Baccarat Strategy

Baccarat rules

Baccarat is a very simple game, and quite easy to learn.  When it comes down to it, even if you can't do simple addition, the casino will let you know who the winner is by doing it for you.  Most major online casinos will offer live help, as well as quick link references to the rules of the game, just in case you forget.  The hardest thing to remember are the rules governing hands, and when they are required to draw or stand.  This will be explained below, as well as the simple structure of the game and how to calculate a winning hand:

Baccarat starts off with the players who are seated round the table making their bets.  Chips are placed on either the Bank Hand, Player Hand, or Tie.  When all chip activity stops, one of the players will deal two facedown cards for the Bank Hand, and two facedown cards for the Player Hand (The dealer rotates, and is closely monitored by casino personnel). The cards are immediately revealed and calculated.  Depending on the sum value of the cards, the Player Hand will be required to Stand or Draw.  After the Player Hand is finished, the Bank Hand will either Stand or Draw (depending on the Player Hand value and its own).  Both hands can draw a maximum of one card, giving no more than three cards total per hand.

The winning hand is the one that comes closest to a card sum of nine.  However, card values are not simply added up; Rather, they are added up and reduced.  All cards are worth their numeric value - except tens and Face cards, which are worth 0 points.  To calculate hand values, add the two original card values together.  If their sum goes over 9, subtract 10 and you will have the final value.  For instance, an 8 and 9 add up to 17.  Subtract 10 and you will have a hand value of 7.  For cards that stay under 10, nothing else is to be calculated.  For instance, a hand of 3 and 5 adds up to 8, which is the final value.  All two-card values of 8 or 9 are considered naturals, and are automatic winners. (unless both hands tie)

In determining whether the Bank and Player Hand must stand or draw, the following rules apply:

Player Hand stands if its two card value is 6-9

Player Hand draws if its two card value is 0-5

Banker Hand stands if its two card value is 7-9

Banker Hand draws:

If Banker Hand's two-card value is 3, it is required to draw if the Player Hand's third card is 0-7

If Banker Hand's two-card value is 4, it is required to draw if the Player Hand's third card is 0, 2-7

If Banker Hand's two-card value is 5, it is required to draw if the Player Hand's third card is 4-7

If Banker Hand's two-card value is 6, it is required to draw if the Player Hand's third card is 6 or 7