Baccarat for beginners: card values, Player vs Banker vs Tie bets, the third-card rule, house edge and why the Banker bet is best.
How to Play Baccarat: Rules, Odds and Best Bets
By Chris Wyatt · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: In baccarat you bet on whether the Player hand, the Banker hand or a Tie will finish closest to 9. You do not make any decisions after betting; the cards are dealt by fixed rules. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge (1.06%, after a 5% commission), Player is 1.24%, and the Tie bet is a poor 14.36% at 8:1.
In this guide:
- How Baccarat Works
- The Third-Card Rule (Simplified)
- Baccarat Bets and House Edge
- Baccarat Strategy
- Where to Play Baccarat with Crypto
- Baccarat FAQs
How Baccarat Works
- Bet on Player, Banker or Tie.
- Two cards are dealt to each hand.
- Cards 2 to 9 count at face value, 10s and face cards count 0, aces count 1. Only the last digit counts, so 7 + 8 = 15 counts as 5.
- A total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards is a “natural” and the round ends.
- Otherwise a third card may be drawn by fixed rules, and the hand closest to 9 wins.
The Third-Card Rule (Simplified)
- Player draws a third card on 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7.
- Banker draws on 0 to 2, and on 3 to 6 depending on the Player’s third card. Banker stands on 7.
You never need to memorise this: the dealer or software applies it automatically.
Baccarat Bets and House Edge
| Bet | Payout | House edge (8 decks) |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 minus 5% commission | 1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 | 14.36% |
Some tables offer “no commission” baccarat, where a Banker win on 6 pays only half. This raises the Banker edge slightly, so compare the rules. Side bets such as Player Pair or Banker Pair usually carry much higher edges.
Baccarat Strategy
- Bet Banker most of the time for the lowest edge.
- Avoid the Tie bet and most side bets.
- Ignore scorecards and “trends”; every hand is independent.
- Use flat betting or small progressions and set a session limit.
See how baccarat compares to other games in our RTP and house edge guide.
Where to Play Baccarat with Crypto
Live and RNG baccarat is available at Stake, BC.Game, BitStarz and 7Bit Casino. Note that baccarat often counts little or nothing toward bonus wagering.
Baccarat FAQs
What is the best bet in baccarat?
The Banker bet, with a 1.06% house edge even after the 5% commission.
Why does the Banker bet pay commission?
Because the Banker hand wins slightly more often due to the drawing rules, so casinos take 5% of Banker wins.
Should I bet on a Tie?
No. The Tie bet pays 8:1 but has a 14.36% house edge.
Is there skill in baccarat?
No playing decisions are made after betting. Your only choice is which bet to place and how much.
What does a natural mean in baccarat?
A two-card total of 8 or 9, which ends the round immediately.
18+ only. Gambling involves risk; never bet more than you can afford to lose. Visit our responsible gambling page for support. More beginner guides in our Crypto Casino 101 hub.