Baccarat Game Rules
Baccarat is one of the most respected and widely enjoyed casino games in the world. The game, which has origins in Italy, was originally one reserved for royalty and higher-members of society. Now, it is widely available and can be found at many top online casinos. Of course, if you want to know how to play baccarat, then you are going to need to understand its rules.
Baccarat Rules Explained
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Rules in the 3 Types of Baccarat
When you are playing baccarat, you may hear it referred to in three different terms: Mini, Midi, and Full-Size. Let’s take a look at the subtle differences between the three and how it impacts the rules.
Mini Baccarat
In Mini Baccarat, the dealer is in charge, turning over all of the game’s cards. This makes for a much faster-paced game and is great for players who want their baccarat action to come thick and fast.
Midi Baccarat
Midi Baccarat is played in the same way as Mini Baccarat, with the key difference being a bigger table. This allows for more players to get involved with the game.
Full-Size Baccarat
Full-Size Baccarat follows all of the traditional rules of the game. Players can bet on either of the two hands winning or a tie, and they are able to turn over some of the cards, unlike in Mini Baccarat.
Third Card Rule in Baccarat
The most complicated rule in baccarat, regardless of which version is being played, is the third card rule. In a traditional game, players get dealt two cards and must reach or get as close to nine as possible. In certain circumstances, a third card can be dealt, and this is where some players may get confused. Let’s take a look at those circumstances and how they differ between the dealer and the player.
Player’s Third Card Rules
For players, if their hand is less than or equal to five, they draw a third card. If the player does not draw a third card, the banker will stand on six or more. If a player gets an eight or a nine on their first hand, they do not draw any more, and the hand is called a Natural.
Banker’s Third Card Rules
The rules can be more complex for bankers. The only time they will always draw is if their hand is one or two. Their hand value and whether they draw will then depend on the player’s hand. Let’s take a look at a table to help understand how this works.
| Banker’s hand | Draw if a player’s third card is: | Does not draw if a player’s third card is: |
| 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 |
If the banker’s hand is a seven, they will always stand, and if it is an eight or a nine, then it is a Natural.
The House Edge in Baccarat
Baccarat Table
The baccarat table is always an exciting thing to be a part of. If players are going to play at a physical casino, then there are certain rules and pieces of etiquette players should be conscious of. These do not necessarily apply in the same way if you are playing baccarat online.
Superstition, rightfully or wrongfully, plays a big part in the casino world, and at some tables, you will not encounter the number 13. In some Asian casinos, the number four may also be absent for similar reasons.
Players are often welcome to watch baccarat taking place and will sometimes be invited to play by a dealer. One important rule is that players should not touch chips once the round has started, as is the place with most popular casino games.
The dealer will typically work around the table with the lowest number first, though they may go with the highest wager. The game uses between six and eight decks, which is also true when playing online.
Baccarat Table Layout
Let’s have a more detailed look at how the baccarat table is laid out in the three main versions of the game.
Mini Baccarat Table
Mini Baccarat Tables tend to feature fewer players, with the dealer handling all of the cards and keeping the game moving fast. This version of the game is most popular in Asia. The table typically has space for six to seven players.
Midi Baccarat Table
This sits between the mini and full-size baccarat tables. Typically, these will have slightly higher betting limits than mini-baccarat and are able to accommodate more players. During the game, players are able to handle the card.
Full Size Baccarat Table
Full-size baccarat is, as its name suggests, the biggest of the three baccarat tables. It can accommodate up to 14 players and is usually featured on the main casino floors. There are usually two dealers and a caller at these tables.
Online Baccarat Table
Online baccarat tables are much easier to understand than physical ones. There is a space where you, as the player, can join and play as and when you need. When you play, we recommend checking the paytable to make sure you know the betting limits and the game rules.
