Basic Rules of Baccarat

When it comes to playing baccarat, regardless of the variation, the goal of the game is always the same葉o predict which player will finish the hand with a score of eight or nine, or as close to eight or nine as possible.

Point Values

Players often do not need to be concerned with point values because they are not necessarily trying to build a winning hand. However, for the sake of knowledge, the cards are scored as follows: Aces are worth one point, face cards are neutral and worth zero points, and all of the other cards are scored based upon their face values. Scores greater than 10 will be equal to the second digit in the two-digit score, meaning a score of 16 is really only a score of six.

Third Card Rules

The rules that govern whether the player or banker should take a third card can be quite complex, and they are often different from casino to casino and from variation to variation. Players do not need to be concerned with this; the dealer or croupier is very familiar with the cards and will automatically hand out third cards as necessary. Players do not have a choice in this matter.

Online Baccarat

The rules still apply to online baccarat, but gameplay may progress a bit differently. For one reason, most online baccarat rooms are set up for single players; the dealer is a computer program and there are no other players placing wagers on the outcome of the cards. Also, players should remember to read the rule differences associated with the different baccarat variants as online venues have more leeway when it comes to game types.

Baccarat is a fun and simple game that shares the same basic rules across all of its variants. Players who want to succeed with this game should take the time to familiarize themselves with the rules, but memorization is not necessary.