The deal passes clockwise around the table between the betting parties, though players can elect to pass the shoe. The player dealing will deal out two cards and pass them to the table banker, usually a casino representative who is in charge of the chips. The first hand dealt is usually the Player hand and the second hand is usually the Banker hand. Sometimes, when the shoe is shuffled, the first card turned over will reveal how many cards the dealer should “burn” (toss away) in between deals for each hand. So, if the first card over is the 2 of Hearts, the dealer will burn two cards between each hand until the shoe is reshuffled.
Say the Player hand reads 5 and 7. Since the sum of the cards is 12, the value of the hand 2. It’s impossible to “bust” or go over in Baccarat, like in Blackjack, though hits are guided by a particular set of rules. [3] X Research source In the event of a tie, the hand is passed and the bets are returned and the hand is redealt.
If either hand reads 8 or 9, both hands must stand. This rule overrides any other guidelines for hits. If the Player hand reads 5 or less, the Player takes a hit. The Player card will be hit first in the rotation.
If the Player’s third card is 9, 10, face-card or Ace, the Banker draws when he has a 0-3, and stays with a 4-7. If the Player’s third card is 8, the Banker draws when he has a 0-2, and stays with a 3-7. If the Player’s third card is 6 or 7, the Banker draws when he has a 0-6, and stays with a 7. If the Player’s third card is 4 or 5, the Banker draws when he has a 0-5, and stays with a 6-7. If the Player’s third card is 2 or 3, the Banker draws when he has a 0-4, and stays with a 5-7. At most casinos, the Banker at the table will call for extra cards according to these rules. Much like roulette, the only decision you’ve got to make in a game of Baccarat is whether or not you bet on the Banker or the Player, then the cards are controlled by the dealer and the table banker. It’s good to know these rules, but not essential to play.
Practically-speaking, the odds favor the house but only slightly in an 8-deck shoe: 1. 06% on the banker bet, 1. 24% on the player bet. [5] X Research source
Mark whether or not you bet Banker or Player and place a check mark next to your correct calls. Watch for patterns to develop. Follow them. Feel the board and the way the game seems to be swinging and place your bets accordingly. To maximize fun while minimizing your risk of losing big, bet the lowest possible sums of your money. [6] X Research source
Baccarat isn’t typically a game that people only play for a few hands and move elsewhere. Baccarat is typically a game played by big betters with particularly high table minimums, who’ll play for several hours, letting lots of money change hands. [7] X Research source Often, the game is even roped off from the rest of the casino. Bring as much money as you can safely, comfortably afford to lose and plan on investing enough time and money into the game to make it worthwhile.
Again, often the table will enforce betting minimums and often those betting minimums are quite high for Baccarat. Check out the game and understand the specific house rules before you sit down and play your chips.
