Despite its glamorous reputation, baccarat is actually one of the simplest games in the casino.
You do not need to make complex decisions or memorize intricate strategy charts to play.
The Fundamental Rules 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
Which Baccarat Bet is Best?
Mathematically, the Banker bet is the safest wager you can make on the casino floor.
Even with the commission factored in, the Banker bet boasts an incredibly low house edge of 1.06%.
Why You Should Avoid the Tie Bet
The Tie bet offers a tempting payout of 8 to 1, but it comes with a massive catch.
Although the high payout is alluring, the probability of a tie occurring is mathematically very low.
| Option | Casino Advantage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Player Hand | Low | Good Bet |
| Tie Option | 14.36% | Never Bet |
By simply betting on the Banker consistently, you are playing with near-optimal mathematical efficiency.