Understanding how to play Baccarat is the key to unlocking success and achieving big wins in every betting round. This popular card game attracts a large number of players due to its extremely simple gameplay and high winning odds. Let’s Bet88 break down the details of this game right here in this article.
Discover the basics of how to play Baccarat

Baccarat is a classic game in all live casino, and now it’s also among the top must-try masterpieces in the online gaming world. The game uses a standard deck of cards, and the dealer will deal two cards to each side. Players have three betting options: Banker, Tie, or Player.
How to play Baccarat is incredibly simple: the player’s task is to compare points and decide whether to draw another card or not based on their hand. Players can build a strategy depending on the hand they have to give themselves the best advantage.
Learn the right way to play baccarat for safe betting
How to play Baccarat is easy to play, which is why it is accessible and suitable for all types of players. However, this simplicity also leads some to skip proper research and preparation. To help you out, we’ll provide a detailed guide right here in this article.
Cards and point values in the game
In Baccarat, the dealer may use 4 to 8 decks of cards to deal to the players. Each player has three betting options, and the following rules govern how points are calculated:
- Cards 2 – 9: These cards are valued at the number shown on the card, regardless of the suit.
- Cards 10 – J – Q – K: These are all valued at 0 points. This is one of the unique aspects of Baccarat, as these cards do not affect the total points of the hand.
- Ace (A): The Ace is worth 1 point and, despite being the lowest card, plays a crucial role in forming strong hands.
Calculating the total points in baccarat hands

In how to play Baccarat, the total points of each hand are calculated by adding up the values of the cards in the hand. If the total exceeds 9, only the digit in the ones place is used.
For example, if you have cards 7 and 8, the total would be 15, but the score will be counted as 5. The goal of each player is to have a total of 9 or as close to it as possible. This rule simplifies the calculation process and helps easily identify the winner.
Understanding the term “natural” in how to play baccarat
When learning how to play Baccarat, you’ll encounter the term “Natural.” This refers to when the total points of the first two cards dealt are 8 or 9, in which case the hand is automatically a winner without the need for additional cards. If both the Banker and Player hands have a total of 8 or 9, the round will result in a Tie.
For example, if the Player has a 3 and a 6, the total is 9, which is considered a “Natural.” Similarly, if the Banker also has a total of 8 or 9 from the first two cards, they win.
Rules for drawing additional cards in baccarat
If no one has a total of 8 or 9 from the start, the game allows for drawing additional cards to increase the excitement. Each hand can draw one extra card if the total points are low, and this is regulated by specific rules:
The Player is allowed to draw an additional card if their total is 5 or lower.
The Banker will draw according to more complex rules, depending on the Player’s points and the cards that have already been drawn.
Terms used in baccarat betting games
To fully understand how to play Baccarat, memorizing the terms used in the game is a must. This will also help you have the best possible entertainment experience, whether you’re playing online or offline. Specifically:
- Player: The Player (the bettor)
- Banker: The Dealer
- Tie: A Tie (a draw)
- Dealer: The person dealing the cards
- Natural: A natural win (a winning hand without needing further cards)
- Pass/Win: A win
- Player Pair / Banker Pair: A bet that the hand contains a pair of cards
- Side Bet: A side wager
- Face Card: Cards with faces, such as Jack (J), Queen (Q), and King (K)
- Carte: Draw an additional card
- Special Variants in Baccarat Gameplay
To successfully win at how to play Baccarat
it’s important to understand the specific version of the game you’re playing. Nowadays, there are many different betting options, and we’ll introduce you to the three most interesting variations.
Punto Banco
This is the most common form of how to play Baccarat in North American casinos and online betting sites. In this version, the dealer acts as the Banker, and the entire process is automated. Players can only join the game and cannot interfere with the dealing process.
Chemin de Fer
Chemin de Fer is an interesting variation of Baccarat, where players take turns being the Banker. In this version, players have the option to decide whether to draw another card and can use various strategies. This version is particularly popular in France.
Baccarat Banque
In this variant, a fixed player assumes the role of the Banker, and this role continues until the player runs out of money or decides to step down. This creates an engaging and stimulating betting experience.
Secrets to winning at baccarat and scoring big

In addition to learning the rules of how to play Baccarat, increasing your chances of winning also requires a few betting tricks. This will help players make better decisions and avoid unnecessary risks. Here are some expert tips:
Prioritize betting on the banker
One of the most effective and widely used strategies in Baccarat is betting on the Banker. While there are three possible betting options, research has shown that the Banker bet has a higher chance of winning.
This is because the Banker has a slight advantage when drawing additional cards, reducing the odds of losing. Although there is a small commission fee (typically 5%) when betting on the Banker, the odds are still in your favor. If you’re unsure which bet to place, this is the safest and most optimal choice.
Monitor trends in the bets
A simple yet effective strategy in how to play Baccarat is observing the trends in the bets. While luck does play a significant role, experienced players believe that analyzing winning and losing streaks makes it easier to choose which bet to place.
For instance, if you notice that the Player hand wins consecutively, you might want to continue betting on Player for the following rounds. Similarly, if Banker has a winning streak, prioritize betting on the Banker.
However, remember that each hand in Baccarat is independent of previous results, and there’s no guarantee that trends will continue. Observing trends is just a guide to help you make a more informed decision.
Martingale strategy (doubling strategy)
The Martingale betting strategy is a popular tactic among Baccarat enthusiasts. It’s an interesting way to play with a high probability of winning, but it requires patience and a solid bankroll.
To use the Martingale strategy, choose either the Banker or Player bet and then double your bet after each loss. Continue until you win to recover your losses and make a profit. If you stop in the middle of the streak, all your progress will be lost, so it’s important to keep going until you win.
Limit bets on tie
Betting on a Tie means predicting that the Player and Banker will have the same total. While the payout for Tie bets is high, the chances of this happening are relatively low. As a result, it’s best to avoid going all-in on Tie bets and make careful decisions.
Use baccarat tools for online play
In addition to the strategies mentioned above, players can use online Baccarat result analysis tools. These apps can accurately analyze trends and provide betting suggestions with over 90% accuracy. However, don’t rely on these tools too heavily, as it’s important to maintain your own judgment and critical thinking.
Conclusion
The information above about how to play Baccarat wraps up this article. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the betting options and have gained more knowledge to confidently join the game. From there, you can turn your dream of becoming a millionaire into a reality by winning big!