How a hand works
This is the standard game; each table's help panel has its exact rules. Two hands are dealt, called Banker and Player. Neither one is you or the dealer; they're just the two sides you can back. Each hand starts with two cards. Cards from two to nine count at face value, tens and picture cards count zero, and aces count one. Only the last digit of the total matters, so a seven and an eight make 15, which counts as five.
A total of eight or nine on the first two cards is a "natural", and the hand stops. Otherwise a fixed table of rules, called the tableau, decides whether each hand draws a third card. You never choose. The hand closer to nine wins.
The three main bets
Main bets: typical payouts and commonly quoted edge
| Bet | Pays | Approximate edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1 to 1, less a commission (often 5%) | About 1.06% |
| Player | 1 to 1 | About 1.24% |
| Tie | Often 8 to 1 | About 14.4% |
Banker wins slightly more often than Player because of the drawing rules. The commission exists to balance that. Even with it, Banker is usually the cheaper bet.
If a hand ties, Banker and Player bets usually push, meaning your stake is returned. The help panel confirms how your table handles ties.
No commission tables
Some tables drop the commission on Banker and instead pay less when Banker wins with a particular total. That changes the edge on the Banker bet. Neither version is always better; read the payout rule in the help panel and compare.
Squeeze and speed tables
Squeeze tables slow down the reveal: the dealer bends and peels the cards for drama. The rules usually stay the same, but check the help panel. Speed tables cut the betting window and deal faster. Faster rounds mean more hands per hour and a higher cost per hour at the same stake.
Side bets
Common baccarat side bets
| Side bet | Pays when | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Player Pair or Banker Pair | The first two cards of that hand are a pair | Usually costs more than the main bets |
| Perfect Pair | Either hand starts with an identical pair | Usually costs more than the main bets |
| Big or Small | The hand uses more or fewer cards | Not offered everywhere |
Side bet payouts vary between tables, and they're generally priced with a bigger edge than Banker or Player. The help panel lists them. If you like them, keep them small and separate from your main budget.
Scorecards and roads
Live tables show "roads": grids of past results such as the Big Road and Bead Plate. They look like patterns, and many players use them to guess the next hand. They don't predict anything. Past results don't change the odds of the next hand in any useful way.
A worked example
Invented numbers. You bet 10 on Banker, 100 hands in a row. Using the commonly quoted standard-rule figures, your expected cost is about 10.60 (1,000 wagered times 1.06%). Betting Tie for the same 100 hands has an expected cost of about 144. That gap is why most guides tell you to avoid the Tie bet, even though the 8 to 1 payout looks tempting.
Play a hand of live baccarat
- Pick a table and read its help panel for payouts.
- Place your bet on Banker, Player or Tie during the window.
- Watch the dealer deal by the fixed rules.
- See the result; winnings are added automatically.
- Keep your bet size steady rather than chasing.
Variants to try next
Bac Bo plays the same idea with dice instead of cards. Dragon Tiger is even simpler, with one card per side. For a game where your decisions count, try live blackjack.
Who baccarat suits
Players who want a low-edge game with no decisions, and who like a steady, calm pace. Our live casino hub lists the other options, and how to play live casino covers the basics of betting windows.
Why the drawing rules matter
You don't have to learn the tableau to play, because the dealer applies it. It's still useful to know what it does. Under the standard tableau, Player draws on totals of zero to five and stands on six or seven. Banker's choice depends on its own total and on the card Player drew. That extra information is why Banker wins slightly more often. The help panel usually has a short version.
Picking a table
Look at three things: the minimum bet, the commission rule on Banker, and the Tie payout. Tables can differ on all three. A table with a lower Tie payout makes that bet even worse, and a commission-free Banker bet comes with its own payout rule.
Responsible play
Baccarat is simple, which makes it easy to play for a long time without noticing. Gambling can be addictive. Set a time limit as well as a budget, and use Stake's deposit limits if you want a firm stop. 18+ only, or the higher legal age where you live. Stake.com isn't available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ontario or the other places on Stake's prohibited list, and the list can change, so check our availability page. Using a VPN to get around a block breaks Stake's terms.
Pages in this section
Bac Bo
Dice and baccarat hybrid rules.
Dragon Tiger
The fastest card game, with a tie-bet warning.
FAQ
Why does Banker pay a commission?
Banker wins slightly more often. The commission balances that.
Is the Tie bet worth it?
In standard rules it's usually quoted at a much higher edge than Banker or Player. Check the help panel.
Do roads predict results?
No. They show history, not what comes next.
What happens to my bet on a tie?
Banker and Player bets usually push. The help panel confirms the table's rule.
Is squeeze baccarat different?
Usually only in how the cards are revealed. Check the help panel to be sure.