different rules or additional betting options. While the main gameplay won’t change, it’s a good idea to check the paytable before you begin to ensure you understand any other important aspects.

Betting Options: Odds, House Edge and Best Bets in Baccarat

As mentioned earlier, classic baccarat has three main betting options: Player, Banker, and Tie. Unless you’re playing a special variant, these are the outcomes you’ll bet on. Each of these has different payout rates, winning probabilities, and RTP (house edge). You can find all the details in the table below.

Baccarat Bets: Payout, RTP, and Odds

BET NAMEPAYOUTRTPHOUSE EDGEWINNING CHANCE
Player1 to 198.76%1.24%44.62%
Banker0.95 to 198.94%1.06%45.86%
Tie8 to 185.64%14.36%9.52%

However, there are additional betting choices in many games, known as side bets. These side bets differ significantly in terms of payouts, chances of winning, RTP, and house edge. For more information, we recommend reviewing our side bets overview.

Reading a Baccarat Scoreboard: What You Need to Know About Roads

In both RNG and live baccarat games, you may come across a section called a “road” on your screen. This area displays the history of the previous rounds, typically showing the results of the last 50 rounds, though this can vary. You can interpret the road using the following guide:

  • Red Dot: Banker wins
  • Blue Dot: Player wins
  • Green Dot: Tie

The road usually consists of a grid with six rows and twelve columns. By counting the dots, you can see which side has won or lost the most. Some players believe they can spot patterns this way, even though there’s no scientific basis for it. Similar to hot and cold numbers in roulette, some think that after ten Player wins in a row, the Banker has a higher chance of winning the next round.

The design of the road may change depending on the game, with the “bead plate” being the most commonly used. Other layouts include the big road, big eye boy, small road, and cockroach road. For a deeper look into these designs and how they function, check out our “roadmaps” section.

Baccarat Game Variations: Understanding the Differences

We’ve focused on classic baccarat so far, but there are numerous other versions of the game, each with unique rules. Our variations of baccarat covers them in detail, but here’s a summary of the main differences:

Top Baccarat Game Variations

How to Play Online Baccarat (1)

Punto Banco

Players cannot act as the banker, but they are free to bet on any outcome, including the banker.

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Baccarat Banque

Uses three decks. A player can become the banker and may choose not to compete against other players, betting only on themselves.

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Chemin de Fer

Played with six decks, allowing players to act as the banker, but they must compete against other players.

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No Commission Baccarat

Banker bets pay 1 to 1, with no commission unless the banker wins with a 6.

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EZ Baccarat

Similar to No Commission Baccarat, with the banker bet paying 1:1 unless the banker wins with a 7.

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Squeeze Baccarat

Cards are dealt face down, and there are multiple side bet options.

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Mini Baccarat

A smaller version of Punto Banco with a reduced table size and lower betting range.

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Midi Baccarat

Nearly the same as Mini Baccarat, but it supports up to 9 players and has a slightly higher betting range.

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How to Play Baccarat at Land-Based Casinos: Macao, Las Vegas, and Other Destinations

Aside from the versions we've already covered, baccarat has several regional variants that are available in land-based casinos across the globe. You’ll find different versions of the game in the top casinos in various countries. Here are a few examples of where you can try out these exotic options.

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UNITED STATES

Las Vegas boasts the most casinos with baccarat tables. You can find unique versions like “Las Vegas Baccarat” and “Stadium Baccarat” at venues such as Caesars, Venetian, and MGM Resort. The “Las Vegas” version is essentially Punto Banco with a minimum bet as low as 10 USD, while the Stadium variant includes special side bets like “Dragon Bonus” and “Pair Bet.”

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MACAO

MGM Macau and MGM Cotai rank among the biggest casinos in the area, and the most common game there is “Macau Baccarat.” This version is similar to Mini Baccarat, but it stands out because players are permitted to handle the cards themselves.

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SINGAPORE

Local players and tourists alike favor Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS). The most popular game variant is Three Card Baccarat, which includes a side bet where, if the first two cards are of the same suit, payouts are doubled.

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MALAYSIA

Resorts World Genting is the largest casino here (around 200,000 sq ft) and contains multiple No Commission Baccarat games with different rulesets about the payout of the banker bet & how the banker wins.

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MONACO

At about 200,000 square feet, Resorts World Genting is the biggest casino here. It features numerous No Commission Baccarat games, each with different rules on how the banker bet is paid out and how the banker can win.

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Baccarat Tips and Advises for Winning

Baccarat is a game that mixes both skill and luck, so there isn’t any strategy, technique, or “secret” that guarantees a win. However, focusing on key points can help you manage your bankroll, boost your odds of winning, and have a more enjoyable experience overall.

Play with a strategy

Even though strategies can’t ensure a win, they can be useful in many ways. Some help manage your budget and extend your gameplay, while others can give you better odds. It’s important to avoid relying on luck alone—playing with a strategy is essential. We have a dedicated page for baccarat betting strategies, but here’s a brief introduction.

Card Counting

Card counting in baccarat is a technique where players assign values to cards to estimate the value of those remaining in the deck. It becomes more challenging to apply as the number of decks increases, and because of baccarat’s specific mechanics, it isn’t as effective as it is in blackjack.

Martingale

The only action required is to double your bet every time you lose. While this strategy can result in a profit if your budget holds out and you don't reach the table limits, it demands a large bankroll, and there’s a high risk of going bankrupt.

Edge Sorting

This method, used only in land-based baccarat, requires significant skill. It involves trying to determine the value of cards by noticing slight physical variations on their backs. The legality of edge sorting remains uncertain, highlighted by a lawsuit between Phil Ivey and casinos, which ended in a confidential settlement.

If you are not sure, the banker bet is the best option

If you are not sure which bet to choose, always choose the banker bet. As you can see in the table above, this bet has the highest RTP and the lowest house edge. If you prefer the No Commission variants, you can also increase its payout to 1 to 1 (but keep in mind that these games may have different rules regarding the third card). In this context, we also recommend that you stay away from side bets, as their house edges are always high.

Practice with free games

Play demo versions to enhance your skills, test strategies to see both short-term and long-term outcomes, or just play for enjoyment. Don’t forget, BaccaratTraining offers access to a library of over 500+ free games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is baccarat?

Baccarat is a card game that originated in 19th-century Europe, offering three outcomes: player wins, banker wins, or a tie.

What is the aim of baccarat?

The goal in baccarat is to beat the opponent by reaching 9 points or a higher point total than the opponent.

What are the basic rules of baccarat?

Each side gets two cards to begin the game and checks their points. If neither hits 9, a third card may be drawn under certain rules.

How do you play baccarat for beginners?

Pick Player, Banker, or Tie, receive two cards, check your points, and draw a third card if allowed by the rules.

What is the third card rule?

This rule defines whether the player or banker can draw a third card.

Is baccarat easy to learn?

Yes, though third card rules can be tricky, the game is overall quite simple with just three betting options.

Is baccarat based on skill or luck?

It’s a mix of both, where skill matters, but luck is equally significant.

What is the best strategy for baccarat?

The banker bet is the best strategy, as it has the lowest house edge.

What are the odds in baccarat?

The odds are 44.62% for Player, 45.86% for Banker, and 9.52% for Tie.

What is the best bet in baccarat?

The banker bet is the best choice, offering a 45.86% win rate and a house edge of just 1.06%.

What is the best hand in baccarat?

The best hand is the one that gets as close to 9 points as possible.

Is there a secret to winning baccarat?

No, the game relies on a combination of skill and luck.

Why was baccarat banned?

Baccarat was declared illegal by the London High Court in 1886 because it was considered a high-risk game of chance.

How to Play Online Baccarat (2025)
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