Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it's actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. It offers some of the best odds in the casino and requires very little strategy, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.

How to Play Baccarat
The game involves a simple comparison between two hands, the "Player" and the "Banker". The aim is to wager on the hand—Player or Banker—that will end up with a higher score. There are three possible bets: Player, Banker, or casino Tie.

Card Values in Baccarat

Cards 2-9: These cards hold their pip value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, casino and Kings (Face Cards): All have a value of 0. Aces: Are worth 1 point.

The score of a hand casino is the rightmost digit of the sum of the cards. A 7 and an 8 would total 15, so the hand's value is 5. A starting hand of 8 or 9 is a "natural" and the best possible hand.

Understanding Your Options
Your involvement ends after you place your bet. The game proceeds based on a predetermined set of drawing rules. Let's examine the three wagers and their associated odds.

Bet Expected Loss What to Know

Bet on Banker ~1.06% This is statistically the best bet in baccarat. It wins slightly more often than the Player bet. Winning Banker bets are subject to a 5% commission, but it's still the most favorable wager.

Player Very Low (1.24%) This wager is almost as good as the Banker bet and is a perfectly acceptable choice.

Tie ~14.36% While the 8-to-1 payout is tempting, the Tie bet has a massive house edge and is one of the worst bets in the entire casino. It should be avoided by serious players.

The clear strategy in baccarat is simple: consistently bet on the Banker. It might seem repetitive, but it is the mathematically soundest way to play the game. Baccarat's combination of simplicity, low house edge, and suspense makes it a timeless classic.