If you’ve ever stepped foot in a casino — from a sticky-floor California card room to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco — chances are you’ve seen baccarat played. And though the game might seem complicated and intimidating, there are some simple tips to help you get started and win big.
The object of the game is to bet on either the Player or Banker hand, then sit back and let the dealer do the rest. Baccarat has a low house advantage, making it a great option for players who don’t want to take big risks. However, if you bet on the Player side, you’ll need to pay a 5% commission to the casino.
When you bet on the Banker side, you’ll get even money payouts on wins and ties (with the exception of a 3-to-2 payout for a tie). In addition, betting limits are relatively high, making it possible to make large bets with minimal risk.
While the banker’s hands will win more often, you’ll also lose more in the long run. That’s why it’s important to stick to a plan and only bet as much as you can afford to lose. In addition, it’s worth checking out online casinos that offer a variety of bonuses and rewards programs.
Another key factor in winning baccarat is understanding how the cards are dealt. You’ll need to know that aces count as one point and tens count as zero, while jacks and queens are worth two points. This means that a hand of two eights is worth 12 points, while a pair of sevens is worth 16.
Once the dealer deals the two cards, all bets are placed and the winner is determined. If the first hand totals eight or nine, it’s called a ‘natural’ and is an automatic winner. Otherwise, a third card is drawn to determine the winner.
If the first hand has a value of nine, neither the player nor the banker will draw a third card. If the second hand has a value of six or lower, the banker must stand on it. If the second hand has a value between seven and eight, a third card must be drawn.
A re-deal may be necessary to break the deadlock if the first two hands have the same total. When this happens, the bets on the Banker and Player will be returned to the players, while bets on the Tie will be paid out. Then, the next round begins.