Beginner's Guide to Baccarat
Tips, Tactics and Strategy for Playing Baccarat Better in Casinos and Online.
Baccarat has a glamorous high roller VIP reputation, but it’s one of the simplest table games in any casino. You are not trying to beat the dealer or make complex decisions. You simply bet on which of two hands will finish closest to a total of nine: Player, Banker, or occasionally Tie.
This guide is written for complete beginners who want to:
- Understand the rules in plain English
- Follow the flow of a hand without confusion
- Learn which bets are smart and which to avoid
- Manage their bankroll sensibly
- Feel comfortable playing online or in a live casino (smart evening wear optional)
Baccarat is a comparing card game. Two fixed hands are dealt:
- The Player hand (often called Punto)
- The Banker hand (often called Banco)
You are not the Player, and the dealer is not the Banker. They are just labels. Your job is to bet on which hand will finish closest to nine, or on a Tie where both hands end with the same total.
Beginners like baccarat because:
- You only make one decision per round
- The rules for drawing extra cards are fixed and automatic
- The main bets have a low house edge
- The pace is steady and easy to follow
- You can learn by watching a few rounds without betting
As a simple and easy to pick up casino table game, it is hard to beat.
The History, Card Values, The Flow, Naturals, Third Card, Bets and Payouts, Examples and How to Play
A Quick History of Baccarat
Baccarat's origins can be traced to 15th-century Italy. The name “baccarat”is derived from baccara, meaning “zero,” alluding to the value of face cards and tens in the game.
After appearing in Italy, baccarat evolved into the French game Chemin de Fer, which proved popular with nobility, in which players took turns being the banker. It eventually spread to casinos around the world, where it became Punto Banco, the version of baccarat you see in most casinos today, including online.
Punto Banco = standard baccarat, for beginners. That’s the one we shall concentrate on in this guide.
Card Values and Totals
Card values in baccarat are very simple:
- Aces = 1
- Cards 2 to 9 = face value
- Tens, Jacks, Queens, Kings = 0
Totals are always reduced to a single digit:
- Add the card values
- If the total is 10 or more, drop the first digit
Examples:
7 + 8 = 15→ total is 5
9 + 3 = 12→ total is 2
6 + King =6 + 0 = 6
Ace + 9 = 1+ 9 = 10 → total is 0
Once you grasp that, reading any baccarat hand becomes straightforward.
The Flow of a Baccarat Round
Every round of baccarat follows the same sequence:
- Place your bet on Player, Banker or Tie.
- The dealer deals two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.
- The totals are calculated.
- If either hand is a natural (8 or 9), the round ends.
- If not, the third card rules decide whether a hand draws one more card.
- Totals are compared.
- Winning bets are paid, losing bets are collected, and the next round starts.
Nothing you do can influence the cards after you have placed your bet. That is why baccarat is calm and predictable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Naturals and Their Importance
A natural is a starting total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards.
- If either hand has a natural 8 or 9, the round ends immediately.
- A natural 9 beats a natural 8.
- If both hands have the same natural (for example both 8), the result is a Tie.
Naturals keep the game fast and simple. As soon as you see them, you know the result.
Third Card Rules (Simplified)
The third card rules look complicated on a chart, but you do not need to memorise them.The dealer or software handles everything automatically. Still, it helps to understand the basics.
Player third card rule
Total 0–5 → Player draws a third card
Total 6–7 → Player stands
Total 8–9 → Natural, no extra card
Banker third card rule
The Banker’s decision depends on:
- The Banker’s current total
- Whether the Player drew a third card
- If so, what the Player’s third card was
The result is:
- Banker draws slightly more often than Player
- Banker has a small mathematical advantage
- This is why the Banker bet has the lowest house edge
You never have to decide whether to draw or stand. The system does it for you.
Bets, Payouts and House Edge
Baccarat has three main betting options:
Player bet
- Pays 1 to 1
- House edge around 1.24%
Banker bet
- Pays 1 to 1 but the casino usually takes 5% commission on wins
- House edge around 1.06% (strongest bet in the game)
Tie bet
- Often pays 8 to 1 or 9 to 1
- House edge is typically over 14%
For beginners who want solid value:
- Focus on Banker bets as your default
- Use Player bets if you want to mix it up
- Treat Tie bets as a high-risk novelty, not part of your core strategy
Real Hand Examples
Example 1: Simple Player win
Player hand: 4 + 4 = 8 (natural)
Banker hand: 6 + Ace = 7
Player has a natural 8, Banker has 7.
→ Player wins
Example 2: Tie with naturals
Player: 7 + Ace = 8
Banker: 3 + 5 = 8
Both hands are natural 8.
→ Tie
Example 3: Third card involvement
Player: 2 + 3 = 5 → Player draws a third card
Third card = 4 → new total = 9
Banker: 4 + 2 = 6
The Player’s third card is 4. According to the rules, the Banker draws on 6 if the Player’s third card is 1–5 or 8–9. So Banker draws.
Banker third card = 3 → new total = 9
Both totals are 9.
→ Tie
Working through a few hands like this is one of the best ways for beginners to feel how the game naturally flows.
Step by Step: How to Play a Session
Choose the right table
- minimum and maximum bet limits.
- For a first session, choose limits that let you play comfortably for 40–60 rounds or more.
Set your chip size
- Decide your standard bet (your “unit”) based on your bankroll and target minimum number of rounds.
Place your bet
- Put your standard bet "unit" chips in the Player, Banker or Tie area.
- Beginners should stick to Player or Banker.
Watch the deal
- Two cards to Player, two to Banker.
- Naturals are announced immediately.
Look for third cards
- If totals are low, a third card may be drawn.
- The dealer will announce each draw and the new totals.
Result and payout
- The winning side is announced.
- You are paid if your bet matches the winning outcome.
Repeat or take a break
- Place your next bet or step away for a moment.
Many new players get comfortable by initially practicing a few rounds or sessions at low-stakes. (UK-licensed) online casino baccarat tables. This is a good way to ease into the game's flow and pace, away from other players, and before walking up to a live casino table.
Table Layout and Scoreboards
Table layout
A standard baccarat layout includes:
- Player betting box
- Banker betting box
- Tie betting box
- Sometimes Pair or other side bet boxes
- Space for the shoe where the cards sit
Online, these are shown as large, clickable areas.
Scoreboards and “roads”
Casinos often display a set of scoreboards tracking past outcomes:
- Bead Plate
- Big Road
- Big Eye Boy
- Small Road
- Cockroach Road
They show previous wins for Player and Banker, plus Ties. They are popular because people like looking for patterns.
Important point for beginners:
- Scoreboards do not predict the future. Each hand is independent, no matter how the screen looks.
Basic Strategy for Beginners
Baccarat is not a strategy game like blackjack or poker, but there are still some good habits to follow.
Favour the Banker bet
- Because of the way the rules work, Banker has a slightly higher chance to win each non-Tie hand. Even with commission, it is your best value bet in the long run.
Avoid the Tie as a regular bet
- The high payout is tempting, but the odds are stacked against you. Use it sparingly, if at all.
Use flat betting
Flat betting means wagering the same amount each round.
- This keeps your bankroll under control
- Avoids emotional “double up” behaviour
- Makes it easier to track your results
Treat each hand as independent
- Do not assume Banker is “due” or Player is “due” based on streaks. In reality, each round is a fresh event.
Start by watching
- If you feel unsure, observe 10–20, or more, rounds without betting to get a feel for the pace and how third cards appear.
Many online casino live dealer baccarat lobbies let you watch rounds for free before placing a single chip, which is a very beginner-friendly way to learn.
Bankroll Management, Beginner Mistakes, Psychology, RTP, Side Bets, game variants, Myths, and FAQ
Bankroll Management
Good bankroll management turns baccarat from a stressful experience into a controlled one.
Decide a session budget
Ask yourself: How much am I comfortable losing tonight if things go badly?
That number is your session bankroll.
Choose a unit size
A simple rule is to choose a bet size that lets you play at least 40–60+ rounds.
Examples:
£100 bankroll → £2 or £3 units
£200 bankroll → £5 units
Avoid “chasing”
Do not increase your stake dramatically after a few losing hands. That is how small setbacks become big losses.
Set a sensible win goal
Examples:
Aim to win 20–30% of your starting bankroll in a session
If you hit that number, consider cashing out or taking a break
Know when to stop
If you reach your loss limit or your win goal, walk away. There will always be another session.
Practising bankroll discipline at low-stakes online tables is an easy way to build these important habits before moving to the live tables.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoiding these should save you money as well as from getting frustrated.
Overusing the Tie bet
- Payout looks good, the maths doesn't.
Doubling up after every loss
- Progressive systems can destroy a bankroll quickly.
Treating the Player as “your” hand
- They are just labels. Your money can be on either side.
Chasing patterns on scoreboards
- Past results do not change the odds of the next hand.
Ignoring table limits
- Make sure the minimum and maximum bets match your bankroll.
Playing too fast without breaks
- Speed plus fatigue often leads to poor decisions.
Psychology and Pace
Baccarat is simple, but your mindset still matters.
- Keep your expectations realistic
- Stay calm during both winning and losing streaks
- Choose a pace that suits you
- Do not let superstition control your decisions
Online RNG baccarat is faster, while online live dealer baccarat and land-based tables are more relaxed. Many beginners find the slower formats more comfortable while they are learning and getting used to everything.
Online Baccarat and Live Dealer Games
RNG (digital) baccarat
- Fast, clean interface
- Low table limits
- Great for practicing rules and basic strategy
Live dealer baccarat
- Real dealers and real cards streamed as video
- Slower pace, ideal for beginners
- Scoreboards and roads displayed on screen
A lot of new players start with online low limits live dealer baccarat tables so they can see real cards on a real table, watch and hear the dealer, and still keep stakes small whilst they are learning.
Side Bets: What They Are and Why to Be Careful
Common baccarat side bets include:
Player Pair/ Banker Pair
- Pays if the first two cards on that hand form a pair
- Higher payout than main bet, but higher house edge
Perfect Pair
- The pair must be same rank and suit
- Rare hit rate, big payout, weak value
Big / Small
- Bets on the total number of cards dealt in the round
- Special Tie types or Super Six type bets
Side bets can be fun now and then, but they are not bankroll-friendly. As a beginner, treat them as occasionally interesting, but not as part of your core game plan.
Baccarat Variants You Might See
Punto Banco
The standard form in most UK, European and online casinos. All decisions follow thef ixed third card rules described in this guide.
Mini Baccarat
Same rules as Punto Banco but on a smaller table, often with lower limits and faster dealing. Very beginner-friendly.
Chemin de Fer
Players take turns acting as Banker and may choose whether to draw a third card. More common in French or old-school European settings and less suitable for beginners.
Baccarat Banque
The casino stays Banker. There can be more interaction and complexity, but the core goal is still to get closest to nine.
Live Dealer Variants
You may see:
- Speed Baccarat (faster dealing)
- Squeeze Baccarat (dramatic slow reveal of cards)
- No Commission versions (altered payouts instead of commission)
For beginners, focus on a standard, low-limit Punto Banco or Mini table until you are comfortable.
RTP and the Maths Behind Baccarat
RTP stands for Return to Player. It is the theoretical percentage of stakes returned to players over the long term.
Approximate RTP values:
- Banker bet: about 98.9%
- Player bet:about 98.8%
- Tie bet: typically < 86%
This is why:
- Banker bet is your best option
- Player bet is still fine
- Tie bet is mathematically poor
You do not need to think about these numbers every hand, but knowing them helps you understand why simple strategies work.
Myths and Misconceptions
Some common myths to ignore:
“A long Player streak means Banker is due”
“Scoreboards show secret patterns if you read them right”
“Squeezing cards changes your luck”
“The house rigs Banker because of commission”
Reality:
- Each hand is independent
- Scoreboards are for entertainment only
- Squeezing cards is purely for drama
- Commission simply balances Banker’s slight advantage
FAQ
Is baccarat a game of skill or luck?
- Mostly luck. Skill shows up in bet selection and bankroll management, not in manipulating the cards.
Is Banker always the best bet?
- Mathematically yes, over the long term. In the short term, any hand can win, but Banker has the lowest house edge.
Do I need to learn the full third card chart?
- No. The dealer or software follows it automatically. Understanding the basics is enough to get started.
Is online baccarat fair?
- At UK-licensed (UKGC) sites, yes. RNG games are tested and cwrtifued, and live dealer tables use real cards.
Can I “beat the system”?
- Not in the long term. There is always a very slight house edge. The goal is to play smart, have fun, protect your bankroll, and walk away when you are up.
Is baccarat better than blackjack for beginners?
Many beginners find baccarat easier because there are fewer decisions and the rules do not change.
Can I practise for free?
Many UK online casinos offer demo or “play for fun” baccarat tables. This is perfect for learning without any financial risk.
Glossary, Checklist, Practice Drills, Picking a game, Etiquette
Glossary of Key Terms
Baccarat – The name of the game and also a hand totalling zero.
Banco – Banker hand.
Punto – Player hand.
Natural – Hand totalling 8 or 9 with the first two cards.
Shoe – Device that holds multiple decks of cards.
Burn cards – Cards removed at the start of a shoe.
Commission – Fee taken from winning Banker bets.
RTP – Return to Player, the long-term theoretical payout percentage.
Road maps/scoreboards – Graphical displays of past outcomes.
Side bet – Optional wager separate from the main Player / Banker / Tie bet.
Standoff – Another term for a Tie.
Pre-Play Checklist for Beginners
Before you start:
- Do I understand how card values and totals work?
- Do I know the difference between Player, Banker and Tie?
- Have I chosen a session bankroll I can afford?
- Have I picked a sensible unit size?
- Am I happy to avoid Tie and side bets while learning?
During play:
- Am I keeping my stake size consistent?
- Am I taking short breaks every so often?
- Am I avoiding chasing losses or streaks?
After play:
- Did I respect my loss limit and win goal?
- Did I play at a pace that felt comfortable?
Practice Drills
You can run these drills at home with a deck of cards or with an online demo table.
Card total drill
- Deal two or three cards and quickly calculate the baccarat total.
Prediction drill
- Watch 20+ hands in a live dealer lobby and predict Player or Banker each time without betting.
Third card observation
- Note when third cards appear and what causes them. This builds intuition and understanding.
Bankroll drill
- Pretend you have a fixed bankroll and practise stopping when you hit your win or loss limit.
Demo and low-stake online baccarat tables are the perfect environment for these drills without worrying about other players or table etiquette.
Choosing Your First Real Money Game
For a first real-money session, think about:
Format
- RNG for quick practice
- Live dealer for a more relaxed, realistic pace
Stakes
- Start at the lower end of what you are comfortable with
Environment
- Online if you want privacy and control
- Land-based if you want atmosphere and social interaction
Many beginners find it easiest to start with online low limits live dealer baccarat tables and then to move to busier online or land-based tables once they are confident and comfortable.
Baccarat Etiquette (Live Casinos)
- Keep your hands off the cards (dealers do all the work).
- Bets to be made prior to “no more bets” being called.
- No talking during the dealing.
- Show consideration for other players, baccarat is frequently played in a social environment.
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Conclusion
Baccarat combines simple rules, clear decisions and good odds on the main bets, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners. You do not need to memorise complex charts or learn advanced strategy. Once you understand how card values work, what naturals are, and which bets are sensible, you are ready to start playing.
Use this guide as a reference:
- Start slowly
- Favour Banker and Player bets
- Protect your bankroll
- Ignore myths and patterns
- Practise at a pace that feels comfortable to you
When you feel ready, exploring low-stakes baccarat at reputable UK-licensed (UKGC) online casinos is a safe, controlled way to turn this knowledge into real-world experience and confidence.
Still keen to grow your new knowledge and understanding, check out some of our other guides, etc. listed below.
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CJ Baccarat Guide
Top 10 Best Tips to Play Better Baccarat
CJ Live Dealer Guide
Why Live Dealer Casino Games are Booming in the UK?
CJ Book Guide
Top 10 Best Books About Baccarat
Top 10 Best Casino Strategy Books
Top 10 Best Books About Macau
CJ History Guide
The Luxurious History Of Baccarat
CJ Info Guide
Online Casino Gambling Styles Around The World
CJ Guides
Guides and Reviews Index
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