Despite its reputation as an intimidating, elite game played only in private VIP salons, Baccarat is actually incredibly simple.
In fact, Baccarat is arguably the easiest table game in the entire casino, functioning almost exactly like a simple coin flip.
The Basics of Baccarat Scoring
The objective is to bet on the hand that you believe will have a total point value closest to the number 9.
Because of this dropping rule, it is mathematically impossible to 'bust' or go over 9 in Baccarat.
- The dealer distributes two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand
- Depending on the exact totals, a complex set of casino rules determines if a third card is drawn for either side
- You do not need to memorize the third-card drawing rules; the dealer executes them automatically
Mini-Baccarat and Other Popular Variations
While the core math remains the same, casinos offer several variations to speed up the game or cater to different budgets.
Another popular variation is 'EZ Baccarat,' which completely eliminates the annoying 5% commission on the Banker bet.
| Rule Variation | How it Changes the Game | House Edge Impact |
|---|
| Standard 5% Commission | Requires dealers to calculate small change payouts | Banker edge remains 1.06% |
| EZ Baccarat (No Commission) | Faster payouts, no annoying math for the dealer | Banker edge remains roughly 1.02% (due to the push rule) |
If you want a low-stress game with fantastic mathematical odds, Baccarat should be your primary destination on the floor.