Baccarat Hand Rules

Here’s part II of II in our [ How To Play Baccarat ] series.

You know how to play Baccarat now—if you just want to sit there and try to win. Now, let’s get into hand rules so you’ll know why that one additional card is given or not.

Just like in Blackjack the card’s rank is its point value. The object in Baccarat is to get the closest to 9 as possible. Tens and face cards are worth 0.

If the cards equal a sum over 10, the first digit is dropped. For instance, if the Banker received a 7 and a 8, which is 15, the first digit is dropped, so the Banker has 5.

If either side is dealt a combination that is 8 or 9 points in the first two cards, it’s called a natural and the hand is over. Example:

Banker has a 4 + 5
Player has a 10 + 2

Banker has a natural 9. Player has 2. Banker wins, natural 9 over 2.

If the result is a tie, your Banker or Player wager pushes, and Tie bets are paid.

The Player’s hand is the first to be acted on, which gives Banker a slight edge. You already know that a 8 or 9 ceases the hand. The Player will also stand on a 6 or 7. Anything else and the Player draws one card.

Now, let’s move to the Banker. If the Player didn’t take a card, the Banker will stand on a 6,7,8 or 9 and take one card on everything else. However, if the Player does take a card, here’s how it will play out.

Baccarat – Ready, Set, Play

You’re now up to speed with this fantastic game. It’s one of my favorites. I’ve won a lot of money playing Baccarat. I find the game to be exciting. You just never know what the next card will do. Did you know that betting on the Banker in Baccarat is the best bet in the house? The house advantage on the Banker bet in Baccarat is just over 1%!