How To Play Baccarat – Full Baccarat Rules for UK Players
Baccarat has found a loyal following in the UK, both in land-based casinos and online. The game stands out for its easy-to-understand rules and the fast pace of each round.
If you are interested in learning how baccarat works, this guide will explain the rules and help you become more familiar with the terms you will come across.
You will find out how hands are scored, what the betting options mean, and how a typical round unfolds. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of baccarat, including points to consider before playing and tips for gambling responsibly.
What Is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a popular card game played in many UK casinos, both online and in-person. The game involves two main hands known as the “Player” and the “Banker”. Players wager on which hand they think will be closer to a total of nine points by the end of the round.
You do not need to use any special skill or make complex decisions while playing. Instead, you place a bet on whether you think the Player, Banker, or a Tie will win. After bets are placed, cards are dealt according to set rules, and the hand totals decide the outcome.
Baccarat uses between six and eight decks of standard playing cards. Number cards from two to nine are worth their face value, tens and face cards count as zero, and aces are worth one point.
Outcomes are determined by how the cards are dealt, and returns are never guaranteed.
Baccarat Rules Explained
At the start of a baccarat round, two hands are dealt: one for the Player and one for the Banker. You can place a bet on either hand to win, or on a Tie if you think both hands will end up with the same total.
Each hand is dealt two cards from a multi-deck shoe. The values of the cards are added together, but if the total is more than nine, only the last digit counts. For example, a hand with a 7 and a 6 (total 13) is worth 3 points.
Sometimes, a third card may be drawn for the Player or Banker hand. This follows fixed drawing rules.
For example, if the Player hand totals 5 or less, it will receive a third card. The rules for the Banker drawing a third card depend on the Banker’s total and, in some situations, the Player’s third card value.
You win if you have placed a bet on the hand that ends up closer to nine. If both hands finish with the same total, a Tie bet pays out. Standard payouts are:
Player bet: 1 to 1
Banker bet: 1 to 1 (minus a 5% commission)
Tie bet: 8 to 1 (sometimes 9 to 1, depending on the casino)
House rules and the number of decks can differ, so it can help to check each game’s information before playing.
How Do You Play Baccarat Step by Step?
A round begins with bets placed on the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a Tie. Once betting closes, two cards are dealt face up to each hand and their totals are calculated using the single-digit scoring described earlier.
If either hand totals 8 or 9 on the first two cards, this is a natural and the round usually ends immediately. If not, the third-card rules may apply. The Player hand draws a third card on totals of 0 to 5, while the Banker’s decision depends on its own total and, in some cases, the Player’s third card.
When all drawing is complete, the totals are compared. The hand nearest to nine is the winner and any bets on that outcome are settled. Details such as minimum and maximum stakes, side bets, and the full drawing chart should be listed in each game’s information section.
What Is the Objective of Baccarat?
The aim in baccarat is to try and predict which of the two hands, Player or Banker, will finish closest to a total of nine.
You are not competing against other players and you do not choose which cards are dealt. Everything after your wager follows the fixed rules.
If both hands reach the same total, the result is a Tie. Some games may also include optional side bets, which should be explained in the paytable.
What Are the Card Values in Baccarat?
In baccarat, card values are simple and consistent. The total for each hand is calculated from these points:
- Cards 2 to 9 are worth their face value
- Aces are worth one point
- 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth zero
If a total goes above nine, only the final digit counts. For example, a 7 and an 8 add up to 15, which counts as 5 in baccarat. Every hand therefore scores between zero and nine.
How Is a Winning Hand Decided?
A winning hand in baccarat is the one with a total closest to nine after all required cards are dealt. Each hand finishes with either two or three cards, depending on the drawing rules.
The Player and Banker totals are compared and any bets are paid according to the outcome.
If both hands have the same total, Tie bets win. The dealer or software handles all decisions automatically, so results are determined by the final totals rather than player actions.
Player, Banker, and Tie Bets
In baccarat, you can bet on one of three main outcomes: the Player hand winning, the Banker hand winning, or the round ending in a Tie.
Payouts and House Edge
A Player bet is a wager that the Player hand will finish closer to nine than the Banker hand. Winning Player bets typically pay 1 to 1. The house edge for Player bets is around 1.24% based on common rules.
A Banker bet means wagering on the Banker hand to have the higher total. Winning Banker bets also pay 1 to 1, but a 5% commission is usually deducted from any potential winnings. This makes the net return £0.95 for every £1 wagered after commission. The house edge for Banker bets is about 1.06%.
A Tie bet is a wager that both hands will have the same total at the end of the round. Tie bets usually pay 8 to 1, though some games offer 9 to 1. The house edge on Tie bets is much higher, often over 14% at 8 to 1.
Payouts and edges can vary by game, so it can be worth checking the paytable before you play.
Can You Play Baccarat Online in the UK?
Baccarat is widely available at many licensed online casinos in the UK. You can find both automated versions, where software handles the dealing, and live dealer tables that use real cards via live stream.
All operators serving UK players must be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which sets rules for fairness, security, and player protection.
Online lobbies usually offer several baccarat variants, such as Punto Banco and Speed Baccarat. These may differ in betting limits, side bets, and pace of play, so the paytable and rules section are the best places to confirm the details.
If you want to try baccarat, read the game rules, and set sensible limits before you start. Outcomes are never certain, so only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.