How to Play Baccarat: Rules, History and Winning Strategy

A Short History of Baccarat

Baccarat is believed to have started in Italy in the 15th century before becoming popular with French nobility as Chemin de Fer. The version played in most casinos today, Punto Banco, developed in Latin America and spread to Las Vegas in the 1950s. It became hugely popular in Macau and the rest of Asia, where it is now the biggest casino table game by far. In Malaysia, players know it from Resorts World Genting and from live casino apps.

Card Values

• Cards 2–9 are worth their face value.
• Aces are worth 1.
• 10, J, Q and K are worth 0.
• Only the last digit of a total counts: 7 + 8 = 15, so the hand is worth 5.

The best possible hand is 9. A two-card 8 or 9 is called a natural.

How a Round Works

1. You bet on Player, Banker or Tie (and optional side bets).
2. The dealer deals two cards each to Player and Banker.
3. If either has a natural 8 or 9, the round ends.
4. Otherwise, fixed third-card rules decide whether each side draws one more card.
5. The hand closest to 9 wins.

You never make decisions after betting – the dealer follows the rules automatically.

Third-Card Rules (Simplified)

Player: draws a third card on a total of 0–5 and stands on 6 or 7.

Banker: stands on 7. On 0–2 always draws. On 3–6, whether Banker draws depends on the Player’s third card. You do not need to memorise this; the dealer handles it.

Payouts and House Edge

Some tables offer no-commission baccarat, where Banker wins pay 1:1 except when Banker wins with 6, which pays 1:2. The house edge on Banker is slightly higher than the classic version.

Baccarat Strategy That Actually Works

1. Bet on Banker most of the time. It has the lowest house edge.
2. Avoid Tie and pair bets. Their payouts look attractive but the edge is much higher.
3. Use flat betting. Bet the same amount each hand rather than raising after losses.
4. Set a session budget that covers at least 40 bets.
5. Take profits. If you are up 50% on your budget, consider stopping.
6. Be careful with betting systems. Martingale and similar progressions can hit table limits fast. Read betting systems explained.

Road Maps Explained

Live baccarat tables show road maps: Big Road, Bead Plate, Big Eye Boy, Small Road and Cockroach Pig. They record past results in patterns. Many players enjoy following "streaks" or "chops", but each hand is independent: the road map cannot change the odds. Use it for fun, not as a prediction tool. See our casino myths guide.

Squeeze, Speed and VIP Baccarat

• Squeeze baccarat – the dealer slowly reveals cards for suspense. Popular at SA Gaming.
• Speed baccarat – shorter betting time and faster rounds, offered by Evolution.
• VIP baccarat – higher limits and more control over pace, available at AllBet.
• Fast baccarat with lively dealers – the style of Sexy Baccarat.

Playing Baccarat in Genting vs Online

The rules and odds are the same. Online live tables give you more table choices and lower limits.

Baccarat Etiquette

Even online, good manners keep the table pleasant: do not spam chat, respect the dealer and avoid blaming others for losses. Our casino etiquette guide has more.

Getting Started

1. Register and deposit through our banking options.
2. Open the live casino lobby and choose a baccarat table with a low limit.
3. Watch two rounds, then place a flat Banker or Player bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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