What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is the most popular card game in Asian casinos, especially Macau, because it's easy to follow — players never decide whether to draw; you simply choose which side to back.
Basic Rules
- Pick a side: Player, Banker or Tie.
- Counting: Ace = 1, 2–9 at face value, 10/J/Q/K = 0, and only the last digit counts — 7 + 8 = 15 counts as 5.
- Third card: The dealer draws by fixed rules; players make no decisions.
- Closest to 9 wins: An 8 or 9 from the first two cards is a "natural".
Payouts
| Bet | Typical payout | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Player | 1 : 1 | |
| Banker | 1 : 1 | Usually minus 5% commission |
| Tie | 8 : 1 | May vary by table |
Good to knowPayouts and side rules vary between casinos and tables. Always read the table sign before you play.
Table Etiquette
- Wait for the dealer to open betting before placing chips.
- Never touch your chips after betting closes.
- At squeeze tables, don't bend or tear the cards.
- Don't coach or comment on other players' bets.
Terms to Know
- Shoe: The box holding several decks.
- Road map: A board of past results — for fun only; it doesn't predict the next hand.
- Minimum / Maximum: The table's betting limits.
FAQ
What's the difference between Banker and Player?
They're just the names of the two hands. Banker wins slightly more often under the drawing rules, so a commission is usually taken on Banker wins.
Do the road maps help you win?
No. Every hand is independent; the boards are purely for entertainment.
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