Walking past a Baccarat table can feel intimidating, but it requires absolutely no skill or complex strategy to play.
In fact, Baccarat is arguably the easiest table game in the entire casino, functioning almost exactly like a simple coin flip.
The Core Rules: Banker vs. Player
In Baccarat, there are only two hands dealt on the table: the ‘Banker’ hand and the ‘Player’ hand.
Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, Aces are worth 1, and 10s and Face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth absolutely zero.
- The dealer distributes two cards to the Player hand and two cards to the Banker hand
- Depending on the exact totals, a complex set of casino rules determines if a third card is drawn for either side
- You do not need to memorize the third-card drawing rules; the dealer executes them automatically
Mini-Baccarat and Other Popular Variations
While the core math remains the same, casinos offer several variations to speed up the game or cater to different budgets.
Another popular variation is ‘EZ Baccarat,’ which completely eliminates the annoying 5% commission on the Banker bet.
| Variation Name | Key Difference | Player Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Big Baccarat (Punto Banco) | High limits, massive table | Players physically squeeze the cards |
| Mini-Baccarat | Low limits, half-sized table | Fast-paced, dealer touches all cards |
It is the perfect game for players who prefer to rely entirely on luck without worrying about making strategic mistakes.