Baccarat may look like a high-stakes game for the elite, but the truth is: it’s one of the simplest and most player-friendly casino games you can play. Whether you step into a luxurious land-based casino or tap into an online platform from your phone, baccarat welcomes you with easy rules, fast action, and strong odds.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before you play baccarat — including how the game works, what bets to place, how to manage your money, and which strategies can help you win more consistently.
What Is Baccarat?
บาคาร่า is a comparing card game between two hands — the Player and the Banker. You don’t compete against the dealer or other players. Instead, you place a bet on which hand will win, or if both hands will result in a tie.
The hand that comes closest to a total of 9 wins the round.
How Baccarat Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Place Your Bet
Before the cards hit the table, choose one of the following bets:
- Player hand
- Banker hand
- Tie
Some tables also offer side bets, but you don’t need those as a beginner.
Step 2: Cards Are Dealt
The dealer deals two cards to the Player and two to the Banker. If necessary, one hand or both may draw a third card, based on strict drawing rules. You don’t make decisions here — the dealer handles it automatically.
Step 3: Closest to 9 Wins
After all cards are dealt, the hand closest to 9 wins. If you bet on that hand, you win.
Card Values in Baccarat
Baccarat uses a unique scoring system. Here’s how the card values work:
- Aces = 1 point
- 2 to 9 = face value
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings = 0 points
If the total exceeds 9, drop the first digit. For example:
- 7 + 6 = 13 → score becomes 3
- 9 + 4 = 13 → score becomes 3
- 8 + 1 = 9 → perfect hand
Baccarat Objectives and Betting Options
You’ll see three main betting options in baccarat:
- Betting on the Banker
Most experienced players bet on the Banker. Why? Because Banker wins more often than Player — around 45.86% of the time. Even with a 5% commission on Banker wins, this bet offers the lowest house edge (about 1.06%).
- Betting on the Player
The Player hand wins around 44.62% of the time. It pays 1:1 like Banker, but with no commission. However, it carries a slightly higher house edge — around 1.24%.
- Betting on a Tie
The Tie bet pays 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino. It hits only 9.52% of the time, and the house edge exceeds 14%. Most professionals avoid this bet entirely.
Why Baccarat Is Great for Beginners
You’ll find plenty of reasons to love baccarat as a new player:
- Simple gameplay: No complex decisions required
- Fast action: Hands resolve quickly
- Low house edge: Better odds than most table games
- Low skill barrier: Luck plays a big role
- No intimidation: You don’t compete against others
Understanding Payouts in Baccarat
Here’s how much you win based on your bet:
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge |
| Banker | 1:1 (minus 5%) | ~1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | ~1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 or 9:1 | ~14.36% |
Remember: Banker pays a commission because it statistically wins more often.
Basic Baccarat Strategies for Beginners
You don’t need complex systems to win at baccarat. Use these simple strategies to gain a consistent edge:
- Stick With Banker
Start your session by betting on the Banker. It gives you the best chance to win consistently. If Banker loses, take a break and reassess before continuing.
- Avoid the Tie Bet
Many beginners fall for the high payout of the Tie bet. Don’t. It rarely hits and offers poor long-term value. You’ll lose more often than you win.
- Use Flat Betting
Wager the same amount on each hand. This approach protects your bankroll, avoids emotional betting, and keeps the game manageable. Don’t double down or chase losses.
- Watch for Trends, But Don’t Trust Them Blindly
Casino scoreboards show previous outcomes to tempt players into pattern chasing. You can ride streaks (like Banker winning five times in a row), but don’t let patterns dictate every decision. Treat each hand as random.
Bankroll Management Tips for New Players
Strong bankroll management keeps you in the game longer — and improves your chances of walking away with a win.
➤ Set Your Budget
Decide how much money you’re comfortable losing before you start. Don’t exceed that amount.
➤ Break It into Units
For example, if you bring $200 to the table, make each bet $5 or $10. This gives you 20 to 40 hands, which is plenty of time to enjoy the game and spot trends.
➤ Set Win and Loss Limits
Create a clear goal for winning (e.g., +25% profit) and a stop-loss rule (e.g., -30%). When you hit either, walk away. Discipline separates winners from gamblers.
Playing Baccarat Online vs. In a Casino
Online Baccarat
- Play anytime, anywhere
- Choose from low or high stakes
- Speed through hands quickly
- Try demo (free) versions to practice
Live Dealer Baccarat
- Enjoy a real casino feel from home
- Watch cards dealt in real time
- Interact with professional dealers
- Choose from VIP and low-limit tables
As a beginner, you should try both. Start online to learn the rules and pacing. Then, move to live baccarat for a more immersive experience.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Avoid these traps if you want a smooth and successful start:
Betting on Tie Consistently
The payout may tempt you, but the odds don’t support this bet. Avoid it unless you want to gamble purely for fun.
Chasing Losses
Doubling your bets after a loss (like in Martingale) often leads to large, fast losses. Stay calm, stay disciplined, and stick to flat betting.
Ignoring the Rules
You don’t need to memorize third-card drawing rules, but understanding them helps you follow the game better and make smarter choices.
Playing Without a Budget
Never play บาคาร่า without a clear bankroll. Casinos rely on emotion to drain your funds. Play with structure.
Quick Baccarat Glossary
- Shoe: The device holding the decks of cards
- Commission: 5% fee on winning Banker bets
- Natural: A two-card total of 8 or 9 (automatic win unless both hands tie)
- Punto Banco: The most common version of baccarat played in casinos
Final Thoughts: Step Into Baccarat with Confidence
You don’t need to be a high roller or expert card shark to enjoy baccarat. The game gives you solid odds, minimal decisions, and plenty of excitement. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll enter the game with confidence and control.
Start with the basics. Stick with the Banker. Avoid risky bets. Protect your bankroll. That’s how beginners become smart players — and smart players win more often.
