How to Play Baccarat in Las Vegas
Baccarat (pronounced BA-KA-RAH) offers some of the best odds and despite its appearance, is probably the simplest game to play. Baccarat involves just a few decisions. How much you want to bet and whether to bet on the Bank, the Player or on the Tie Bet.
The object of Baccarat is to be on one of two hands. The winning hand is the one which totals the closest to nine. Nine is the hightest hand.
Eight decks are shuffled together and those participating in the game place a wager on either the bank or the player.
Two hands of two cards each are dealt from the Shoe. The first hand dealt is called the Player’s Hand and the second is called the Banker’s Hand. If the point out of either hand is 8 or 9 (called a “Natural”), no more cards will be dealt. If the Bank does not have a Natural, the Player will always draw a third card on totals of 0-1-2-3-4 and 5 and stand with 6-7-8 and 9.
The Hand closest to 9 wins and pays even money. A winning Tie Bet pays 9-to-1 but the Player’s and Banker’s Hand neither wins nor loses.
Face cards and tens have no value. Aces always count as one. If the cards dealt total more than nine on either hand, they acquire the value of the second digit. For example 10=0, 13=3, 20=0, 24=4.
The shoe holds eight decks of cards. It is passed around the table from player to player, counter-clockwise, every time a player hand wins. This is a way of encouraging each
player to take an active part in dealing with the game. Before cards are dealt from the shoe, everyone places their bet on the side they think will win (banker or player). The player with the shoe then deals four cards alternately. Two are designated player cards, two are designated banker cards.
The croupier announces the total of each hand and the winning side is then announced. When betting on the Bank, the casino will collect 5% commission on money won
Player Card and 3rd Card Rule
| When a player's first two cards total | Player's Card |
| 0-1-2-3-4-5 | Draws a card |
| 6-7 | Stands |
| 8-9 | Natural stands |
Banker
| When a banker's first two cards total | Draw when player's 3rd card is |
Does not draw when player's 3rd card is |
| 0-1-2 | Banker's hand always draws on a two-card total of 0-1-2 | |
| 3 | 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-9-0 | 8 |
| 4 | 2-3-4-5-6-7 | 1-8-9-0 |
| 5 | 4-5-6-7 | 1-2-3-8-9-0 |
| 6 | 6-7 | 1-2-3-4-5-8-9-0 |
| 7 | Stands |
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| 8-9 | Natural stands |
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Be Warned:
This website encourages you to play responsibly by betting within your limits and by recognizing that over time the house will come out ahead.
Nevada State Gaming Rules
The minimum age for gambling in Nevada is 21 and the law is strictly enforced. Casinos can be fined heavily by the state or have their license revoked for allowing anyone under 21 to gamble or loiter in gaming areas.
Adults cannot play slot machines with kids looking over their shoulder, nor can they park infants in strollers besides slot machines or gaming tables.
Security guards will inform violators of the state law one time and escort them from the premises for repeatedly ignoring warnings.
Responsible Gaming
This website encourages you to play responsibly by betting within your limits and by recognizing that over time the house will come out ahead.
To view a full copy of the American Gaming Association Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, visit the AGA website at www.americangaming.org.
If you wish to view the AGA’s win-loss brochure, “The Guide to House Advantage”, visit www.americangaming.org
Copies of the brochure “When the Fun Stops – Understanding Compulsive Gambling” are available at most Casino Cages, and Players Club Desk.
Warning Signs of Problem Gaming:
- Gambling to escape worry
- Gambling to get money to solve financial difficulties
- Feeling unable to stop playing, regardless of winning or losing
- Often gambling until your last dollar is gone
- Neglecting your family because of gambling
If you feel you need help, please call the following 24-hour confidential national hotline:
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700
| Free Gaming Lessons | Players Club Card List | ![]() |
| Poker Tournaments | House Advantage | |
| Hand-Held Gambling | Harrah's Total Rewards | |
| MGM Mirage Players Club | A-List Players Club |
Recommended reading and merchandise |
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Things you should know about Baccarat
Tie Bet - With a tie bet, you are betting that both the player and banker hands will tie. If they are tied, you will be paid 9 for 1
Nine is the hightest hand
If a banker or players hand has a total of eight or nine on the first two cards, no further cards are drawn.
Player hand having 0 - 5 must draw one card.
Player hand having 6 or 7 must stand
Difference between Baccarat and Mini Baccarat
The rules of Baccarat and Mini Baccarat are similar. In Mini Baccarat, the croupier is the only person permitted to deal the cards.
Learn to play casino games
Learn to play casino games by clicking on the links below. Each link tells you a little about the game, the rules and gives you an online video on the game in action. Hope you enjoy them.





