The Basics of Baccarat

There are 10 possible hand scores in Baccarat, ranging from zero up to 9. The idea is to get as close as possible to 9. The worst hand possible is zero. A player's score will always range between zero and 9 as it is impossible to go 'bust'.

The scoring runs as follows: The cards 2 through to 9 are worth their face value in points. Aces are worth one point, and 10s and picture cards are worth zero. When scores are calculated only the number in the right hand column is counted. For example, if you are given a 5 and an 8 then these would obviously add up to 13. However, the 10 is removed and the total of the hand is therefore 3.

The three options available to you are to bet on the 'Banker', the 'Player' or the 'tie'. Player and Banker bets are paid at even money, though successful bets on the Banker are subject to a 5% commission. The odds offered for a bet on the tie are 8/1.