How to play baccarat online — rules and tips

Written by Vule Petrović

Checked by Paul P. •

Last updated on December 4, 2024

Despite being one of the most famous casino games, surprisingly few people know how to play baccarat once they’re seated at the table.

If you want to learn how to play baccarat like a pro, read on. I’ll give you all the info; everything from card values to the different bets you can place.

• Best baccarat casinos
• How it works
• Baccarat rules
• Baccarat table layout
• Baccarat bets
• How to win at baccarat
• FAQs

Top US online casinos to play baccarat in January 2025

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Casino Logo	Odds rating	Bonus	Go to casino Button	Show more	T&C
1 Mohegan Sun review	92/100 Games rating by Lorella F. 85% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $1,000	Play now	Show more Good to know Email, live chat, phone support iOS and Android apps Over 790 slot games 9 payment methods Show less
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3 Harrahs review	90/100 Games rating by Sarah C. 80% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $100 + 100 free spins	Play now	Show more Good to know 850+ slot games iOS and Android app Simple registration 9 payment methods Show less
4 Tropicana review	88/100 Games rating by Lorella F. 90% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $200 TROPTEN copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know 24/7 customer support Caesers Rewards member Community jackpots 11 payment methods Show less
5 Caesars review	88/100 Games rating by Ian Z. 86% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $2,500 and 2,500 Reward Credits on a $25+ wager TIME2500 copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know Caesars Rewards loyalty program Quick registration Over 1,000 games 11 payment methods Show less
6 BetRivers casino review	88/100 Games rating by Claire S. 85% Playscore based on 8 critics	Bonus Money reload up to $500 CASINOBACK copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know Community chat with rewards Native app for Android Low bonus wagering requirements 9 payment methods Show less
7 Borgata review	87/100 Games rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on 8 critics	$20 Bonus Dollars + 100% up to $1,000 MCW1000 copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know 12 payment methods 24/7 support Quick sign-up process 13 payment methods Show less
8 Resorts review	87/100 Games rating by Lorella F. 84% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $1,000 DEPOSIT1 copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know Easy, quick registration Email, live chat, phone support iOS and Android apps 9 payment methods Show less
9 BetMGM casino review	85/100 Games rating by Ian Z. 91% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play MCW1000 copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know 20+ software providers 24/7 support Play over 700 games 14 payment methods Show less
10 Stardust review	85/100 Games rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on 8 critics	$25 free + up to $500 in deposit bonuses FTD250 copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know Quick withdrawals Huge game variety Plenty of promos 9 payment methods Show less
11 PartyCasino review	82/100 Games rating by Claire S. 86% Playscore based on 8 critics	200% up to $100 + 25 free spins WELCOMEBONUS copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know Safe and secure payments 500+ slots Unique roulette variants 14 payment methods Show less
12 PlayStar review	81/100 Games rating by Charlie S. 82% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% Deposit Match up to $500 + 500 Free Spins	Play now	Show more Good to know Two-part welcome deal Five-tier Playstar Club Smooth mobile apps 7 payment methods Show less

Each baccarat casino in the above list was chosen because of its number of baccarat games, its online casino bonus, the different types of baccarat games offered, and whether you can get your baccarat fix on the go.

Most of them also offer demo games where you can practice playing baccarat for free. Some will also offer a no-deposit bonus such as a free play bonus. 

How baccarat works

Baccarat gives you more control than most casino games but, in essence, it’s a guessing game. The player must bet on whether their hand or the banker’s hand is the winning hand. The winner is the one who gets the highest number of points out of nine. You can also bet on a tie, though it’s long odds.

Understanding card values

In standard baccarat, approximately eight decks of regular playing cards are used. While the cards are standard deck cards, their values are adjusted for baccarat gameplay. Here’s how card values work in baccarat:

• Cards numbered 2 through 9 retain their face value (e.g., a 2 is worth 2, a 3 is worth 3, and so on).
• The 10, Jack, Queen, and King all have a value of 0.
• Aces are valued at 1.

How to play the baccarat card game — basic rules

Baccarat rules aren’t all that hard to follow, so here are some basic tips you need.

Step 1

Place a bet

Betting takes place on one of two hands — the banker’s hand or a player’s hand. The bets must be made before cards are dealt. You can play either the table game version or live baccarat games. 

Step 2

Cards are dealt

Two cards are dealt to both the banker and the player. The dealer places one card face-up in the player’s box, then one in the banker’s box, and repeats this for the second card. Both hands now have two cards.

Step 3

Player’s rules

The player’s hand is evaluated first. If the player’s total is 8 or 9, it’s called a “natural,” and no further cards are drawn. If the total is 6 or 7, the player stands. If the total is 0–5, the player draws a third card.

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Step 4

Banker’s rules

The banker’s actions depend on their hand total and the player’s third card (if drawn). The banker stands if their total is 7 or more. If the banker’s total is 0–2, they always draw a third card. For totals of 3–6, whether the banker draws depends on the value of the player’s third card in the following way:

– If the banker has 3, they draw unless the player’s third card is an 8
– If the banker has 4, they draw if the player’s third card is 2–7
– If the banker has 5, they draw if the player’s third card is 4–7
– If the banker has 6, they draw if the player’s third card is 6 or 7

Step 5

Results and scores above 9

The hand closest to 9 wins. If either hand totals more than 9, the left digit is dropped, effectively resetting the count. Examples:

– A hand of 5 + 4 = 9 (natural win).
– A hand of 7 + 8 = 15, which becomes 5.
– A hand of 9 + 9 = 18, which becomes 8.

This scoring rule is simple: just drop the left digit for totals over 9.

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The third card — additional rules (when to hit/stand)

The third card plays a critical role in deciding the outcome of the game once the initial two cards are dealt. The banker’s actions — whether to draw a third card or stand — depend on both the banker’s total and the player’s third card value.

I’ve put together a detailed baccarat rules chart to show when the banker should hit (draw another card) or stand. This guide will help you better understand the game’s third-card rule mechanics.

How to read the table:

1. Banker’s total — the first column represents the banker’s total after the initial two cards.
2. Player’s third card — The header row (0–9) shows the possible values of the player’s third card if drawn.
3. Hit — the banker draws another card
4. Stand — the banker doesn’t draw another card
   

Baccarat table layout

If you’ve never sat at a baccarat table, you’ve probably seen it in movies. The diagram below shows the table and all the different areas.

It can change a little according to the particular variant of baccarat you’re playing, so let’s go over those differences now.

1. Mini baccarat

The mini baccarat table differs from standard baccarat in several ways. The table is smaller, resembling a blackjack table, and accommodates up to 7 players compared to the larger 14-seat setup in standard baccarat.

Mini baccarat is managed entirely by one dealer, who handles all the cards and bets, whereas standard baccarat often involves multiple dealers, and players may take turns acting as the banker.

The gameplay is also faster-paced in mini baccarat because there are no pauses for rituals like players revealing or handling cards themselves — a common feature in the standard version. Additionally, mini baccarat typically features lower betting limits, making it more accessible to casual players.

2. Midi baccarat

Midi baccarat follows the same rules as mini baccarat but differs in how the cards are handled. Instead of the dealer revealing all cards face up, the cards are dealt face down.

The cards for the player hand are given to the individual who placed the largest bet on the player side, while the banker hand cards are given to the individual who placed the largest bet on the banker side. These players are then responsible for revealing the cards at their discretion, adding an element of suspense and drama to the game.

This interactive aspect creates a more engaging experience but also slows down the game compared to mini baccarat. The rest of the players at the table must wait to see the outcome of their bets, which heightens the anticipation and social dynamics of midi baccarat.

3. Big baccarat

Big baccarat is played on a much larger table, often shaped like a large semi-circle and accommodating 12 to 14 players. Due to the table’s size and the number of participants, the game requires more personnel — typically, two dealers manage the bets and payouts, while a caller oversees the game and announces the actions, such as the outcome of each hand.

Unlike mini baccarat, where the dealer handles all the cards, in big baccarat, players often take turns dealing the cards, adding a more traditional and interactive element. Big baccarat tables are less common in regular casino areas and are usually reserved for VIP sections, catering to high-stakes players.

While the basic rules of the game remain the same as in mini baccarat, the larger table size, additional personnel, and higher betting limits create a more formal and exclusive gaming experience.

Baccarat bets explained — my recommendations

Unlike table game favorite blackjack, there are three main baccarat bets that you can make, not including side bets. These bet types do not only use different areas of the baccarat table to be played, but they also offer different payouts.

How to play casino baccarat and make money

While many people love to play at casinos for the love of the game, most play for the chance to score some cash. Winning is never guaranteed, and casinos are designed to make a profit, so be careful.

With that said, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you hold onto your winnings while still following the rules.

1. Bet with the banker — As I already mentioned, the banker bet is the best one. Given that the banker will win slightly over 50% every time, it’s usually worth the 5% commission you have to dish out.
2. Avoid making the tie bet — The tie bet has a house edge of 14.4%, compared to the banker house edge of 1.06%. You hardly need to be Einstein to figure out what this means for you and your pocket.
3. Be careful with mini baccarat — Mini baccarat’s fast gameplay can quickly drain your bankroll due to the high number of hands played per hour. While the lower minimum bets may seem appealing, slower-paced versions like midi or big baccarat give you more control and time to enjoy the game.

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