A Quick Guide to Baccarat Etiquette
Baccarat is one of the oldest games you will find at a casino. As with many classic games, it might seem complicated at first, but once it is clearly explained, it’s actually a very simple game to understand and easy to play.
While its popularity around the world may be a little uneven, in Macau it has risen to become the most popular game at casinos, accounting for more than 85% of revenue.
What is Baccarat?
Baccarat is a simple game in which ‘the banker’ and ‘the player’ draw cards, with the object being to get as close to nine as possible, using up to three cards in total. The value assigned to each card is equivalent to their face value, with tens and face cards counting as zero.
It rose to prominence in France and other European countries in the 19th century, known as Chemin de Fer. This is the French word for ‘railway’ and was the moniker attributed to the game, perhaps due to both the relatively fast pace at which the game is dealt and the resemblance of its table layout to a railway track.
Four cards, two each, are initially dealt to both the banker and the player, after which first the player, then the banker have the option to take a third card. It was initially a parlour game played between players, who took it in turns to be the banker in the game, but it has been adapted to become a casino game, known as Punto Banco, in which the house is always the banker rather than a player.
In Punto Banco, players can bet on whether the banker will win, the player will win, or whether it will be a tie, which is known after the French word, ‘egalite’. The main difference with this version is that the option to draw a third card or not is removed, with it instead following a set of prescribed rules, upon which the decision to draw or not draw is based.
When played as Punto Banco, this is a game of pure chance, while the traditional format is a peer-to-peer game that combines both luck and strategy.
So You Want to Play Baccarat?
Now that you know the basics of this game there are plenty of options to play baccarat online for both free play and real money. This will improve your understanding of the basic mechanics of the game, but it won’t teach you everything you need to know about how to play the game in a land-based casino.
Read on for gambling.com’s concise guide on how to conduct yourself at the baccarat table.
Playing Baccarat Live - Mini, Midi and Big Tables
Playing online is pretty straightforward, but playing live is slightly different. There are essentially three different types of baccarat table that you will find in land-based casinos or at UK casino sites - Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat and Big Baccarat.
The game itself is more or less the same at each of these tables, but there are a few procedural differences in the way that the game is played out.
Mini Baccarat
This game is played on a small blackjack-style table, which will have up to seven seats available. The stakes played are typically lower and the game is conducted in a less formal manner than the other variants.
If you’re a new casino player, a Mini Baccarat table is the best place to start. All you have to do is place your bets, with the croupier taking care of everything else, including the handling of the cards.
Midi Baccarat
Played on a table that can accommodate up to nine players, this version is a little more formal than the mini game.
This is another hands-off experience, with the croupier taking care of dealing the cards, paying out winning bets and collecting losing bets for the house.
Big Baccarat
Played on a larger baccarat table that can seat up to 14 players, Big Baccarat offers a more traditional and formal gaming experience.
Usually reserved for high stakes players, game etiquette is very important here to ensure you do not upset the flow of the game. Although the rules of the game are essentially the same as the other versions, Big Baccarat sees players handling their own cards, as well as getting a first peek at the hand, which would otherwise be dealt face down.
General Baccarat Etiquette
When it comes to how to conduct yourself at the baccarat table, there are several general things you need to know. Some of the etiquette surrounding baccarat also applies to many other casino games.
Land-Based Baccarat Etiquette
- Learn the rules first: Before you sit down to play, familiarise yourself with the basic rules. There are plenty of online guides available, and most live casinos provide an information sheet to help you get started.
- Respect the game's pace: Avoid holding up the game unnecessarily. If you have questions, try to ask them during downtime between hands rather than disrupting play.
- Hands off others' chips: Never touch another player's chips. This is a strict rule - stick to handling your own chips, and only when they are not in play. Once the cards are dealt, refrain from touching your chips until the hand is complete.
- Tip considerately: Tipping customs vary by location. In some countries, tipping is expected, while in others, it may not be part of the culture. Adjust accordingly.
Baccarat Dress Code
The formality of dress code varies, depending on which version of the game you are playing. Mini Baccarat has no specific dress code as it is played on a casual casino table, similar to blackjack. For Midi Baccarat, there is an expectation that players dress smartly, while formal wear is expected when playing at Big Baccarat tables.
Baccarat Table Etiquette
- Joining the table: Players are welcome to join a baccarat table at any time but should avoid doing so while a hand is in progress. Wait until the current hand concludes before taking your seat to avoid disrupting the game.
- Be polite and friendly: Courtesy is key at the baccarat table. Greet fellow players and staff when you arrive or leave, as this fosters a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
- Betting etiquette: Place your bets in the designated area and finalise your wager before the dealer announces “no more bets”. Once this call is made, players must not touch their chips or adjust their bet size.
- Handling cards: In most baccarat games, only the dealer will touch the cards. However, in Big Baccarat, players may touch the cards, but only when they are explicitly invited to do so by the croupier.
- Proper card handling: If invited to handle the cards, you must follow the dealer’s instructions. Avoid bending the edges and always keep the cards visible to everyone at the table.
Interactions at the Baccarat Table
- Respect other players: Always treat fellow players with respect and avoid commenting on or criticising their decisions or betting strategies. Everyone needs to be able to play their own game.
- Limit conversations during play: While polite small talk is always welcome, keep conversations minimal during active hands to avoid distracting others.
- Timing with staff: Refrain from interacting with waiters while a hand is in progress. Wait until the hand concludes before ordering or paying for a drink.
- Addressing dealer concerns: Avoid disputes with dealers. If you have a concern, raise it politely and wait calmly for a resolution.
- Be culturally aware: Baccarat is especially popular in Asia, where cultural superstitions can play a significant role. For instance, avoid betting amounts like £44, as the number 4 is considered extremely unlucky in many Asian cultures.
Baccarat FAQs
What should I wear to play baccarat?
For most baccarat games, including Mini and Midi Baccarat, the dress code typically follows the general policy of the casino and is often casual or smart casual. However, for Big Baccarat tables, formal attire is usually required, so plan to dress up if you’re planning to play in these more prestigious games.
When is the best time to join a baccarat table?
Players can generally join a baccarat game at any time, provided there is a spare seat available. However, it is considered poor etiquette to take a seat during an active game round. To avoid disrupting the other players, wait until the current hand has been completed before sitting down.
Do all players receive cards in baccarat?
No - in baccarat, cards are dealt only to ‘the banker’ and ‘the player’ positions. Players at the table do not receive their own cards - instead, they place bets on which hand they believe will win or whether the outcome will be a draw.
