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.

The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.

If you can guess heads or tails, you have all the necessary skills to play and win at Baccarat.

In this article, we will completely demystify the game of Baccarat for the absolute beginner.
How the Cards are Scored in Baccarat
In every round of Baccarat, the dealer will place two hands of cards on the table: the “Player” hand and the “Banker” hand.

They are simply two arbitrary hands of cards; you are merely placing a wager on the outcome of their duel.

Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth absolutely zero points in Baccarat.

If a hand receives a 9 and a 9, the sum is 18. Drop the “1”, and the true value is an 8.

The highest possible score is a perfect 9, and the lowest possible score is a 0 (e.g., a hand of two Queens).
The Dealer Does All the Work
In some situations, the Player or the Banker hand (or both) will receive a third card.

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.

Do not let the complex mechanics of the dealer deter you from playing this incredibly simple game.
The Only Strategy: Always Bet on the Banker
The math clearly dictates that one of these bets is significantly superior to the other two.

The Banker hand will win approximately 50.68% of the time (excluding ties).

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

Many professional players will simply sit at a table and stubbornly bet the Banker every single hand, completely ignoring the results board.

Finally, you must avoid the “Tie” bet at all costs; it is famously one of the worst sucker bets in the entire casino.
Essential Rules for Beginners

Scoring: Add the cards together and drop the first digit (e.g., 8 + 7 = 15. The score is 5). The Tie Bet: Pays 8 to 1. House Edge is 14.36%. An absolute trap. Never place chips on the Tie. The Third Card Rule: A complex set of rules the dealer follows. You do not need to memorize or understand it. Punto Banco: The official name for the version of Baccarat played in North America and Macau.

Baccarat vs. Blackjack: Comparing the Odds

AspectBlackjackBaccarat The OddsExcellent, but requires perfect memorizationVery good, guaranteed every time you bet Banker Skill Level RequiredHigh (Must memorize complex strategy charts)Zero (Just point at the Banker circle) Intimidation FactorHigh (Other players will yell at you for bad moves)Low (Your bets do not affect anyone else’s hand)

It offers a massive thrill, incredibly fast gameplay, and a mathematical house edge that respects your bankroll.

Find a low-limit “Mini-Baccarat” table, place your $10 on the Banker circle, and experience the easiest game in Vegas.

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