Walking past a Baccarat table can feel intimidating, but it requires absolutely no skill or complex strategy to play.
In fact, Baccarat is arguably the easiest table game in the entire casino, functioning almost exactly like a simple coin flip.
The Core Rules: Banker vs. Player
The objective is to bet on the hand that you believe will have a total point value closest to the number 9.
If a hand's total exceeds 9, the first digit is dropped; for example, a 7 and an 8 equals 15, which drops the 1 to become a 5.
- The dealer distributes two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand
- Depending on the exact totals, a complex set of casino rules determines if a third card is drawn for either side
- You do not need to memorize the third-card drawing rules; the dealer executes them automatically
Exploring Different Types of Baccarat
While the core math remains the same, casinos offer several variations to speed up the game or cater to different budgets.
Another popular variation is 'EZ Baccarat,' which completely eliminates the annoying 5% commission on the Banker bet.
| Variation Name | Key Difference | Player Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Big Baccarat (Punto Banco) | High limits, massive table | Players physically squeeze the cards |
| Mini-Baccarat | Low limits, half-sized table | Fast-paced, dealer touches all cards |
If you want a low-stress game with fantastic mathematical odds, Baccarat should be your primary destination on the floor.