Playing Baccarat is actually quite simple. The game itself is run by the dealer. They deal you two cards, and the aim is to get a score as close to nine as possible. All you have to do is place your bet on who you think will win.
There are a few rules in place, so it’s crucial that you understand them when you start playing Baccarat. Before we dive into those rules headfirst, we just need to cover the most important aspects of the game:
- Table Layout: The table is laid out as an oval; there are normally spaces for 15 players, although this can change depending on the version of the game. At each space, there is an option to bet on the player, banker, or a tie. Some games also offer side bets as well.
- Player, Banker, Tie: These are the three betting options for players to choose from. This is a bet on the player winning, the banker winning, or the game ending in a draw respectively.
- Card Values: An Ace is worth 1 in Baccarat, while cards numbered between 2 and 9 are worth their face value. The 10, Jack, Queen, and King are all worth 0.
- Third Card Rule: The third card rule comes into play if the player has a total of five or less. The banker will draw a third card, depending on the players score and whether they have taken a third card.
This card game plays out for online players in the following way. Firstly, the dealer will deal two cards to both the player and themselves — in online Baccarat, these cards are face up. If the player has a score of 5 or less, they will be dealt another card. If the player draws a third card, the banker will stand on a score of 6, otherwise, it will stand on a score of 7.
What’s most interesting about Baccarat is that if the player score goes over 9, the number in the tens column is removed. For example, a score of 17 would actually be worth a score of 7. If a score of 8 or 9 is created with just two cards, it’s known as a ‘natural’.
While players have access to three main bets (the player, banker, and tie), there are also other side bets available. The most common side bets are player pair or banker pair. This essentially means that when the cards are dealt out, the first two cards that are dealt out (to either the player or banker) will be a pair.
An example of this would be if you place a side bet on a player pair, and the player is dealt two Kings for their initial hand, you will win this wager. There’s also nothing to stop you placing a standard wager on the game, or even placing more than one side bet at a time. You can create any betting combination that you like.
The player or banker pair side bet usually pays out odds of 12/1, but some games can have different odds depending on the rules that are in place. If you win your side bet but lose your main wager, you will still be paid — the wagers aren’t linked, so you don’t have to worry if one of them doesn’t come in.
