How to play and win at baccarat

The spectators may bet on three possible outcomes: the player, the banker or the tie.

The game can be played on two kinds of table. A standard blackjack table with a single dealer is sometimes used. More popular is the kidney shaped table with 12 numbered positions and three dealers (two on one side and one opposite). Using this style of table, the players often get the opportunity to deal the cards themselves.

The banker and the player are each dealt two cards. Cards numbered 2 to 9 assume their face value, tens as well as face cards are worth zero, aces are valued at one. The player adds the combined total of the two cards, if the total is ten or higher then ten points are deducted. For example, an 8 and a 7 equal 15, less ten, equals 5. If the total equals ten then the hand is worth zero, or Baccarat (the worst possible hand). The hand you want to achieve is a total of nine points.

In this form of baccarat, players (only those seated at the table) have a choice to bet on the player or the banker (on one of the two hands that are about to be dealt) or the tie (both hands to equal the same value after all the cards have been dealt/drawn). In order to place a bet on the player, the punter places their chips on the player area next to their number, if the punter wishes to bet on the bank, he/she passes the chips to the dealer who then places the bet in the bank area.

After all of the bets have been placed, the shoe (usually containing six to eight decks) is passed to the first player, he/she then deals the cards alternately to the player and banker, until each has two cards. Both players then turn over their cards and the totals of each hand are announced (usually by the croupier).

If either the player or the banker are dealt hands that total eight or nine then no further cards are drawn. If this is not the case then the play continues as follows:

Player holds 0 to 5 – he draws a single card.

Player holds 6 or 7 – he stands (does not draw another card).

If the player stands then:

The banker draws if he holds 0 to 5

The banker stands if he holds 6 or 7

If the player draws:

Player draws a 2 or 3 – banker draws with 0 to 4 and stands with 5 to 7.

Player draws a 4 or 5 – banker draws with 0 to 5, stands with 6 or 7.

Player draws a 6 or 7 – banker draws with 0 to 6, stands with 7.

Player draws an 8 – banker draws with 0 to 2, stands with 3-7.

Player draws 9, 10, a face card or ace – banker draws with 0 to 3, stands on 4 to 7.

The croupier will deal the cards and then announce which side has won the hand (Player, Banker). Losing bets are then collected and winning bets paid out.

The amount that is paid out may vary from casino to casino. Usually betting on the player will yield even money (1/1), betting on the banker will pay out 95% (19/20) (5% goes to the house). Winning bets on the tie pay at odds of 8/1.

Punto Banco has the lowest house advantage of all casino games, betting on the player (punto) has a house advantage of 1.24%, the bank (Banco) has an advantage 1.06% and the tie at 14.4% (assuming that six decks are in play). In other words, never bet on the tie!