Baccarat Rules and Strategies for Beginners

Despite its glamorous reputation, baccarat is actually one of the simplest games in the casino.

Your only real decision is deciding which side to bet on before the cards are dealt.

Understanding the Basics of Baccarat

There are only two hands dealt in the game: the Player hand and the Banker hand.

Cards two through nine are worth their face value, while tens and face cards are worth zero.

• You can bet on the Banker, Player, or Tie
• Winning Banker bets usually pay a 5% commission
• The hand closest to nine wins the round

The Banker Bet vs. The Player Bet

Mathematically, the Banker bet is the safest wager you can make on the casino floor.

Consistently betting on the Banker is considered the optimal mathematical strategy for long-term play.

The Danger of Betting on a Tie

While the Banker and Player bets are fantastic, the Tie bet is famously terrible.

Although the high payout is alluring, the probability of a tie occurring is mathematically very low.

By simply betting on the Banker consistently, you are playing with near-optimal mathematical efficiency.