Baccarat Tracker / Baccarat rules
Baccarat Rules: Scoring and Third Cards
This guide covers standard punto banco, the common casino form of baccarat. Player and Banker are names of the two hands; their drawing decisions follow fixed rules, not player choices. Other baccarat variants can use different rules.
Record results in the free trackerCard values and hand totals
- Aces count as 1.
- Cards 2 through 9 count as their face value.
- 10, Jack, Queen, and King count as 0.
Add the values and keep only the final digit. For example, 7 and 8 total 15, so the hand is worth 5. A Queen and a 9 total 9.
After any required third cards, the hand with the higher total wins. Equal totals produce a Tie.
First check for a natural 8 or 9
If either hand's initial two-card total is 8 or 9, it is a natural. Both hands stop drawing and their totals are compared immediately.
This check comes before all other drawing rules. For example, if Banker has a natural 8 and Player has 5, Player does not draw a third card. A total of 8 or 9 reached with three cards is not a natural.
Player's third-card rule
If neither hand has a natural, Player draws on a two-card total of 0 through 5 and stands on 6 or 7.
If Player stands, Banker draws on 0 through 5 and stands on 6 or 7. If Player draws, use the Banker chart below.
Banker's third-card chart
This table applies only when neither hand has a natural and Player has drawn a third card. Use the point value of Player's third card, not Player's final hand total. A 10, Jack, Queen, or King has a third-card value of 0.
| Banker's two-card total | Draw a third card when | Otherwise |
|---|---|---|
| 0, 1, or 2 | Always | Draw |
| 3 | Player's third-card value is anything except 8 | Stand |
| 4 | Player's third-card value is 2 through 7 | Stand |
| 5 | Player's third-card value is 4 through 7 | Stand |
| 6 | Player's third-card value is 6 or 7 | Stand |
| 7 | Never | Stand |
Example: use the third card, not the new total
Player starts with 5 and draws a 7, making a final total of 2. Banker starts with 6. Banker draws because Player's third-card value is 7, even though Player's new total is 2.
Example: Banker's 3 exception
If Banker starts with 3 and Player draws an 8, Banker stands. If Player instead draws a Queen, its value is 0 and Banker draws.
Record the outcome, not the bet
In this tracker, enter Player, Banker, or Tie based on the winning hand. These buttons do not place wagers or record whether your own bet won. The Big Road guide explains how recorded outcomes become columns and tie markers.
Payouts, Banker commissions, no-commission variants, and side bets vary by table. Check the actual game's rules and paytable rather than assuming every baccarat table has identical payouts.
Responsible use
Knowing the rules and recording a scorecard do not guarantee a profit or predict the next result. Gambling can cause financial harm. Set limits, take breaks, and seek gambling support if needed.