Baccarat is a classic comparison card game, but its rules can be a bit confusing to beginners.
But when you know the Baccarat game rules this card game is easier to play than you might first think.
So, if you want to give Baccarat a try, read-on to find out everything you need to know to help ensure you win your next game.
What is The Baccarat Card Game?
Baccarat originated in France in the 19th century (although some dispute this claim and say Baccarat started in Italy back in the 1400’s, and was then introduced to France). The game was commonly played in gambling houses and is still quite a popular casino card game. Baccarat was considered a game that required no technical skill to play.
This made it a popular high-stakes card game. It’s ideal for casual at-home play as well and once you learn the scoring system it’s sure to be a fun game. In Baccarat there can be three outcomes you either win, the dealer/ banker wins, or it’s a tie.
In casino play, you can actually bet on the dealer/banker winning and not yourself! In Baccarat you want to get as close to a score of 9 as possible. You can only have two or three cards though. Certain cards also have no value in Baccarat as well.
In Baccarat if you go over 9 then the score effectively resets to zero as well. For example, if a player scores 15 with two cards then you will only be using the second digital. Meaning the player will only score 5.
If this is confusing then you can think of it as simply taking 10 away from the total. So, now you have a good idea of how Baccarat is played. Let’s talk about what you need to play the game at home.
What You’ll Need
To play Baccarat at home you’ll need a deck of cards. Like many card games, the Joker cards aren’t used in Baccarat. Finding some playing cards should be quite simple as they are wildly available in most shops and online.
We like these cards from Bicycle but you could choose any set of playing cards and use them without issue. If you wanted to go the extra mile you could also get a Baccarat table layout. In casinos, Baccarat is played on special tables.
These layouts work like tablecloths so you could turn any space into your own home Baccarat table. They are by no means an essential component but they could be a good choice if you want some extra-flare.
The Playing Cards
Baccarat can be played one on one, or with a larger group of players. In Baccarat players will be going against the dealer/ banker individually. So, even in larger group games, it will essentially be a one on one game.
Certain cards in Baccarat have no value. The face cards which include the Kings, Queens, and Jacks all have no value. Ace cards are classified as low which means they are only worth 1 point.
When it comes to numbered cards the 2 to 9 cards have their face value. The number 10 cards however have no value just like the face cards. As we said earlier Joker cards aren’t used and remember if your score is double-digits then you minus 10 from the total.
The Baccarat Card Game Rules and Gameplay
The Aim of The Game
The aim of Baccarat is to score 9 or as close to 9 as you can. When played in a casino you’ll be betting on the outcome of your hand. When playing at home with friends you’ll likely be playing to get the highest score. So, without further ado let’s look at how you set up and play Baccarat.
Setting Up and Playing Baccarat
So, let’s get into the Baccarat game rules, shall we? To start with, decide who will be the dealer/ banker. This player will have a few different rules to follow during gameplay. To begin playing Baccarat the dealer should shuffle the deck.
Players should face the dealer and then they’ll be dealt 2 cards. The dealer will also deal themselves 2 cards as well. Cards should be placed face up and everyone will have a few seconds to check their cards.
Now, this is where the Baccarat game rules can get a little confusing for new players. Because what happens next will depend on your score. The rules are also different for both the dealer and player/s. To make things simpler we have listed the rules for both below.
Player Rules
If the total for your first 2 cards is between 1 – 5 or 10 or above then you must draw a third card. A score of 6 or 7 is a stand, which means you can’t draw a third card. Finally, if you score 8 or 9 then you have a natural stand. Again, you don’t draw a third card with a natural stand either.
Dealer Rules
Now the rules for dealers are a little more complicated. It will also depend on what the player’s score is with their third card as well. To make things a little easier check out the points below to see everything you need to know.
- If the dealer has a total of 2 or less, then they will need to draw another card.
- If the dealer has a total of 3, they will draw a third card. However, they won’t be able to if the player’s third card was an 8.
- If the dealer has a total of 4, then they will need to draw a third card. This will only occur if the player’s third card was between 2 – 7.
- If the dealer has a total of 5, then they will draw a third card. This only occurs if the player’s third card was between 4 – 7.
- If the dealer has a total of 6, then they’ll draw a third card. However, this only occurs if the player’s third card was a 6 or 7.
- If the dealer has a total of 7 then they must stand and not draw a third card.
Whoever has 9 or the closest to it will win! Remember, Baccarat can end in a tie, when playing at home with friends and family you should play again if you get a tie to decide the winner. And that’s everything you need to know about the Baccarat game rules.
Baccarat – A Fun Game For Everyone!
Baccarat was the favorite game of the French nobility during the 19th century. Nowadays it’s enjoyed all over the world and it can be a great 2 player card game. But it’s also a fun game for groups as well.
What’s fun about Baccarat is that both the dealer and player have different rules to follow. While it does have a bit of learning curve to it Baccarat is a great game anyone can enjoy!
