How To Play Baccarat

Online Baccarat is played with eight decks of cards that are re-shuffled after each hand and dealt from a shoe, similar to Blackjack. A total of four cards are dealt, with the first and third cards going to the Player’s hand, and the second and fourth cards to the Banker’s hand. Once the Player and Banker receive their cards, their point total is displayed below the hand on the screen. If either hand has a total of 8 or 9, this is considered a “Natural,” at which point no additional cards will be dealt. The winning hand is determined by the person (Player or Banker) whose point total is closest to 9. If both hand totals are the same, a “Tie” is declared. If a winning hand is not satisfied during the initial draw, a third card may then be drawn by the dealer. The third card is dealt face up, first to the Player’s hand and then, if necessary, to the Banker’s hand. Only one additional card per hand may be dealt.

In Baccarat players are given a total of 5 different options they may bet on including: Player hand, Banker hand, Tie hand, Player pair and Banker pair. Additionally, players may also bet on Banker and Player hand, or Banker and Player Pair or Tie hand at the same time. Popular side bets in online Baccarat include the “Player Pair” and “Banker Pair” options. This side bet consists of wagering if the first two cards dealt either to the Player or the Banker (depending on which of the two side bets you choose) will be a pair, such as 5-5 or K-K. The side bet loses on all other outcomes that do not result in the first two cards being a pair. The game proceeds as a normal round of Baccarat, and as such players may make traditional wagers as well as the side bet, or even forgo the traditional wagers and only make the side bet. This side bet has a pay rate of 12 to 1.

Baccarat Game Rules

Baccarat live casino game is hosted by a live dealer and is played with eight standard 52-card decks. Card values and game rules are as follows:

• Aces are the lowest cards and are worth 1 point each.

• Cards from 2 to 9 are worth their numerical face values.

• 10s and face cards (jacks, queens and kings) are each worth 0.

• Only the numeric value of each card is relevant in the main Baccarat game; Each card's suit (hearts, spades, clubs or diamonds) is irrelevant.

• Prior to each deal, you must place your bet on whether the Player or the Banker will win the round by having the hand with a value closest to 9. You also have the option to bet that the round will end in a Tie, which occurs when both the Player and Banker hold hands of equal value.

• The dealer begins by dealing two cards each to the Player and to the Banker.

• If the Player and Banker hold hands of equal value, the round ends in a tie. The Tie bet wins, and bets on the Player and Banker push (are returned).

• Each hand's value is calculated by dropping the tens digit in a hand otherwise worth 11 or more. For example, a 7 and a 9 is only worth 6 in Baccarat (because 16-10=6). Similarly, a face card plus a 9 will be worth 9.

• If the Player or the Banker receives an initial two-card hand worth 8 or a 9 (a "natural" 8 or 9), no additional cards will be dealt to either hand.

• If the Player and Banker receive initial two-card hands worth 0-7, the "Third Card Rule" is consulted to determine if a third card is to be dealt to either hand or both hands. The Player always goes first.