Baccarat may have a reputation as a high-stakes game for the elite, but it's actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. With a very low house edge and minimal decision-making, casino it's an appealing option for all skill levels.

The Objective and Basic Rules
The game involves a simple comparison between two hands, the "Player" and the "Banker". The aim is to wager on the hand—Player or Banker—that will end up with a higher score. You can bet on the Player's hand to win, the Banker's hand to win, or casino for casino the hands to Tie.

Card Values in Baccarat

Cards 2-9: Count as their printed numerical value. 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings (Face Cards): Are worth zero points. Aces: An Ace is valued at 1.

Hand totals are calculated by adding the values of the cards. If the total is a two-digit number, only the second digit is used. For example, a hand consisting of a 7 and an 8 is not 15, casino but 5. A starting hand of 8 or 9 is a "natural" and the best possible hand.

Which Bet is Best?
Your involvement ends after you place your bet. The game proceeds based on a predetermined set of drawing rules. Here’s a breakdown of the three bets and their house edge.

Wager Type Expected Loss Notes

The Banker Bet Just over 1% The Banker hand has a slight mathematical advantage, making this the optimal bet even with the commission.

The Player Bet Very Low (1.24%) A very solid bet with only a slightly higher house edge than the Banker. There is no commission taken on Player wins.

The Tie Bet Extremely High (over 14%) The high payout of 8:1 or 9:1 is designed to attract players, but the odds are terrible. This is considered a sucker bet.

The optimal strategy for baccarat couldn't be easier: always wager on the Banker. This simple tactic ensures you are playing against the lowest possible house edge. It is this mix of easy rules, great odds, and thrilling gameplay that has made baccarat a casino favorite for generations.