Baccarat has long held a reputation as the most exclusive, intimidating game on the casino floor.

Novice players tend to stick to familiar games like Blackjack, completely avoiding the intimidating Baccarat pit.

The massive irony is that Baccarat is actually the simplest table game in the entire casino.

Furthermore, Baccarat offers some of the absolute best mathematical odds available to a casino player.

Let's break down the rules, explain how the hands are scored, and reveal the only strategy you will ever need.
How the Cards are Scored in Baccarat
In every round of Baccarat, the dealer will place two hands of cards on the table: the "Player" hand and the "Banker" hand.

Before any cards are dealt, you place your chips in one of three betting circles in front of you: Player, Banker, or Tie.

Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth absolutely zero points in Baccarat.

The total score of a hand is simply the sum of its cards; however, if the total exceeds 9, you drop the first digit.

The hand with the final score closest to 9 wins the round. It is incredibly simple arithmetic.
The Dealer Does All the Work
If the Player's initial total is 0 through 5, they must draw a third card; if it is 6 or 7, they stand.

Looking at the third-card chart can cause a beginner to instantly panic and walk away from the table.

As a player, you make absolutely no decisions regarding drawing cards or standing.

Your involvement in the game completely ends the moment you place your chips on the betting circle.

Your only required skill is pointing at the table and placing a chip on one of the three options.
Why the Banker Bet is the Best Option
The math clearly dictates that one of these bets is significantly superior to the other two.

The Banker hand will win approximately 50.68% of the time (excluding ties).

Because the Banker bet has a built-in mathematical advantage, the casino charges a 5% commission on all winning Banker bets.

Therefore, the absolute best, flawless Baccarat strategy is incredibly boring but mathematically perfect: Always bet on the Banker.

This discrepancy gives the casino a massive, predatory house edge of 14.36% on the Tie bet.
Quick Reference Guide to Baccarat

The Goal: Bet on the hand (Player or Banker) that will finish closest to a total score of 9. The Tie Bet: Pays 8 to 1. House Edge is 14.36%. An absolute trap. Never place chips on the Tie. No Skill Required: The dealer handles all the drawing rules. You only make one choice before the cards are dealt. Punto Banco: The official name for the version of Baccarat played in North America and Macau.

The Two Most Popular Card Games

Game FeatureBlackjack (Basic Strategy)Baccarat (Banker Bet) House Edge~0.50% (If played perfectly)1.06% (No skill required) Player DecisionsConstant choices (Hit, Stand, Double, Split)Only one choice (Pick a side before the deal) Pace of PlayModerate (Depends on other players at the table)Very Fast (Especially on Mini-Baccarat tables)

Baccarat is the ultimate paradox of the casino: it looks incredibly sophisticated but is actually the easiest game in the building.

Find a low-limit "Mini-Baccarat" table, place your $10 on the Banker circle, and experience the easiest game in Vegas.

Good luck, and may you always draw a natural nine.