Learning how to play Baccarat is simpler than its sophisticated image suggests, with the core objective being a bet on which hand gets closer to nine. Your only real decision is choosing between the Player hand or the Banker hand. A key rule to remember is that high cards like Kings and Queens are worth zero. This guide from BG678 will show you how to play your first round with complete confidence.
How To Play Baccarat? Objective Card Values

Before placing any bet, understanding the game’s single objective and how cards are valued is the first essential step to mastering how to play Baccarat.
- Objective of the Game: In how to play Baccarat, your only goal is to correctly wager on which hand will win. You can bet on the Player side, the Banker side, or a Tie. You are not competing with the dealer or other players.
- Aces: The Ace card always holds a value of exactly 1 point.
- Cards 2 through 9: These numbered cards are taken at their face value. A 5 of clubs is worth 5 points; an 8 of diamonds is worth 8 points.
- 10s and Face Cards: All Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings have no point value. They are each worth 0.
- Calculating the Total: A key part of how to play Baccarat is finding a hand’s value by adding the points of the cards. If the sum is a two-digit number, you just use the second digit. For instance, a hand with a 9 and a 6 totals 15, making its value 5.
How You Play Baccarat Step By Step

Now that you understand the basic values, let’s walk through a full round. Learning Baccarat is a simple, four-step journey covering everything from placing chips to celebrating the final result.
Choosing Player Banker or the Tie Bet
The first action in any round of how to play Baccarat is your only decision. Before any cards are dealt, you must choose where to place your bet. You are predicting the outcome of the hand about to be played.
When you learn Baccarat, there are three possible options on the table. A bet on the ‘Player’ space means you believe the Player hand will win when its total is closer to 9 than the Banker’s hand.
Alternatively, you can place a wager on the ‘Banker’ space. This is a bet that the Banker’s hand will be the winning one. The name ‘Banker’ does not refer to the casino; it is just the name of the hand. Finally, the ‘Tie’ bet is a wager that both hands will have the same total. It offers a high payout but has very low probability.
The Natural Win Rule for Totals of 8 or 9
The most powerful outcome in Baccarat is called a “Natural Win.” This is the best possible result for either hand on the initial deal. A Natural Win occurs if the first two cards dealt to either the Player or Banker equal a total of 8 or 9.
When this happens, this round of Baccarat immediately concludes. No more cards are drawn by either hand; the winner is declared instantly. All bets are settled based on this result.
Following the Third Card Rule or Tableau
If neither hand achieves a Natural Win, the rules for Baccarat may require a third card. This is not a choice you or the dealer makes. The decision follows strict drawing rules known as the “Tableau.”
These rules dictate exactly when a third card must be dealt. The Player’s hand is always evaluated first. If the Player’s initial two-card total is between 0 and 5, a third card is drawn. If the total is 6 or 7, the Player hand will stand.
Checking Totals to Determine the Winner
The final step in understanding Baccarat involves the showdown. After all necessary cards have been dealt, the final totals are compared to determine the winning hand, settling all bets.
The hand with the total value closest to 9 wins; this is the core of Baccarat. The dealer handles all payouts, paying winning wagers while collecting losing ones.
How to Play Baccarat Banker Bet Payouts

While the gameplay is simple, knowing the exact payouts and house edge for each bet at BG678 is crucial for anyone learning how to play Baccarat smartly.
Bet Type | Payout Ratio | House Edge | Example (Win on ₹1,000 Bet) |
---|---|---|---|
Player Bet | 1 to 1 | 1.24% | You receive ₹1,000 in winnings, for a total return of ₹2,000. |
Banker Bet | 0.95 to 1 (Pays 1 to 1 minus 5% commission) | 1.06% | You receive ₹950 in winnings (₹1,000 minus ₹50 commission), for a total return of ₹1,950. |
Tie Bet | 8 to 1 | 14.36% | You receive ₹8,000 in winnings, for a total return of ₹9,000. |
How to Play Baccarat Using the Banker Strategy
The smartest way for a beginner to learn Baccarat involves a clear plan. The casino recommends “The BG678 ‘Banker-First’ Method” as the most effective starting strategy.
The core principle: consistently bet on the Banker. This is not a guess but a decision based on pure mathematical probability. The Banker hand wins approximately 45.8% of all hands played over time, more often than either the Player hand or the Tie.
This benefit is reflected in the house edge. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge at just 1.06%. Compare that to the Player bet’s 1.24% edge versus the risky Tie bet’s 14.36% edge. This makes the Banker bet a superior strategy when you first learn Baccarat, compared to using a complex blackjack strategy.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to play Baccarat means appreciating its simple rules over its complex reputation. You understand the three core bets and the main objective of getting closest to a total of nine. Remember the Banker bet has the best odds due to its low 1.06% house edge. This insight allows you to play with the confidence of a true professional player. Visit BG678 to place your first strategic bet and experience the game firsthand.