How to Play Online Baccarat and Mini Baccarat

Mini Baccarat

The ancient game of baccarat (pronounced bah-kah-rah) is played with eight decks of cards. The cards are shuffled by the croupier, or dealer, and placed in a box called the “shoe”. The object of the game which is played strictly according to the rules outlined here, is to wager on the hand (bank or player) which the player feels will be closest to nine.

The highest hand in baccarat is nine. The lowest hand is zero. The hand closest to nine is the winner. Face cards, tens, and any combination totaling ten have a value of zero. Baccarat is a single digit game; hands reaching ten or more are reduced to their second single digit. (For example: 1+2=3; 10+3=3; 9+4=3)

In baccarat, there are two primary ways to bet; on the player’s hand, or on the bank’s hand. There is also an option to the tie. A player may bet on the bank’s hand, the player’s hand, and/or on the tie.

Each hand is dealt two cards from the shoe. The player’s hand is acted upon first, followed by the bank’s hand. If the rules call for a third card to be dealt, either or both hands must take the third card. There are no optional cards in baccarat.

In the event of a tie hand, the tie bet wins and the hand is replayed. Tie bets must be declared in advance, and pay 8 for 1 odds. Bets are paid even money, and the house collects a five percent commission on all winning bank bets.

Baccarat Rules

When the first two cards are dealt to either player or the bank total eight (8) or (9). Neither side may draw any more cards.

In the absence of a bank natural: The player will draw a card when the first two cards total five (5) or less. The player will stand when the first two cards total six (6) or more.

In the absence of a player natural: The bank will draw a card when his first two cards total two (2) or less. When the player stands on the first two cards, the bank will draw on five (5) or less and stand on six (6) or more

Here are some Great Baccarat Casinos