Knowing about the scoring system in baccarat is the only thing you need to be fully aware of to play this casino game effectively as you learn how to play baccarat. It’s one of the simplest to learn, and once you know how, you can start maximizing your sessions in the best possible way.
Read our guide to everything about how the card values in baccarat work, how the hand totals are calculated, and what the best hands are to maximize your chances of success at Hard Rock Bet Online Casino.
What Are the Card Values in Baccarat?
Each card in baccarat has a fixed value. The scoring system used is almost the same as in blackjack for cards with numerical values. The difference between these two games is that face cards and 10s are worth 0, rather than being a “10.” Ultimately, they drop the first digit when they are dealt.
We have a simple table below that you can use as a reference:
| Card | Point Value |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 |
| 2 through 9 | Face value (2–9) |
| 10 | 0 |
| Jack, Queen, King | 0 |
Remember, in baccarat, you don’t play against the dealer. You simply have to pick a side to bet on before the cards are drawn. The hand with the value closest to 9 wins. It’s that simple, and why it ranks among the casino games with the best odds.
What Is an Ace Worth in Baccarat?
When an Ace is drawn, it will only be worth 1 point. It doesn’t alter as it does in blackjack, where you can pick and choose whether it is 1 or 11. With baccarat keeping the value at 1 at all times, the math behind the game is simple for players to follow.
What Are Number Cards Worth in Baccarat?
As highlighted, the number cards from 2 to 9 are all worth the value shown on the card. If you draw a 3, it will be worth 3 points to your total. If you draw a 9, it will be worth 9 points.
What Are Tens and Face Cards Worth in Baccarat?
Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all worthless in baccarat. They have zero point value and contribute nothing to your hand. It doesn’t matter what baccarat variant you are playing; this is the rule that is followed at standard tables and live dealer games.
Do Suits Matter in Baccarat?
Unlike in poker, the playing card suits have no impact on the hands that are dealt. In baccarat, you’re simply looking at the value of the hand, not the pattern of suits.
How Are Baccarat Hand Totals Calculated?
So, how are baccarat hand totals calculated? This aspect of the game can be confusing for new players, but it is very easy to pick up.
The Player and Banker will receive a separate total after the hands are dealt. These hands will need to be added separately to see which one is closer to 9. The hand that is will win the round.
What Is the Drop the Tens Rule?
Say you have a hand of two 8s. You’ll know that this adds up to 16, but in baccarat, this adds up to 6. This is because you drop the first digit when the total number hits double digits. It doesn’t matter what the value is; if you have 12 on the table, it will actually be 2, and so on.
Sample Baccarat Hand Calculations
If you’re still a little confused or want some examples of how the calculations work, check out the below:
- 7 + King: 7 + 0 = 7
- 9 + 6: 9 + 6 = 15, drop the 1 = 5
- Ace + 5: 1 + 5 = 6
- Queen + Jack: 0 + 0 = 0
- 8 + 4: 8 + 4 = 12, drop the 1 = 2
When Does a Third Card Come into Play?
A third card can be drawn in baccarat by either the Player or Banker, and this can often be based on a fixed set of drawing rules. This isn’t something a player needs to know, as games will automatically deal it where possible. However, it’s worth knowing that this can happen to avoid any surprises.
Baccarat is largely played with two cards per hand, which is why the game’s rounds move quickly and why so many can be played in a short period of time. Still, be careful to approach the game responsibly, as you may fall into the trap of spending more than you intended or doing so much faster than had been planned.
What Is the Best Hand in Baccarat?
A “natural” 9 is the best hand that you can receive in baccarat. This is a combination of two cards that add up to 9. This can appear in numerous combinations, and if it does, a third card cannot be drawn as the game comes to an immediate end.
If a “natural” 9 isn’t drawn, the next best is a “natural” 8. It may be referred to as “le petit natural” in some corners. Like with a “natural” 9, a round with a “natural” 8 will come to an immediate end if one is drawn.
How Do Player and Banker Hands Compare?
Remember, in baccarat, you’re not playing against the dealer, even though the terminology used would suggest otherwise. All you’re doing is predicting whether the “Player” or the “Banker” hand will win by finishing the closest to 9.
Each hand is dealt face-up, so you can see what’s happening in real-time. The two hands will have their values calculated, and the winner will be the one with the higher value. Remember, it’s possible to bet “Tie” if you think this outcome may happen.
What Happens on a Tie?
Betting on Tie is when you believe the Player and Banker will have hands that have identical totals. If this happens, bets on the other options will typically be returned as a push, meaning you receive your stake back without any winnings/losses.
A Tie is less frequent to happen in baccarat, but if it does and you correctly bet on this outcome, you can receive an enhanced payout because of its rarity.
How Much Does Baccarat Pay?
Baccarat payouts are straightforward:
- Player bet: Pays even money (1 to 1)
- Banker bet: Pays even money, typically with a small commission deducted from winning bets
- Tie bet: Pays at a much higher rate, commonly 8 to 1 depending on the table
Winning Banker bets typically incur a small commission, which raises a question most new players ask right away. The commission on Banker bets exists because the Banker hand statistically wins more often than the Player hand.
It is possible to find no-commission variants online.
Is Baccarat Actually 50/50?
If you’re wondering how fair baccarat is, it’s almost at a 50/50 split, though baccarat odds still favor the Banker slightly.
The Banker bet statistically wins more than the Player hand, which is why there is a commission deducted from winnings. This is due to the third-card rules that are involved, as the Banker gets to react to the third card of the Player hand, meaning they have a slight edge.
As a result, the Banker bet has become the most popular option for many bettors at the baccarat table and a common focus of basic baccarat strategy, despite having to pay a small fee. If you don’t want to pay a commission, you can find no-commission variants, but these will see payouts reduced in half if the Banker scores a 6.
Where Can You Play Baccarat Online?
Hard Rock Bet Casino covers everything from how to play baccarat on its desktop site to its mobile app, including live dealer tables that stream a real dealer directly to your screen. The game library covers classic baccarat, fast-paced mini baccarat, and live dealer formats, all within a catalog of 4,300+ real money casino games.
Online tables at Hard Rock Bet come with lower minimum bets than most retail casino floors, making it easy to get comfortable with the game before scaling up. Hard Rock Bet Casino is licensed and legal, open to players 21+ in Michigan and New Jersey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baccarat Hand Values
What is the highest possible hand in baccarat?
A natural 9, which is a score of 9 on the initial deal, is the strongest hand in the game. When either side is dealt a natural, no more cards are drawn and the round ends immediately.
Can a baccarat hand total ever exceed 9?
No. If a hand total reaches double digits, the tens digit is dropped and only the ones digit counts. A total of 17 becomes 7, a total of 14 becomes 4, and so on.
Do you need to know the third-card rules to play baccarat?
No. The third-card drawing rules in baccarat are fixed and automatic — the dealer or game software handles every decision for you. You only need to know how to read hand totals to enjoy the game.
Is the player bet or banker bet better in baccarat?
The Banker bet has a slightly higher probability of winning based on the game’s drawing conditions, which is why many players favor it. A small commission is typically applied to winning Banker bets.
What does a natural mean in baccarat?
A natural is when either the Player or Banker hand totals 8 or 9 from the first two cards dealt. A natural 9 beats a natural 8, and both outcomes end the round without any additional cards being drawn.
How do you score a three-card baccarat hand?
Add all three card values together, then keep only the ones digit if the total is 10 or higher. For example, 6 + 7 + King equals 13, so the hand value is 3.
What does a zero-point baccarat hand mean?
A zero-point hand is the lowest possible baccarat total, sometimes called “baccarat.” It can happen with two face cards, two 10-value cards, or any combo that ends in zero after the tens digit is dropped.
Does baccarat scoring change in mini-baccarat or live dealer baccarat?
No, baccarat card values stay the same across classic baccarat, mini baccarat, and live dealer baccarat. The table format may change, but Aces are still 1, cards 2–9 keep face value, and 10s plus face cards count as 0.
How many cards can each baccarat hand receive?
Each baccarat hand starts with two cards and may receive one extra card based on fixed drawing rules. That means the Player or Banker hand usually finishes with either two or three cards.
Are baccarat side bets calculated the same way as player and banker bets?
Not always. Some baccarat side bets use the normal hand totals, while others pay based on special outcomes like pairs, suited cards, or naturals, so check the table’s paytable before placing one.
