If both hands result in identical totals, the 'Tie' bet wins, paying 8 to 1. However, a winning 'Banker' bet pays a 5 percent commission, which may be paid at any time during the game. The hand with the highest point total closest to nine wins. If the point value of the first two cards drawn for either hand is 8 or 9, that is known as a 'natural' and no additional cards will be drawn. If required, a third card is dealt to each hand according to specific rules outlined in the chart. The first and third cards dealt from the shoe constitute the 'Player's' hand, and the second and fourth cards constitute the 'Banker's' hand.įace cards and 10s count as 0, aces count as 1, and all other cards count at face value. Baccarat begins when the shoe (containing eight decks of cards) is passed to the first player. Each hand receives at least two cards but no more than three. Players place a wager on which of two hands (the 'Player' or the 'Banker') will have a total point value closest to 9.
