Baccarat is one of the most popular classic games in live entertainment categories. The gameplay is simple, the rhythm is fast, and there is no need to memorize complex hand patterns, making it very beginner-friendly. As long as you understand the basic rules and the step-by-step process, you can easily join the game.
This article is written specifically for beginners. The content covers only Baccarat gameplay, rules, betting methods, and the process flow. It does not include any techniques or betting strategies, ensuring you understand how the game operates in the purest way possible.
What is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a game decided by points. Simply put:
The Banker and the Player compare points to see who is closest to 9. The side with the higher score wins.
Players do not need to hold or handle cards themselves; they simply choose a target to bet on.
The most common betting areas include:
| Option | Description | Common Odds |
| Banker | The Banker wins | 1 : 0.95 (Usually 5% commission) |
| Player | The Player wins | 1 : 1 |
| Tie | Both sides have the same points | 1 : 8 / 1 : 9 |
| Banker Pair | Banker’s first two cards are a pair | 1 : 11 |
| Player Pair | Player’s first two cards are a pair | 1 : 11 |
Note: Different platforms may have slight adjustments. You can confirm before entering the table.
Baccarat Point Calculation Method
Calculating points is the most basic part of Baccarat, and the rules are very simple:
| Card Value | Points | Description |
| A | 1 Point | |
| 2 ~ 9 | Face Value | |
| 10 / J / Q / K | 0 Points |
If the total exceeds 9 points, only the digit in the ones place is counted:
- 8 + 7 = 15 → 5 Points
- K + 9 = 9 → 9 Points (The strongest hand)
- 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 → 2 Points
Dealing Rules and Draw Process
Baccarat typically uses 6 to 8 decks of cards mixed together.
Once the round starts, the system or dealer distributes cards according to the rules:
➤ Step 1: Initial Deal
- The Banker and Player are each dealt two cards.
- The points for both sides are calculated.
➤ Step 2: Determining whether to Draw (Third Card Rule)
Baccarat has fixed rules for drawing a third card; it is not optional. Both sides determine whether to draw based on preset rules:
Player Draw Rules
| Player Points | Draw or Stand? |
| 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 | Draw |
| 6 / 7 | Stand (Do not draw) |
| 8 / 9 | Natural (Directly Stand) |
Banker Draw Rules
The Banker’s rules are more complex and depend on “Banker’s Points + Player’s Third Card”:
| Banker Points | Draw Condition |
| 0 / 1 / 2 | Always Draw |
| 3 | Draw unless Player’s 3rd card is 8 |
| 4 | Draw if Player’s 3rd card is 2 ~ 7 |
| 5 | Draw if Player’s 3rd card is 4 ~ 7 |
| 6 | Draw if Player’s 3rd card is 6 ~ 7 |
| 7 | Stand (Do not draw) |
| 8 / 9 | Natural (Do not draw) |
💡 Remember: You do not need to calculate this yourself. Live platforms will automatically execute the rules.
Baccarat Game Flow Demonstration
- Betting Phase BeginsChoose a betting area (Banker / Player / Tie / Pairs).
- Stop BettingThe platform announces betting is closed; no changes allowed.
- DealingBanker and Player receive two cards each.
- Calculating PointsThe side closer to 9 wins.
- Determine Third CardDecide if a third card is needed based on the rules.
- Result AnnouncementThe winning side is displayed.
- PayoutThe system automatically calculates and distributes winnings.
Baccarat Odds Explained in Detail
The following are the most common odds (may vary slightly by platform):
| Betting Option | Odds | Description |
| Banker Wins | 1 : 0.95 | Player wins principal + 95% profit (5% Commission). |
| Player Wins | 1 : 1 | Player wins principal + 100% profit. |
| Tie | 1 : 8 / 9 | Some platforms pay 1:9. |
| Banker/Player Pair | 1 : 11 | Either side’s first two cards form a pair. |
| Big | 1 : 0.5 | Total cards in the round ≥ 5. |
| Small | 1 : 1.5 | Total cards in the round = 4 (No cards drawn). |
⚠️ Note: If you bet on Banker or Player and the result is a Tie, the original bet is usually returned (Push)—you neither win nor lose.