Baccarat is a classic card game that has been around since the 15th century. It’s a simple yet sophisticated game and has long been popular with high rollers worldwide at casinos. Playing baccarat can be easy, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide on how to play Baccarat in seven easy steps.
Step 1: Know that You Can Bet on Either of the Two Hands
In the game of baccarat, the first thing to understand is that you can bet on either of the two hands. Player and Banker are the names given to each hand.
As such, many seasoned players suggest understanding the different versions of baccarat, the various rules that govern each version, and any other essential tips before placing your bet on either hand. Knowing how probabilities can sway your decisions can go a long way in establishing you as a brilliant baccarat player.
Being familiar with these basics, each player has a better chance of winning every time they step to the baccarat table.
Step 2: Know how Cards are Dealt
Knowing the mechanics of how cards are dealt in baccarat is just as important as knowing the rules. While it may appear quite straightforward on the surface, there are a few points of etiquette to consider and some distinct orderings when it comes to dealing with the cards.
Before joining a baccarat table, make sure you understand each player’s hand is determined by their own two-card hand and a third card determined by a predetermined set of rules. You also need to recognize that two hands are dealt—the dealer’s and the player’s—and that any bonus or special bets will also depend on these two hands.
Knowing these basics can ensure a smooth baccarat online or live game and help you focus more on enjoying the action rather than fumbling your way through common card-dealing issues.
Step 3: Announce the Point Total of Both Sets of Cards
Once both sets of cards have been dealt with, it is crucial to calculate the point total of each one. This process is fairly simple: the 10 and the face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are valued at zero points each, while all other cards make up their face value. The Ace carries a value of one point and, therefore, can be rather special in certain scenarios.
Once both the Player’s and Banker’s hands are calculated, the higher-scoring hand wins the included bet or bets placed prior to dealing. If desired stakes correlate with either hand’s total score, then a drawn game or ‘tie’ is called, and the ‘tie’ bet wins.
Step 4: Understand the “Natural” Win
Step four involves understanding what is known as the “natural” win. A natural win is when either the Banker or the player holds a score of 8 or 9 after their first two cards have been dealt, automatically winning the round without further cards being drawn.
Step 5: Determine whether the Player Gets a Third Card by Looking at the Point Totals
The fifth step in this process is determining whether the player will receive a third card based on the point totals they’ve accrued. This rule states that if the player’s or Banker’s initial 2 cards are 8 or 9, no third card is drawn, and the “natural” total of 8 or 9 wins.
However, if the player has 5 points or less, then extra cards can be dealt (unless the Banker’s single-card draw is a natural 8 or 9). Knowing when to use these rules, as well as others involved in learning baccarat, will prove invaluable as one navigates their way around playing other casino card games.
Step 6: Know the Rules Governing the Third Card for the Banker
Knowing the rules governing when the Banker hits on a third card during a game of baccarat is essential, as these rules can make a big difference in determining how best to approach each hand.
This sixth step of learning how to play baccarat casino online or live covers such topics as whether the Banker must draw a third card based upon their current total and certain value combinations.
Step 7: Calculate the Winning Hand
Once all cards have been dealt in baccarat, the next step is calculating the winning hand. Calculating will involve assessing the two hands dealt – a banker and a player – and determining which has a higher value according to specific rules.
If both hands add up to the same value, this is called a tie, and neither player nor Banker wins and the ‘tie’ bet wins. In any other case, the highest score carries the day.
Conclusion
Learning how to play baccarat online or live in casinos is a relatively straightforward process, though one that requires patience and discipline. By following the seven steps outlined in this guide, you should now understand the basics of playing baccarat and its associated rules. With luck and practice, these same steps can help make your next trip to the casino or online gambling site an enjoyable and profitable one.
