How To Play Baccarat: Baccarat Rules, Bets & Card Values
Baccarat is a card game that’s often found in both land-based and online casinos across the UK. Its simple format and straightforward gameplay make it accessible, even if you’ve never played before. Baccarat can look a bit daunting at first, but once you know the basics, it’s simple enough to follow.
Whether you’re curious about playing in person or you’re browsing a licensed UK online casino, understanding how baccarat works is key. Stick to licensed UK sites and keep control of your spending.
This guide explains the game’s rules, card values, and the different types of bets you might come across, helping clear up any confusion and making things a lot less intimidating for beginners. Read on to learn more.
What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is found at licensed casinos both online and in person. It is played between two hands, known as the Player and the Banker. You do not compete against other players. Instead, you predict which hand will finish with a total closest to nine.
The version most commonly seen is Punto Banco. You place your bet before the cards are dealt. The dealer manages the rest. Drawing rules are fixed, so there are no extra decisions once your bet is placed.
Online, you may see live dealer tables as well as computerised games. Presentation and table limits vary, so it could help to read the on-screen rules or help section before starting. The core gameplay is the same across versions.
If you decide to try your hand at baccarat, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Baccarat Rules Explained
Baccarat usually uses several standard decks of cards, often six or eight. At the start of each round, you choose between three outcomes: Player hand wins, Banker hand wins, or the result is a Tie.
Both the Player and Banker receive two cards. The aim is to reach a total closest to nine. A third card may be drawn automatically under the set rules. The Player hand may draw a third card on totals of zero to five. The Banker hand’s action depends on both totals. The process is automatic, and you do not make the decision.
If both hands end on the same total, the result is a Tie. Some tables may include side bets, but the standard bets and payouts follow the same principle. Online versions often display the third-card rules and payouts on screen, so you can check at any stage.
How Do You Play Baccarat?
Playing a round of baccarat involves choosing your stake and placing it on one of three betting areas: Player, Banker, or Tie. The table layout shows these options clearly.
Two cards are dealt to the Player and two to the Banker. Totals are worked out using baccarat card values, with only the final digit of any total counted. Depending on the result, a third card may be drawn automatically for one or both hands.
When all cards are dealt, the hand closest to nine is the winner. Your payout depends on the bet you placed and the paytable at that table. Some games include side bets or adjustments, so it might be useful to check the help section if a version looks unfamiliar.
Baccarat Card Values
Baccarat uses a standard deck of cards, but values differ from other games.
Aces count as one point. Cards two to nine keep their face value. Tens and picture cards count as zero. When totals are added, only the final digit matters. For example, seven plus eight equals 15, which is scored as five.
Online games usually include a quick guide to these values. If you switch to a different version, it might be wise to review the rules so you are clear on how the totals are calculated.
Baccarat Table Layout
The table layout is designed for clarity. In a physical casino, the table is usually oval and can seat multiple players. Each position has marked areas for bets.
On the felt, you will see spaces labelled Player, Banker, and Tie. These show where to place your stake. Casino staff can assist if something is unclear.
Online tables display the same layout on screen with interactive betting boxes. Some games include side bets or extra features, which appear alongside the main betting areas. Reading the help section first could make early rounds easier to follow.
What Bets Can You Place in Baccarat?
There are three main bets in baccarat, each marked on the table.
Player Bet
A Player bet is placed when you think the Player hand will have the higher total. If it wins, the payout is 1 to 1. For example, a £10 bet would return £10 in winnings plus your stake.
Banker Bet
A Banker bet predicts the Banker hand will be closest to nine. A winning Banker bet usually pays 1 to 1, but a 5% commission is deducted from the winnings. For example, a £10 winning bet returns £9.50 in profit plus your stake. Some versions use a commission-free rule, where Banker wins on a total of six may pay 0.5 to 1.
Tie Bet
A Tie bet predicts that both hands will finish on the same total. This outcome is less frequent. Many tables pay 8 to 1 on a Tie, so a £10 bet would return £80 in winnings plus your stake. Some tables use different odds, which are shown in the rules. Tie bets usually have a higher house edge compared to Player or Banker bets.
How Are Baccarat Hands Scored?
Scoring uses the values explained earlier, with only the units digit counted. Each hand begins with two cards. A third card may be drawn automatically if the rules apply.
The score is the sum of the card values, with totals of ten or more dropping the first digit. For example, seven plus eight equals 15, which counts as five. A two-card total of nine is the highest possible and is known as a natural.
Common Questions About Baccarat Rules
Can anyone play baccarat at a UK casino?
Yes. You must be aged 18 or over and play at a licensed casino, online or in person. Verification of age and identity may be required.
Is skill needed to play baccarat?
No particular skill is required. The dealing and third-card draws follow fixed rules, and the outcome depends on the cards dealt.
Are there different types of baccarat?
Yes. Punto Banco is the most common. Some venues may offer Chemin de Fer or Baccarat Banque. Rules vary, so check the help section for the version in use.
How can I know if a site offers fair play?
Check for clear licensing details and links to terms and rules. Licensed UK casinos must meet standards for fairness and transparency.
Do online baccarat tables look the same as the ones in real casinos?
Yes. Online tables display clear betting areas for Player, Banker, and Tie. Some include extra features or side bets, which you can review in the help section.
What happens if there’s a tie?
If both the Player and Banker finish on the same total, the round is a Tie. Player and Banker bets are returned, while Tie bets are settled at the odds shown.
If you would like more guidance, the site’s support pages explain rules, features, and payouts in more detail. Remember that baccarat is a game of chance and outcomes cannot be predicted.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.