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What is Baccarat and How to Play It: Rules, Strategies, Facts and Differences vs Other Games
Let's start with the “What is the gambling game called baccarat?” question. Baccarat is a card game thought to have originated in France or Italy towards the end of the 19th century. It is played between two players, the Player and the Banker, and involves three outcomes: Player wins, Banker wins, or Tie. Below you can find all the basic information you need to know about the game.
Basic Rules
The answer to the question of how to play a baccarat card game may be long enough to warrant a separate guide, but you can get a quick start by following the steps below. Remember that each card has a different point value: cards 2 - 9 are worth face value, Ace is worth 1 point, and all other cards are worth 0 points. The goal is to reach 9 points, and only the number on the right side is considered when calculating points (for example, cards 6 and 5 are worth 3 points, not 13). Also, note that these steps are general in nature and are based on the simple rules of baccarat. For more information, visit our “how to play” page.
- Determine Your Bet Amount. Determine how much money you will bet by clicking on the chips, which are usually at the bottom of the screen.
- Place Your Bet. Place your chips on the Player, Banker, or Tie sections.
- Get Your Cards. After getting your first two cards, check the point values. You may also be able to draw a third card under certain conditions.
- Complete the Game. Whichever side is closest to 9 points wins. If you win, get your payout.
Betting Options
Different side bets may be present in different variations of the game, but there will always be three options available, as we mentioned in our how-to-play baccarat card game guide: Player, Banker, and Tie. By selecting one, you determine which outcome you are betting on according to the simple rules of baccarat, i.e.:
- Player Bet: This means that “I am betting on the player to win the game”.
- Banker Bet: This means that “I am betting on the banker to win the game”.
- Tie Bet: This means that “I am betting that the game will end in a draw (i.e. there will be no winner, and both sides will finish the game with the same point value).
The payouts, winning odds, and RTP-house edge values of these bets are as follows in straight baccarat:
| Bet | Payout | RTP | House Edge | Winning Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | 1 to 1 | 98.76% | 1.24% | 44.62% |
| Banker | 0.95 to 1 | 98.94% | 1.06% | 45.86% |
| Tie | 8 to 1 | 85.64% | 14.36% | 9.52% |
Side Bets in Baccarat
Beyond the standard bets, there are several side bets in Baccarat that offer bigger payouts and thrilling risk-reward dynamics. Learn more about these popular options, and see how they can add an extra layer of excitement to your game.
Side Bets List:
- Player Pair
- Banker Pair
- Perfect Pair
- Dragon Bonus
- Big/Small Bet
