How to Play Baccarat in 2025 – Baccarat Rules for Beginners
Baccarat is one of the best-known card games in UK casinos, thanks, in part, to its world-famous fan, James Bond. Baccarat rules and the game’s fast-paced nature make it appealing to both beginners and seasoned players since, unlike other table games, it does not require complex decision-making.
Learning how to play baccarat is simple and revolves around betting on three possible outcomes. No matter whether you’re playing an RNG or live dealer version, each game follows a structured set of rules and stages where cards are drawn and dealt by computers or professional dealers. As such, you can focus on the game’s fun, using our tips to make informed decisions.
What is Baccarat?
The Baccarat game is a classic card game that has been played for centuries and remains a staple at UK online casinos. It is a comparing card game where players bet on one of three possible outcomes – the Player winning, the Banker winning, or a Tie. Unlike poker or blackjack, where players make individual decisions that influence the game, baccarat rules make the outcome entirely based on chance.
The history of baccarat dates back to the 15th century, with its origins rooted in Italian and French gambling circles. Over time, it evolved into different formats, including Punto Banco, which became the most common version played in online casinos in the United Kingdom.
The game is commonly associated with high-stakes gambling and is often featured in luxury casino settings. However, online baccarat has made the game far more accessible to casual players, allowing players to set minimum stakes of between 50p and £1. Moreover, thanks to its low house edge, this card game is preferred by those who enjoy strategic betting without requiring extensive knowledge.
Baccarat Rules: The Basics of this Online Casino Card Game
The rules of baccarat are simple and structured, allowing you to learn it within a few rounds. There are two main hands in each game, known as the Player hand and the Banker hand. Unlike other card games, such as blackjack, participating players don’t receive any cards but must instead bet on the hand they think will reach a total closer to nine points.
A typical game of baccarat begins with two cards dealt to either hand. In some cases, a third card may also be dealt. Once the cards are dealt, the winning side is determined without anyone needing to stand, hit, or take any other action commonly found in other popular casino card games.
Baccarat Betting Options and Outcomes
Just like blackjack rules, a new game begins with players placing a stake. No matter which online baccarat variation you’re playing, you can bet on any of these three options:
- Player Bet: Wins if the Player hand has a higher total.
- Banker Bet: Wins if the Banker hand has a higher total.
- Tie Bet: Wins if both hands have the same total.
Helpful Tip: Each of the three baccarat bets features different odds, house edges, and payouts. If you wish to start playing without reading the rest of this guide, you should know that the Banker bet has the game’s lowest house edge according to classic baccarat rules.
Card Values and Scoring
For most players, the trickiest part of learning how to play baccarat is understanding the card scoring system. In any game, Aces are worth 1 point, 2s to 9s are worth their face value, and 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 0 points.
This means that a hand that contains an A and a 5 has a cards total of six points. Similarly, a hand containing a K and a 6 is also worth six points since Kings, like all other face cards, have no worth according to baccarat game rules.
If a hand total exceeds nine, only the second digit counts. For example, if a hand contains a 7 and an 8, while the mathematical total is 15, the hand has a value of five points. If a hand holds a 4 and 6, making a total of 10, the hand has zero points.
This unique scoring method ensures that no hand total ever exceeds nine points.
Helpful Tip: While you will find an explanation of the scoring system in any baccarat how to play guide, you don’t need to worry about memorising the calculation process. When you play online, it’s the live dealer or computer that makes the necessary calculations, so you can rest assured that the outcome is always accurate and fair.
Winning Conditions
A hand wins immediately if it totals eight or nine points with the first two cards. This is called a Natural win, and no further cards are drawn. If neither hand has a natural, the baccarat third-card rule determines if an extra card is dealt.
Step-By-Step: How to Play Baccarat Online
The best and quickest way to become familiar with the baccarat game and how to play it is with a practical example of a typical round.
Step 1: Placing Your Bet or Bets
Before the dealer distributes any cards, you must choose where to place your bets. The three betting options are Player, Banker, or Tie, and wagers must be made before the first card is dealt. Once all bets are placed, the game proceeds to the dealing phase.
Step 2: Dealing the Cards
The dealer deals two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand. Cards are usually dealt face-up in online baccarat, allowing you to immediately see the totals. Each hand’s value is calculated by adding the points of both cards, with only the last digit counting if the total exceeds 9.
Step 3: Checking for a Natural Win
If either the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9, the round ends immediately. This is known as a Natural Win, meaning no further cards are drawn. If neither hand has a natural, the game continues with the third-card rule.
Step 4: Applying the Third Card Rule
If neither hand has a natural, a third card may be drawn according to baccarat drawing rules.
Step 5: Determining the Winner
Once all cards are dealt, the hand with a total closest to 9 wins the round. If both hands have the same total, the Tie bet wins.
Helpful Tip: If you’re new to the game, it’s best to start with virtual tables to allow you to learn what are the basic rules of baccarat at your own pace. Many of the best baccarat online casinos use this format. When you’re confident, you can progress to faster-paced live formats available on the same platforms.
Payouts and Baccarat Odds
An important part of learning how to play the baccarat card game is being aware of standard payouts and odds for each of the three main bets.
| Bet Type | Payout | Odds of Winning | House Edge |
| Banker | 1:1 (with a 5% commission) | 45.86% | 1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | 44.62% | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 or 9:1 | 9.52% | 14.4% |
Most baccarat rules dictate that a 5% commission is taken from winning Banker bets. This means that, if you wager £1 on the Banker and you win, your payout will be £1.95 instead of £2. Nevertheless, despite this fee, this remains the best betting option of the three according to mathematical studies.
How to Play Baccarat in Casino with No Commission
No Commission Baccarat eliminates the 5% commission typically deducted from winning Banker bets. As a result, successful Banker bets are paid 1:1, the same as a winning bets on the Player.
However, to compensate for the removal of this commission, the payout structure changes. If the Banker wins with a total of six points, the payout is reduced to 0.5:1 instead of 1:1. This adjustment increases the house edge as outlined below.
| Bet Type | Payout when winning with six points | Payout when not winning with six points |
| Classic Banker Bet | 1:1 (with a 5% commission) | 1:1 (with a 5% commission) |
| No Commission Banker Bet | 0.5:1 | 1:1 |
The house edge in No Commission Baccarat is higher on the Banker than it is in the classic version. As a result, playing such a variant is not recommended if you’re looking for the best baccarat odds.
The Baccarat Third Card Rule Explained
While there aren’t many baccarat card game rules to learn, they are generally more complex than other games, such as roulette rules. Understanding when an extra card is drawn can be one of the trickiest aspects for beginners, but the explanation below simplifies it.
If neither the Player nor the Banker achieves a Natural win, a set of predefined conditions dictate whether an additional card is dealt to either hand. The Player hand is resolved first, followed by the Banker hand, which follows a more detailed baccarat rules chart.
Player’s Third Card Rule
The Player hand receives the third card if the hand’s total is between zero and five points. If the total is six or seven points, the Player stands.
Banker’s Third Card Rule
If the Player hand stands, the Bank hand only draws if its total is between zero and five points. However, according to the baccarat game rules, if the Player draws a third card is drawn by the Banker in specific situations as outlined below.
| Banker’s Hand Point Total | Banker Draws a Third Card When Player’s Additional Card Is | Banker Stands if Player’s Additional Card is |
| 0-2 | Always draws a third card | N/A |
| 3 | 0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10 | 8 |
| 4 | 2-3-4-5-6-7 | 0-1-8-9-10 |
| 5 | 4-5-6-7 | 0-1-2-3-8-9-10 |
| 6 | 6-7 | 0-1-2-3-4-5-8-9-10 |
| 7 | N/A | Always stands |
How to Play Online Baccarat Variants
Baccarat has several variations, each with unique rules and gameplay. While the core objective remains the same, some versions offer additional decision-making or betting options. Below are the most common variants you’ll come across at top UK online casinos.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is the most widely played version of baccarat, particularly in online casinos. It’s considered to be the official version upon which the rules of baccarat are based. The casino always deals the cards and the rules for drawing the third card are predetermined. As a result, player decisions don’t influence the outcome so the game is entirely based on chance.
Chemin de Fer
This version of baccarat offers a more interactive experience, allowing players to take turns as the Banker. Instead of the casino managing all wagers, the Banker is responsible for covering bets made by other participants. Unlike Punto Banco, players have the option to request an extra card, adding a strategic layer.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is similar to Chemin de Fer but features a fixed Banker. The Banker position does not rotate but is instead assigned to a player for a set number of rounds. This version allows betting on two separate Player hands, offering more opportunities for strategic decisions compared to standard baccarat.
Mini Baccarat
Mini Baccarat is a lower-stakes version of traditional baccarat, often played at a smaller table. The game follows the same rules as Punto Banco but features faster rounds and lower minimum bets. Online Mini Baccarat is popular among casual players looking for a quick and simplified gaming experience without large bankroll requirements.
Baccarat Side Bets
Along with the three standard bets you can place in classic baccarat, many variants offer optional side bets that provide higher potential payouts. However, while they offer bigger payouts, they also feature a higher house edge.
- Player Pair / Banker Pair: Wins if the first two cards of the chosen hand form a pair (e.g., two Kings) and pays 11:1.
- Perfect Pair: Wins if the first two cards of a hand are an identical rank and suit (e.g., two 8♦) and pays 25:1.
- Either Pair: Pays if either the Player or Banker hand forms a pair and pays 5:1.
- Big / Small Bet: Wins if the total number of cards dealt in a round is four (small) or five or six (big), paying out 3:2 for small and 2:1 for big.
- Dragon Bonus: Pays if the chosen hand wins by a large margin (e.g., 8 or 9 points). Payouts range from 1:1 to 30:1, depending on the difference in hand totals.
- Lucky 6: Pays when the Banker wins with a total of six. Normally pays 12:1, but if the Banker wins with three cards, the payout is 20:1.
Using Baccarat Rules and Strategy
While baccarat is a game of chance, some strategies can help manage your bets and enjoy a better gaming experience. The following strategies focus on making informed betting choices and reducing losses while playing online.
Simply Place a Bet on the Banker
The Banker bet has the game’s smallest house edge (1.06%) and statistically wins 45.86% of the time. Even with the 5% commission, this bet is still the safest option and is the bet of choice amongst players using the Martingale System. If you’re unsure where to bet, consistently choosing the Banker gives you the best chance of winning.
Don’t Bet on a Tie
The Tie bet offers an attractive 8:1 or 9:1 payout, but it has a very high, 14.4% house edge. Since ties occur less than 10% of the time, betting on a Tie is risky. Most experienced players avoid this bet due to its poor odds, and you should too if you want to learn how to play baccarat and win more often.
Look out for Casino Bonuses
Promotions are a simple way to boost your bankroll without increasing your risk. Casino bonuses come in various forms, and while most are geared towards slot games, it’s possible to find ones specific to either RNG or live dealer baccarat. Always check the offer’s terms to ensure you can fulfil the necessary requirements and check the validity period before claiming it.
Manage Your Bankroll
Baccarat rounds move quickly, so it’s important to set a budget before playing. Sticking to a predetermined bankroll prevents overspending and makes gambling responsibly simpler. Some players also use a stop-loss strategy, quitting the session once they reach a specific loss limit.
Use Any Betting System Cautiously
If you’re familiar with roulette strategy or other even-money betting systems, you might wish to implement strategies like Martingale, Fibonacci, or Paroli to structure your baccarat bets. While these systems can help manage losses, they don’t change the odds of the game. It’s, therefore, important to be cautious as increasing your bets after losses can lead to big financial risks.
Conclusion
Learning how to play baccarat is a relatively simple and engaging process that should not take you more than an hour. By understanding the basic rules of the game, its betting options, and proven strategies, you can make more informed decisions while enjoying the game from anywhere.
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