Baccarat is one of the most iconic—and surprisingly easy—casino games to learn. With its fast rounds, simple rules, and an air of sophistication, it's no wonder the game has remained a favorite on both land-based and online casino floors. Best of all, you don’t need to be a high roller to join the fun.
Baccarat is a perfect entry point for newcomers thanks to its straightforward gameplay. But it also keeps experienced players engaged with its fast pace and betting opportunities. Whether you’re playing in a live casino or testing your luck online, learning the basics will help you bet smarter and get more enjoyment out of every round.
This step-by-step beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know—from how the game is played to the different types of bets you can make—so you can take a seat at the table with confidence.
Baccarat is one of the easiest casino games to learn, built around a simple concept—two hands are dealt, and you bet on which one will come out on top: the “Player” or the “Banker.” What makes baccarat unique is that once you place your bet, there are no more decisions to make. Everything else—from dealing the cards to determining the winner—is handled automatically by the dealer.
Your only job? Predict which hand will win—or if it will be a tie.
The objective in baccarat is to bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will have a final total closest to 9. Each hand is dealt two cards. If the total is over 9, only the second digit counts. For example, a hand totaling 14 is scored as 4. The hand that lands closest to 9 wins the round.
A standard baccarat table usually seats 12 to 14 players. In front of each seat, you’ll find three betting spaces: one for the Player bet, one for the Banker bet, and one for a Tie. Those are the only wagers you’ll need to consider.
One or two dealers manage the game, deal the cards, and make sure everything runs according to the rules. As a player, you just sit back, place your bets, and enjoy the action.
Baccarat’s gameplay is streamlined and automatic, which makes it especially friendly to beginners. After bets are placed, the dealer handles all the card dealing and determines if a third card is needed—based on preset rules, not player choices.
Understanding these rules won’t change the outcome, but it helps you follow along and place smarter bets round after round.
The dealer (or croupier) runs the entire game. After taking bets, they deal two cards each to the Player and Banker spots and then apply strict drawing rules to decide if either hand gets a third card. These rules are set in stone—there’s no guesswork or decision-making from the players.
Whether a third card is drawn depends on the value of the first two cards—and it’s all handled automatically based on the following:
These rules are consistent every time and are designed to keep the game fair, fast, and predictable.
Choosing the Player hand means you’re betting that it will beat the Banker hand. If you win, you get paid even money (1:1). So if you wager $100, you’ll receive $100 in winnings.
This bet doesn’t include any commission, which makes it a popular choice—especially for casual players. While the odds are slightly lower than the Banker bet, it’s still a solid and simple option for beginners.
The Banker hand is statistically the strongest play at the table. It wins more often than the Player hand, which is why most casinos charge a small commission—typically 5%—on Banker wins.
If you bet $100 and win, your payout would be $95 after the commission. Even with the fee, many seasoned players prefer this bet due to its lower house edge and better long-term odds.
A Tie bet means you're predicting that both the Player and Banker hands will end up with the same total. It’s the least likely outcome but offers the highest payout—usually 8:1.
For example, a $100 bet would pay $800 if you win. That said, ties don’t happen often, and the house edge on this bet is much higher. While tempting, Tie bets are generally best for those willing to take bigger risks for a shot at a bigger reward.
While baccarat is largely a game of chance, using a structured betting system can help you manage your money and stay consistent at the table. These strategies won’t change the odds, but they can guide your play and help control losses during hot or cold streaks.
The Martingale is a well-known high-risk system. After every losing bet, you double your next wager. The goal is to eventually win back all previous losses and make a profit equal to your first bet.
For example:
Bet $10 → lose
Bet $20 → lose
Bet $40 → lose
Bet $80 → win (you recover $70 in losses and gain $10 profit)
This strategy can be effective short-term but comes with serious risk. It requires a large bankroll and is limited by table betting caps—so use it with caution.
The Paroli is a more conservative method that builds on your winning streaks. Instead of chasing losses, you increase your bet after a win and reset after three consecutive wins.
For example:
Bet $10 → win
Bet $20 → win
Bet $40 → win → then reset to $10
This strategy helps you ride out positive streaks while keeping losses in check when the cards turn cold. It's often favored by players looking for lower-risk progression.
This system is based on the famous Fibonacci number sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc. After a loss, you move one step forward in the sequence to increase your bet. After a win, you move back two steps.
It’s a slower-paced alternative to the Martingale and less aggressive on your bankroll. While not foolproof, it offers a more measured approach that can smooth out the highs and lows over time.
Even if you’ve learned the rules and picked up a betting system, it’s easy to fall into habits that chip away at your bankroll. Being aware of these beginner missteps can help you stay in control and play smarter.
A common trap for new players is chasing losses—upping the bet right after a loss in hopes of making it all back in one win. While the urge is understandable, this usually leads to bigger losses and frustration.
Instead, play with patience. Stick to your original betting strategy and recognize that losing streaks happen. Baccarat is a game of averages over time, not instant recovery.
There’s no need to mix multiple betting systems or change your approach every few hands. Overthinking your strategy can lead to confusion and poor decision-making.
Baccarat is one of the simplest games on the floor for a reason. Choose a basic, proven system that fits your style—and stick with it. Consistency often beats complexity.
Your goal is to bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will have a total closest to 9. If the total exceeds 9, only the last digit counts. For example, 14 becomes 4.
At the start of each round, choose to bet on the Player, Banker, or a Tie. Once bets are in, the dealer handles all actions—no decisions are needed afterward.
Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value.
10s and face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 0 points.
Aces are worth 1 point.
The hand with a total closest to 9 wins. If both hands have the same total, it's a tie, and only Tie bets are paid.
The dealer manages the entire process—dealing cards, applying drawing rules, and declaring winners. Players simply place bets and watch the outcome.
Third cards are drawn automatically based on these rules:
– A hand totaling 8 or 9 is a “natural” and no cards are drawn.
– Player draws a third card if their total is 5 or less.
– Banker’s third card depends on their total and whether the Player drew.
Player bet: Pays 1:1
Banker bet: Pays 1:1 (minus 5% commission)
Tie bet: Pays 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the table
The Banker bet is statistically the best choice. It has the lowest house edge and wins more frequently, even with the commission.
No system guarantees a win, but common strategies include:
– Martingale: Double your bet after each loss
– Paroli: Increase your bet after each win
– Fibonacci: Bet using a number sequence after losses
– Increasing bet size to chase losses
– Switching strategies too often
– Ignoring table limits and bankroll discipline
Baccarat is mainly a game of chance. However, understanding the rules and choosing statistically favorable bets can help improve your long-term results.
