Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.

Because of this glamorous reputation, the average casino player often feels too intimidated to even approach a Baccarat table.

Despite its luxurious aura, Baccarat requires absolutely zero skill, strategy, or memorization to play perfectly.

Once you strip away the velvet ropes and the aura of exclusivity, you are left with an incredibly fast, straightforward game of chance.

In this article, we will completely demystify the game of Baccarat for the absolute beginner.
Understanding the Basic Goal of the Game
The entire premise of Baccarat is to bet on which of two hands will have a total score closest to the number 9.

It is crucial to understand that the “Player” hand does not belong to you, and the “Banker” hand does not belong to the casino.

Once bets are placed, the dealer deals exactly two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand.

For example, if a hand is dealt a 7 and an 8, the sum is 15. You drop the “1”, making the true value of the hand a 5.

The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).
Why Baccarat Requires Zero Skill
The rules governing whether a third card is drawn are incredibly complex, based on a rigid mathematical matrix.

The rules for the Banker drawing a third card are even more complicated, depending on the Banker’s total AND the value of the Player’s third card.

As a player, you make absolutely no decisions regarding drawing cards or standing.

This is why Baccarat is a game of pure, unadulterated chance; your choices cannot positively or negatively affect the outcome of the cards.

Therefore, you can ignore the complex drawing charts completely and simply enjoy the fast-paced action of the game.
The Mathematics of the Baccarat Bets
Because you cannot influence the cards, the only “strategy” in Baccarat is making the most mathematically sound bet.

However, because of the complex third-card rules, the “Banker” hand is mathematically designed to win slightly more often than the Player hand.

Because the Banker bet has a built-in mathematical advantage, the casino charges a 5% commission on all winning Banker bets.

Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.

Finally, you must avoid the “Tie” bet at all costs; it is famously one of the worst sucker bets in the entire casino.
Quick Reference Guide to Baccarat

Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5). The Banker Bet: Pays 1 to 1, minus a 5% casino commission. House Edge is 1.06%. The mathematically superior bet. No Skill Required: The dealer handles all the drawing rules. You only make one choice before the cards are dealt. Punto Banco: The official name for the version of Baccarat played in North America and Macau.

Baccarat vs. Blackjack: Comparing the Odds

MetricThe Game of SkillThe Game of Chance House Edge~0.50% (If played perfectly)1.06% (No skill required) Player DecisionsConstant choices (Hit, Stand, Double, Split)Only one choice (Pick a side before the deal) Stress LevelCan be stressful making the wrong callZero stress once the bet is placed

Do not let the high limits or the James Bond aesthetic intimidate you from enjoying this fantastic game.

Just remember the golden rule: ignore the Tie bet, trust the Banker, and let the dealer handle the complex math.

Enjoy the elegance of the game, have fun tracking the massive scoreboards, and watch the nines roll in.