Despite its glamorous reputation, baccarat is actually one of the simplest games in the casino.
Your only real decision is deciding which side to bet on before the cards are dealt.
The Fundamental Rules of Baccarat
You can bet on the Player, the Banker, or predict that the round will end in a Tie.
Cards two through nine are worth their face value, while tens and face cards are worth zero.
- You can bet on the Banker, Player, or Tie
- Winning Banker bets usually pay a 5% commission
- The hand closest to nine wins the round
Which Baccarat Bet is Best?
Mathematically, the Banker bet is the safest wager you can make on the casino floor.
Even with the commission factored in, the Banker bet boasts an incredibly low house edge of 1.06%.
The Trap of the Tie Bet
The Tie bet offers a tempting payout of 8 to 1, but it comes with a massive catch.
Smart players universally agree that the Tie bet should be completely ignored at all times.
| Option | Casino Advantage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Player Hand | Low | Good Bet |
| Tie Option | 14.36% | Never Bet |
By simply betting on the Banker consistently, you are playing with near-optimal mathematical efficiency.