Baccarat: All About the Baccarat Game

Table Layout

The standard, full-size baccarat table is as large as a craps table, but up to 14 gamblers can participate. Mini and midi tables are also available, but we will not cover them in this guide. The table is oval and covered in green or blue felt, on which the betting layout is displayed. The layout is straightforward, with clearly separated sections for the “Player,” “Banker,” and “Tie” bets.

The game is usually supervised by up to three casino employees, and players take turns dealing the cards from the shoe. Players may skip their turn as dealer if they wish. Of course, this applies only to baccarat games in brick-and-mortar casinos. When playing online baccarat, players simply choose among the three betting options while the cards are dealt automatically.

Valuation of Hands

When comparing the two hands in each coup, we use the sum of the values of the three cards dealt to the Player and the Banker. The term “Player” here refers simply to one of the hands; it does not denote the gambler who is playing the game. So, how do we value the cards in baccarat?

Cards from 2 through 9 are worth their face value, while 10s and face cards count as zero. Aces count as 1. However, the total value of a hand cannot exceed 9; therefore, its value equals the rightmost digit of the sum of its cards. For example, a hand consisting of a 5 and an 8 is valued at 3 because the rightmost digit of their sum, 13, is 3. A hand of 5-King-8 is also worth 3 because the King counts as 0. Hands valued at 8 or 9 are known as naturals.

Rules of Play

The game starts when casino patrons place one of three possible bets. Then, two cards are dealt to both the Player and the Banker, starting with the Player. A third card may be dealt, depending on the specific rules of the baccarat variation. If either hand totals 8 or 9, it is considered a natural, and both the Player and the Banker stand; i.e., they can no longer draw cards from the shoe.

Up to three cards can be dealt to each hand, and once both are standing, their totals are compared. The hand with the higher total wins. If both hands have the same total, the result is a tie; those who placed bets on the Player or the Banker have their stakes returned, while those who bet on the Tie win the coup and receive a payout of 8:1.

Third Card Rules

There are several basic rules that say when to draw a third card and when to stand. First of all, the Player’s hand takes a third card when it has a value of 5 or less. When the Player stands after two cards and the Banker has a total of 5 or less, the Banker receives a third card. If either of them, however, has 8 or 9, both hands automatically stand.

Things become a bit more complicated for the Banker when the Player receives a third card – several conditions determine whether the Banker also takes one more card. If the Banker has 2 or less, a third card is always dealt. If the Banker’s hand total is 3, it takes a third card unless the Player’s third card is 8. If it is 4, a third card is drawn if the Player’s final card is between 2 and 7. If it is 5, the third card is drawn if the Player’s third card is 4, 5, 6, or 7. When the Banker has 6, it takes another card if the Player has 6 or 7. If the Banker has 7, it always stands.

Chemin de Fer

This is the most popular version of baccarat in France, in which one of the players at the table is the Banker, while everyone else is considered a “punter.” The game uses 6 decks and is usually found only in land-based casinos. In this version, gamblers may choose whether to take a third card rather than be compelled by the rules.

Punto Banco

Punto Banco, or Player Banker, is a game that has become standard in most casinos across North America, Macau, the United Kingdom, Australia, and much of Europe. Usually, this version of baccarat is played with 6 or 8 decks, and all card-drawing moves are determined by the rules. In other words, the gameplay is automatic and independent of player decisions.

Baccarat Banque

This variation is similar to Chemin de Fer – players take turns acting as the Banker and may decide whether or not to take a third card. There are a few minor differences between the two games; the most notable is that, in Baccarat Banque, the Banker position is more permanent.

European Baccarat

European Baccarat is quite similar to Punto Banco, but players can decide whether to draw another card or stand on 5. The Banker’s hand is financed by the casino, and those who bet on that hand can also choose to draw a third card.

Mini Baccarat

Mini Baccarat is typically played under Punto Banco rules, but with two main differences: the baccarat table is smaller, accommodating up to seven players, and the betting limits are much more modest. This low-stakes game of baccarat is particularly popular among Asian gamblers and at online casinos.