Playing Baccarat

Play begins with both player and banker getting two cards dealt face down each. The next move depends on the cards in the hands.

Should the player or banker have cards totaling 8 or 9, they turn the cards over immediately. If someone does this the other players must turn over as well. If you are playing on the web, baccarat cards are always face up. The 9 value wins over any lesser total, if neither player has a 9, then 8 wins over any lesser total. Tied 9's and 8's are a stand off. In this tie situation no money changes hands, unless the other players at the table can bet on ties.

If no one has a natural (that's what a total of 8 or 9 is called) then the play goes to the player. The player must stand (no draw) on a total of 6 or 7. If the player has a total of 5 or less, he must draw one card face up.

When the player completes these actions, it's the banker's turn. The banker stands on a total of 7. If the banker has a 6 or less, the banker's next move depends on the value of his two card total, and the value of the card that the player drew. Here's what he's got to do: