Thread: Baccarat Hand Scores Explained: How to Play the Game

Baccarat is played with 3 dealers and up to 12 or 14 players. Baccarat is usually played with 8 standard card decks. Aces valued as one, face cards and ten cards valued as zero, and the rest of the number cards worth their face value. The suit has no meaning. The object of the game is to get as close to 9 as possible.

The play begins by all players, including the dealer, placing their bets either on the player, the banker, or on a tie. Traditionally, the dealer bets on the banker. The dealer can be the house dealer or one of the players. After everyone has placed their bets, the dealer gives two cards to each player and to the banker.

The score of each hand is calculated as the sum of the two cards minus the left digit. For example, if the sum of the two cards is 15, the score would be 5. The decision whether to deal a third card is determined by a set or rules and it is not up to the player or the dealer's decision.

If the score of the players hand is 9 or 8, he wins.

If the score of the dealers hand is 9 or 8, it is a tie.

If a players score is 7 or 6, he can be dealt a third card.

If a players score is 5 or less, he has to receive a third card.

If a player gets a third card and the score of the dealers hand is 2, 1 or 0, he must draw a third card.

If the score of the dealers hand is 3 and the players third card is any value but 8, he must draw a third card.

If the score of the dealers hand is 4 and the players third card value is between 2 and 7, he must draw a third card.

If the score of the dealers hand is 5 and the players third card value is between 4 and seven, he must draw a third card

If the score of the dealers hand is 6 and the players third card is 6 or 7, he must draw a third card.

If the score of the dealers hand is 7, he cannot draw a third card.