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. The game's low house advantage and simple gameplay make it a fantastic choice for anyone visiting a casino.

The Objective and Basic Rules
Baccarat is a comparing card game played between two hands: the "Player" and the "Banker". Your goal is to correctly predict which of the two hands will get a point total nearer to 9. You can bet on the Player's hand to win, the Banker's hand to win, or casino for the hands to Tie.

Scoring the Hands

Cards 2-9: Count as their printed numerical value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): These cards have no point value. Aces: Are worth 1 point.

Hand totals are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total is a two-digit number, only the second digit is used. For example, casino a hand consisting of a 7 and an 8 is not 15, but 5. A "natural" is a two-card hand totaling 8 or 9, casino and it is an automatic win unless both hands are a natural of the same value (a tie).

Understanding Your Options
After you make your wager, the rest of the game is on autopilot. The dealer handles everything according to strict "tableau" rules. Understanding these three bets is key to playing smart.

Option House Edge Notes

Bet on Banker ~1.06% The Banker hand has a slight mathematical advantage, making this the optimal bet even with the commission.

Bet on Player Around 1.24% This wager is almost as good as the Banker bet and is a perfectly acceptable choice.

Bet on a Tie Very Poor (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 optimal strategy for baccarat couldn't be easier: casino always wager on the Banker. It might seem repetitive, but it is the mathematically soundest way to play the game. With its elegant pace and player-friendly odds, it's easy to see why baccarat remains so popular.