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European Baccarat: Master the Rules and Bet Wisely 6o6n1x

Jennifer LynnJennifer Lynn
Richard GrantRichard Grant

How to Play European Baccarat 5x566g

How to play European Baccarat

European Baccarat is one of several variations of the classic casino game. While there are a few small differences, most of the rules remain consistent across versions, and European Baccarat is no exception.

In this article I explain how the game works and what makes this version unique. The goal is to predict whether the Player or the Banker will have the higher score with their two or three card hand, or if the result will be a Tie.

Each card in European Baccarat has a specific value: Aces are worth 1 point, 10s and all face cards are worth 0, and numbered cards hold their face value.

The highest possible score is 9. If the total exceeds 9, only the last digit counts. For example, a hand with a 4 and a 9 doesn’t equal 13, but 3.

European Baccarat Rules 371j1

Now let’s take a closer look at how the action unfolds in European Baccarat and what makes this version slightly different from others. Once you’ve chosen your bet, Player, Banker, or Tie, the dealer deals two cards face up to each position.

European Baccarat Game Example

A typical screenshot from a game of European Baccarat is shown above, with the bet placed on the Banker to win.

What happens next depends on the value of the two hands:

  • If either hand totals 8 or 9: The round ends right away. This is known as a “natural,” and whichever hand has the higher total is declared the winner without any further cards drawn.

  •  

    If neither hand totals 8 or 9, the following draw rules apply:


     

  • When the Player’s total is between 0 and 4: When the Player’s hand totals anywhere from 0 to 4, a third card is automatically drawn. This is because the hand is considered too weak to compete effectively against the Banker, and drawing a third card gives the Player a chance to increase their total.

  •  

  • When the Player’s total is 5: The Player has the option to draw a third card or stand with their current hand, a feature that sets European Baccarat apart from most other versions where drawing is mandatory.

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  • When the Player’s total is 6 or 7: The Player stands with the current hand, and no third card is drawn, as the total is considered strong enough.

 

The option to draw or stand on a total of 5 introduces a subtle layer of strategy to European Baccarat. It allows players to make an active decision, helping them better understand how hand values and choices influence the outcome of each round.

European Baccarat Rules

After the Player completes their turn, the Banker in European Baccarat has the flexibility to choose whether or not to draw a third card. This contrasts with other versions of Baccarat, where the Banker is required to follow a fixed set of drawing rules.

That said, in practice, most casinos apply the same guidelines used in American Baccarat. These are typically as follows:

  • If the player does not draw a 3rd card the banker will only draw a 3rd card where their total is 5 or less.

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  • If the bankers 2 card hand is a 6 or 7 they will stand.

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  • If the player draws a 3rd card, the banker will take a 3rd card if the total is 2 or less.

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  • They will also take a 3rd card if their total is 3 and the 3rd player card wasn’t an 8.

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  • If the banker has a 2 card total of 4, they will draw a card if the player’s 3rd card wasn’t a 0, 1, 8 or 9.

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  • If the banker has a total of 5 from the first 2 cards, they will draw a 3rd card if the player’s 3rd card was a 4, 5, 6 or 7.

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  • Finally, if the banker has a 2 card total of 6, they will draw a 3rd card if the player’s 3rd card was a 6 or 7. If the banker has a 7 from the first 2 cards, they will always stand.

 
European Baccarat Drawing Rules

The above table shows what the banker needs to do in given circumstances according to standard Baccarat rules, this is followed the majority of times in a game of European Baccarat even though on paper the banker can decide when to draw a card.

  • Once the cards have been dealt and the final hands are known, payouts are made.

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  • If the player has the highest score, all bets on the player are paid out at even money, so 1 to 1.

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  • If the banker has the highest score, all bets on the banker are paid out at even money, so 1 to 1, but with a 5% commission charge on top. Therefore, you win less money on a winning bet on the banker than on the player although it is slightly more likely to come in.

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  • If both scores are the same, bets on the tie are paid out at odds of 8 to 1. This can vary slightly depending on the casino so it is worth shopping around when deciding where to play.

 

European Baccarat Strategy 4l1o3n

European Baccarat Strategy

All variations of Baccarat are simply games of luck, with little or no skill involved, unlike some other casino games. There are very few decisions a player can make to gain any real advantage, which makes it difficult to develop a winning strategy. I’ve tried countless strategies, but in the end, chance plays the biggest role in this game.

The casino holds an edge in all games, which is how it generates profit. In European Baccarat, this advantage is most evident in the Tie bet, where the actual odds of winning are worse than 10 to 1, yet the payout is typically only 8 to 1. Therefore, we recommend you avoid this at all costs.

Bankroll is important in any casino game too, so make sure you manage yours and don’t bet a large proportion in one bet. Although it is nice if it comes in, if it doesn’t it will mean you get to play a lot fewer hands and therefore your enjoyment will be reduced significantly.

Finally, bad runs happen to all of us, if you can’t seem to win a hand, consider walking away and trying again another time when your luck may be running better.

Martingale Betting Strategy for European Baccarat 4d3925

The Martingale System is a high-risk betting method where you double your bet after each loss, aiming to recover previous losses and make a small profit once you win. I’ve used this strategy in European Baccarat, and while it sounds simple, it can escalate quickly if you hit a losing streak.

I started with a $10 bet on the Player and stuck with the same side throughout. Here’s how one sequence played out:

  • Bet 1: $10 — Lost

  •  

  • Bet 2: $20 — Lost

  •  

  • Bet 3: $40 — Lost

  •  

  • Bet 4: $80 — Lost

  •  

  • Bet 5: $160 — Won

 

This brought in $320, covering the $310 in losses and leaving me with a $10 profit. I reset back to $10 and repeated the pattern. After about two hours of play, I broke even overall, with many ups and downs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The system can work short-term but is risky.

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  • You need a large bankroll to withstand long losing streaks.

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  • One table limit or bad run can wipe out your gains.

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  • I recommend starting with small bets and walking away after a win cycle. It’s not foolproof, but it can stretch your play if used cautiously.

 

European Baccarat Odds a1s46

In European Baccarat, understanding the odds and house edge of each bet type is key to making smarter decisions at the table. While the game is mostly driven by chance, players can still improve their approach by avoiding high-risk bets and focusing on options with a lower house advantage.

Alongside the standard Player, Banker, and Tie bets, some versions of European Baccarat also offer optional side bets like Three Faces or Perfect Pair, which feature large potential payouts but significantly higher house edges. To help you evaluate your options, I’ve put together the table below outlining the odds, payouts, and house edge for both the main bets and common side bets.

Bet Type Winning Odds Payout House Edge
Banker 45.9% 1:1 (minus 5% commission) 1.06%
Player 44.6% 1:1 1.24%
Tie 3.7% 8:1 or 9:1 14.36% or higher
Three Faces (Dealer) 0.99% 16:1 Over 83%
Perfect Pair ~3.3% 25:1 13%–17%

European Baccarat Tips 2h4s6p

European Baccarat Tips

Never bet on the tie: The other 2 bets, Player and Banker, have a relatively low house edge, however, the odds on the tie are much worse and although it offers much better odds, the Tie should be avoided at all costs.

The Banker is the best bet: In European Baccarat the odds are in favor of the Banker winning and although you pay a commission when betting on the Banker, this is still the best bet. Many players always bet on the Banker until it loses then wait for 1 round and start again.

Stick with one side: Switching between Player and Banker based on gut feeling rarely improves your results. It’s better to choose one and stick with it to keep your outcomes more consistent.

Bankroll management is key: Like any casino game, it is important to manage your bankroll to give yourself the best possible chance of winning as well as maximizing your enjoyment. We recommend going to the table with at least 40 bets and sticking to an agreed amount per bet during your session.

Avoid chasing losses: Doubling up after each loss can be tempting but is dangerous. Stick to your plan and don’t let emotions take over.

Take regular breaks: Even short breaks can help you reset and avoid impulsive decisions, especially during losing streaks.

Use a stop-loss limit: Decide in advance how much you’re willing to lose. If you hit that limit, walk away, no exceptions.

Set a win goal: Knowing when to leave after you’re ahead helps protect your profits and keeps your experience positive.

Avoid side bets: Bets like Perfect Pair or Three Faces may sound exciting, but they usually have a high house edge and low hit rate.

Try free versions first: Many online casinos offer demo modes. Practice here before risking real money to get familiar with rules and pace.

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Play Baccarat For Real

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About the author 5a2o1p

Jennifer Lynn
Head of Content
Jennifer Lynn started her career in her early 20s as a croupier at a local land-based casino. Over time, she became a seasoned gambler, reading numerous books on gambling strategies that helped her gain extensive knowledge in the field. Driven by her ion for journalism, she began writing for gambling magazines after earning her degree, with her articles featured on numerous popular gambling platforms. For over 25 years, Jennifer has played at and reviewed more than 150 online casinos, gaining recognition for her detailed assessments. As a ionate researcher, writer, and player, she shares her knowledge on a wide range of casino games and effective strategies for players.
Last Updated: Apr 17, 2025
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