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How are baccarat hands scored?
Add the cards and keep only the last digit. Aces count as 1, cards 2 to 9 count at face value, and tens and face cards count as 0. So a 9 and a 7 make 16, which scores 6. You make no decisions during the hand, since drawing rules decide everything.
Which baccarat bet is best?
The banker bet has the lowest house edge, even with the commission. Wizard of Odds advises betting on the banker every time.
| Bet | Pays | 1 deck | 6 decks | 8 decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 19 to 20 (even money less 5%) | 1.01% | 1.06% | 1.06% |
| Player | Even money | 1.29% | 1.24% | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8 to 1 | 15.75% | 14.44% | 14.36% |
When does baccarat draw a third card?
The rules decide, so you do not need to learn them to play. If either hand has 8 or 9, both stand. Otherwise the player draws on 5 or less and stands on 6 or 7. If the player stood, the banker follows the same rule. If the player drew, the banker follows a table based on its total and the player's third card.
Does tracking baccarat results help?
No. Score cards and trend charts can look useful, but Wizard of Odds says the smart player leaves them alone, and bets on the banker. Past hands do not give you a usable edge in normal play. Side bets such as Dragon Bonus or Perfect Pairs vary by game, so check their payouts before assuming they are good value.
What should you check at an online baccarat table?
Check these first:
- The banker commission. Commission-free versions change the rules on some banker wins.
- The tie payout, usually 8 to 1.
- Whether the game counts toward a wagering requirement.
- The table minimum, if it is a live dealer game.
What are the rules in your state?
Each state sets its own online casino rules. Pick a state to see its status, its regulator and the date we last checked it.
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Sources
Checked November 5, 2026. Regulator rules were read through the sources listed, and they can change. How we research.
- Wizard of Odds: baccarat basics
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