Card values
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 |
| 2–9 | face value |
| 10, J, Q, K | 0 |
Only the last digit of the total counts: 7 + 8 = 15, so the hand is worth 5. The best possible hand is 9.
How to play baccarat step by step
- Bet on Player, Banker or Tie (and optional side bets).
- Two cards are dealt to the Player hand and two to the Banker hand.
- If either hand has 8 or 9 (a natural), both stand and the higher hand wins.
- Otherwise, a third card may be drawn according to the third card rules below.
- The hand closer to 9 wins. If totals are equal, it's a tie.
Bets, payouts and house edge
| Bet | Payout | House edge (8 decks) |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1:1 minus 5% commission (0.95:1) | 1.06% |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 | 14.36% |
| Tie (9:1 tables) | 9:1 | 4.84% |
The Banker hand wins slightly more often because it draws last, which is why casinos take a 5% commission on Banker wins. The Tie bet looks attractive but has a very high house edge.
Third card rules
Player hand: with 0–5 the Player draws a third card; with 6–7 the Player stands.
Banker hand: if the Player stood, the Banker draws on 0–5 and stands on 6–7. If the Player drew a third card, the Banker acts by this table:
| Banker total | Banker draws when the Player's third card is | Banker stands when it is |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | always draws | — |
| 3 | anything except 8 | 8 |
| 4 | 2–7 | 0, 1, 8, 9 |
| 5 | 4–7 | 0–3, 8, 9 |
| 6 | 6–7 | 0–5, 8, 9 |
| 7 | — | always stands |
The dealer applies these rules automatically, so you don't need to memorise them to play.
Baccarat variants
| Variant | Difference |
|---|---|
| Punto Banco | the standard casino version described above |
| No-commission baccarat | no 5% fee; a Banker win with 6 pays 1:2 instead |
| Speed baccarat | faster rounds in live casino |
| Squeeze baccarat | cards are revealed slowly for suspense |
| EZ Baccarat | no commission; a Banker win with a three-card 7 is a push; adds the Dragon 7 side bet |
Side bets
Pair bets (Player Pair, Banker Pair) and the Dragon Bonus (paid by the margin of victory) offer bigger payouts, but their house edge is much higher than on the main bets. Check the paytable before using them.
Baccarat strategy
There is no strategy that changes the odds: the cards follow fixed rules. Practical advice:
- bet mostly on Banker, which has the lowest house edge;
- avoid the Tie and most side bets;
- ignore scorecards and "patterns" — every round is independent;
- set a budget and a stop point before you start.
Free baccarat and live baccarat
Some RNG baccarat games at Mostbet have a demo mode — free baccarat with virtual chips. In live baccarat a real dealer deals the cards in a studio, including speed and squeeze tables. Live tables have no demo mode.
Baccarat at Mostbet
Baccarat is in the Casino and Live casino sections. New players can use the promo code NEW3000; table games usually count less toward bonus wagering than slots. If you like simple card games, see also blackjack, where your own decisions affect the result.
Baccarat glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Punto | the Player hand |
| Banco | the Banker hand |
| Natural | a two-card 8 or 9 |
| Commission | the 5% fee taken from Banker wins |
| Shoe | the box holding the decks, usually eight |
| Big Road | the scorecard showing the history of results |
Example round
The Player gets 4 and 2 (total 6) and stands. The Banker gets K and 3 (total 3). Because the Player stood, the Banker draws on 0–5 and receives a 5, making 8. Banker wins 8 to 6. A $10 Banker bet pays $9.50 after the 5% commission, a $10 Player bet loses, and a Tie bet loses.
Baccarat vs blackjack
| Baccarat | Blackjack | |
|---|---|---|
| Decisions after the bet | none | hit, stand, double, split |
| Lowest house edge | about 1.06% (Banker) | about 0.5% with basic strategy |
| Learning curve | very short | you need to learn basic strategy |
| Pace | fast rounds | slower, depends on decisions |
If you prefer a game where skill matters, try blackjack; if you want simple rules and a low edge without decisions, baccarat fits better.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play baccarat?
Bet on Player, Banker or Tie. Two hands are dealt by fixed rules, and the hand closer to 9 wins.
What is the best bet in baccarat?
The Banker bet, with a house edge of about 1.06% even after the 5% commission.
What does a tie pay in baccarat?
Usually 8:1, sometimes 9:1. The Tie bet has a much higher house edge than Player or Banker.
What is a natural in baccarat?
A two-card total of 8 or 9. If either hand has a natural, no more cards are drawn.
Why is there a commission on Banker bets?
The Banker hand wins slightly more often because it draws last, so casinos take 5% of Banker wins.
Can I play baccarat for free?
Yes, some RNG baccarat games have a demo mode. Live baccarat is played for real money only.