G’day mate! Want to know the baccarat rules in simple terms? Here’s the direct answer: In baccarat, you bet on which hand — Player or Banker — will get closest to a total of 9. Cards 10, Jack, Queen and King count as zero, Aces count as 1, and all others count at face value. If the total goes over 9, you drop the first digit (so 15 becomes 5). The game is almost entirely automatic — the dealer handles all drawing rules, and you just watch the action.
Whether you’re playing at a land-based casino or online baccarat tables, these core baccarat rules stay the same across Australia.
Understanding the Basic Baccarat Rules and Card Values
Baccarat is one of the simplest casino card games, perfect for beginners and high rollers alike. Here’s what you need to know:
- Objective: Bet on the hand (Player, Banker or Tie) closest to 9.
- Card Values:
- Ace = 1
- 2–9 = face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0
Natural hands (8 or 9 with the first two cards) win immediately — no third card is drawn.
Official Baccarat Drawing Rules Table (Third Card Rules)
| Player Hand Total (First 2 Cards) | Player Action | Banker Action (Depends on Banker’s Total & Player’s 3rd Card) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 | Draws a 3rd card | Follows complex table (see below) |
| 6–7 | Stands | Draws or stands depending on own total |
| 8–9 (Natural) | Stands (round ends) | Stands (round ends) |
Banker Third-Card Rules (Simplified):
- Banker total 0–2 → Always draws
- Banker total 3–6 → Draws or stands based on Player’s third card
- Banker total 7 → Always stands
These automatic baccarat rules remove any player decision-making after the bet is placed.
Different Types of Baccarat You’ll Find in Australia
- Punto Banco — The most common version in Aussie online casinos
- Chemin de Fer — Players take turns being the Banker
- Baccarat Banque — Fixed Banker position
- EZ Baccarat — No 5% commission on Banker wins (Dragon 7 side bet instead)
Long-tail search: “official baccarat rules with third card chart Australia 2026”
Baccarat Betting Options and Payouts
- Banker Bet — Lowest house edge (~1.06% with 5% commission)
- Player Bet — House edge ~1.24%
- Tie Bet — High payout (usually 8:1 or 9:1) but house edge over 14%
Smart punters almost always stick to Banker or Player bets when learning baccarat rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baccarat Rules
How many decks are used in baccarat?
Usually 6 or 8 standard decks shuffled together.
Do I need to know when to draw a card?
No — the dealer follows fixed baccarat rules automatically. You only choose your bet.
What happens if both hands have the same total?
It’s a Tie. Player and Banker bets push (you get your stake back).
Is baccarat purely luck or is there skill?
It’s a game of chance. The only “skill” is choosing the best bet and managing your bankroll.
Can I play baccarat for free to learn the rules?
Yes — most Australian online casinos offer demo mode so you can practise the rules risk-free.