Baccarat Basics: Banker, Player, and Side Bets

Short answer first: Baccarat is a card game where two hands, called “Player” and “Banker,” try to get a total closest to 9. You can bet on Player, Banker, or Tie. The drawing rules are fixed. Your job is to choose the bet.

This guide is for new players. It uses clear words. It gives the real numbers, not hype. You will learn how the deal works, what the odds are, how side bets pay, and how to play safe online and in a casino. By the end, you will know which bets have the lowest “house edge” and how to pick a fair table.

Quick odds snapshot (standard 8-deck, 5% commission):

Banker house edge ≈ 1.06%
Player house edge ≈ 1.24%
Tie house edge ≈ 14.36% when it pays 8:1 (≈ 4.9% at 9:1)

Note: Exact edges can change with table rules and number of decks. You can check full math at the Wizard of Odds baccarat analysis.

What is baccarat? The quick version

Most casinos use a form called Punto Banco. It is simple:

Two hands take part: “Player” and “Banker.” These are just hand names. They are not you or the casino.
Each hand starts with two cards.
Cards 2–9 count as face value. 10s and face cards count as 0. Aces count as 1.
Hand totals use only the last digit. So 14 counts as 4. 18 counts as 8.
The hand that is closest to 9 wins. There can be a Tie.
Extra cards (third cards) are drawn by fixed rules. You do not choose them.

Because the rules are fixed, there is very little “skill” in card play. Your main choice is what to bet on each hand: Player, Banker, or Tie. This is why baccarat is easy to learn. It moves fast, so plan your budget.

How the deal works (third-card rules made simple)

Here is the basic flow of one round:

The dealer gives two cards to Player and two to Banker.
If Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9, this is a “natural.” The round ends. No more cards.
If no natural: Player draws one card on totals 0–5, and stands on 6–7. After Player’s action, Banker may draw or stand. Banker’s draw depends on its total and on Player’s third card (if any).
Player draws one card on totals 0–5, and stands on 6–7.
After Player’s action, Banker may draw or stand. Banker’s draw depends on its total and on Player’s third card (if any).
The higher total (closest to 9) wins.

Player draws one card on totals 0–5, and stands on 6–7.
After Player’s action, Banker may draw or stand. Banker’s draw depends on its total and on Player’s third card (if any).

You do not need to memorize the full Banker draw chart. The table’s rules handle it. If you want the full table, see the official rules from regulators like the Nevada Gaming Control Board or this clear guide by Wizard of Odds: Baccarat basics.

Banker vs Player: odds, commission, and house edge

There are three main bets:

Banker: You win if the Banker hand wins. In standard games, wins pay 1:1 minus a 5% commission. The house edge is about 1.06% (8-deck).
Player: You win if the Player hand wins. Wins pay 1:1. The house edge is about 1.24% (8-deck).
Tie: You win if both hands tie. This often pays 8:1 (sometimes 9:1). At 8:1 the house edge is about 14.36%. At 9:1 it drops to about 4.9%, but it is still worse than Banker or Player.

No-commission variants

Some tables remove the 5% fee in a special way. Two common forms:

“Super 6” (or “No Commission”): Banker pays even money, but a Banker win on total 6 pays 1:2. In this case, Banker’s edge is about 1.46%, and Player stays about 1.24%.
EZ Baccarat: Banker pays even money, but a Banker win with a three-card 7 is a push (no win, no loss). The Banker edge is about 1.02%. See the official game info at EZ Baccarat.

Exact edges depend on decks and the rule set. Always read the table placard or the game info screen. For deeper math, see Wizard of Odds.

What this means for your wallet

Let’s use an example. Say a table deals about 70 hands per hour. You bet $10 per hand.

Banker (≈1.06%): Expected loss is about $0.106 per $10 bet. Over 70 hands: about $7–$8 per hour.
Player (≈1.24%): About $8–$9 per hour.
Tie 8:1 (≈14.36%): About $1.436 per $10 bet. If you bet Tie every hand, that’s over $100 per hour on average. This is why Tie is usually poor value.

Bottom line: Banker is usually the best main bet in standard games. Player is close. Tie is not a good long-term choice unless a special rule or a promo boosts the payout.

Side bets explained: payouts, popular options, and risk

Side bets are extra bets you can make in the same round. They add action and bigger wins, but they also add risk. Most side bets have a higher house edge than Banker or Player. The exact edge depends on decks and pay tables. Casinos post these on the layout or info screen.

Here are common side bets you may see:

Player Pair or Banker Pair: You win if the first two cards of that hand form a pair (like 7-7). This often pays 11:1. The house edge is often around 10%–11%.
Either Pair: You win if either hand has a pair. It often pays around 5:1. The edge is often 14%+.
Perfect Pair (suited pair): Two cards of the same rank and suit (like Q♣ Q♣). Often pays around 25:1. The edge is usually in the double digits.
Dragon Bonus: Pays if your side wins by a large margin or with a natural. Top pay can be around 30:1. Edges can range from low to mid single digits depending on side and rules. Check the exact table card.
Dragon 7 (Banker three-card 7): Often pays around 40:1. The house edge is often about 7%–8%.
Panda 8 (Player three-card 8): Often pays around 25:1. The house edge is often 10%+.
Big/Small (total number of cards dealt): “Small” (4 cards total) might pay 3:2, and “Big” (5–6 cards total) might pay a bit less than even money. Edges are often 4%–6%.

Key point: Side bets are fine for fun in small amounts. But if you care about value, focus on the main bets, mainly Banker. For a deeper side-bet breakdown with tables and math, see Wizard of Odds side bets.

A simple, sensible baccarat game plan

Bet choice: In standard 5% commission games, prefer Banker. Player is close and fine. Skip Tie unless it pays 9:1 or a promo changes the math.
Know your variant: If the table is “No Commission,” learn what the catch is (Super 6 half-pay on Banker 6, or EZ Baccarat 3-card 7 push). This changes the edge.
Bankroll: Set a budget before you play. Set a time limit too. Baccarat is fast, so small bets help your budget last.
Myths to skip: “Streaks” and “patterns” do not change the odds. Card counting does not work well in standard baccarat.
Table choice: Check table minimums, commissions, and side-bet rules on the placard. Pick what you understand. If online, read the info screen.
Pace: Online RNG games are very fast. Live dealer games are slower. In a casino, “squeeze” tables are slowest. Choose the pace that fits your budget.

Online vs land-based baccarat: safety, speed, and where to play

Online RNG (computer-dealt): Very fast. You can play many hands in a short time. Check that the site is licensed and that the games are tested by trusted labs like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI. Look for clear rules and pay tables.

Live dealer online: Real dealer on video. Slower pace, more social. Many tables use well-known studios, like Evolution or Playtech. Rules and edges are the same ideas as in a casino; always check the game info and side-bet list.

Land-based casinos: Real chips, real cards. Staff take the 5% commission on Banker wins. Some floors also offer EZ Baccarat or Super 6. If you like strong table feel and “squeeze,” this is for you.

Safety checklist:

Play on licensed sites or at licensed casinos. In the UK, you can check a license at the UK Gambling Commission. In the US, check your state regulator (for example, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement).
Look for fair game testing (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI) and clear rules.
Use sites with deposit limits, time outs, and self-exclusion tools.

Want a quick way to compare real tables, rule sets, and limits before you play? You can check independent reviews at EnLigneCasinos. They list game types (like 5% commission, EZ Baccarat, or Super 6), show table limits, and point to licensed operators, so you can pick a match for your style and budget.

Responsible gambling and legal note

Gambling is for adults only. Laws differ by country and state. Please check local rules before you play. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set limits on time and spend. Do not chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, stop.

Need help? These groups offer free support and advice:

US: National Council on Problem Gambling
UK: GamCare and BeGambleAware

This article is for information only. It is not legal advice. Odds and rules can change. Always read the table placard or the game info page before you bet.

Quick glossary

Banker: One of the two hands dealt in baccarat. A bet option.
Player: The other hand dealt. A bet option.
Tie: A bet that both hands end with the same total.
Commission: The 5% fee taken from winning Banker bets in standard games.
Natural: A two-card total of 8 or 9. Ends the round.
Punto Banco: The most common form of baccarat in casinos.
Squeeze: A slow reveal of cards for drama. Common at live tables.
RNG: Random number generator. Software that deals fair cards online.

FAQ

Is the Banker bet always the best?

In most standard games with a 5% commission, yes. Banker has about a 1.06% house edge, which is a bit better than Player at about 1.24%. In some no-commission games, the edge can shift a little. Read the table rules first. For math details, see Wizard of Odds.

Should I ever bet the Tie?

Tie often pays 8:1 and has a house edge around 14.36%. That is very high. Some games pay 9:1, which lowers the edge to about 4.9%, but it is still worse than Banker or Player. Tie can be fun now and then, but it is not a good value bet.

Can I count cards in baccarat?

In standard baccarat, card counting does not help much. The rules fix the draw. The effect of seen cards on future odds is tiny. You would not get a clear edge from it.

What is the difference between 5% commission and “No Commission”?

In 5% commission games, winning Banker bets pay 1:1 but you pay a 5% fee. In “No Commission” games, there is no fee, but there is a special rule. For example, “Super 6” pays only 1:2 when Banker wins with a total of 6. EZ Baccarat turns a Banker three-card 7 win into a push. These rules keep a house edge for the casino.

Are side bets worth it?

Side bets can be exciting and can pay big. But they also carry a higher house edge. If you want the best value, stick to Banker or Player. If you make side bets, keep them small and treat them as extra fun.

How many decks are used, and does it matter?

Most tables use 6 or 8 decks. The house edge numbers you see here assume 8 decks. Fewer or more decks can change edges a little, but not by much. The big factor is the rule set (commission or no commission, and the exact side-bet pay tables).

What is a “natural” in baccarat?

A “natural” is a two-card total of 8 or 9. When a natural appears on Player or Banker, the round stops and that hand wins (or ties if both have a natural with the same total).

Close: your key takeaways

Baccarat is simple: bet on Player, Banker, or Tie. The rules deal the cards.
Banker has the best odds in standard games. Player is close. Skip Tie for value.
Side bets are for fun, not for value.
Set limits. Check rules. Play on licensed, tested games only.

If you want to compare real tables, rule sheets, and limits before you play, you can use trusted review lists like EnLigneCasinos. Choose a table that fits your pace, budget, and risk level.

Sources and further reading

Wizard of Odds: Baccarat math and rules
Wizard of Odds: Baccarat side bets
Nevada Gaming Control Board
UK Gambling Commission: licensing and fairness
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
eCOGRA: testing and certification
iTech Labs: RNG testing
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
EZ Baccarat: official variant info
National Council on Problem Gambling
GamCare and BeGambleAware

About this guide

Fact-checked against regulator rules and trusted math sources (see links above). Last reviewed: 24 Dec 2025. We update key numbers if rules or pay tables change.