Baccarat rules
The dealer applies fixed drawing rules. You never have to know them, but they explain the odds.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Hands score the last digit of the total.
- Third cards follow fixed rules.
- Banker wins slightly more often.
- Hence the 5% commission.
AnswerPlayer draws on 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7. Banker's draw depends on its own total and the player's third card. Naturals of 8 or 9 end the hand.
Scoring
Aces count one, tens and pictures nothing. Only the last digit of a total counts: 7 and 8 make 5.
Player's rule
| Player's total | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 | Draws |
| 6 or 7 | Stands |
| 8 or 9 | Natural; no more cards |
Banker's rule
| Banker's total | Draws if the player's third card was |
|---|---|
| 0, 1 or 2 | Anything |
| 3 | Anything except 8 |
| 4 | 2 to 7 |
| 5 | 4 to 7 |
| 6 | 6 or 7 |
| 7 | Stands |
If the player stood, the banker draws on 0 to 5.
Why banker wins more
The banker acts with knowledge of the player's third card. That is worth about 1.2 percentage points, and the 5% commission takes most of it back.
The three bets
| Bet | Wins about | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 45.9% of hands | 1.06% |
| Player | 44.6% | 1.24% |
| Tie | 9.5% | About 14% |
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No-commission tables
These pay banker at evens but only half on a winning banker six. The edge on banker rises from 1.06% to about 1.46%, so the classic game is slightly cheaper.
Side bets
Pair bets and "dragon" style bonuses pay long odds at edges of 5% to 15%.
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House edges and RTPs are standard published figures for common rules, and are long-run averages. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
When does the player draw?
On 0 to 5.
Why is there commission on banker?
Banker wins more often.
What is a natural?
A two-card 8 or 9.
Is there strategy?
Only the choice of bet.