How to Learn Mini Baccarat

The six of clubs is worth six points in mini bac.

In mini baccarat, or mini bac, only two hands are dealt. One is called the house hand and one hand is called the player's hand. Each hand starts with two cards, but hits may be given to increase totals. Whichever hand's final total is closer to nine points wins. Mini baccarat is an easy game to play because there are only three bets a gambler can make, and participants don't have to make any decisions.

Instructions

1. Get chips. You cannot make a wager with cash. In between hands. place the money you wish to exchange for chips in front of the dealer. He will give you gambling tokens so you can play.

2. Make your bet by placing your wager on the layout. Each player position has three betting circles. These circles correspond to the three possible wagers you can make in mini bac. You can bet that the house hand will win, that the player's hand will win or that the two hands will tie.

   Decide which outcome you wish to bet on and place your chips on the corresponding circle. These circle are usually clearly marked, but if you are unsure which is which ask the dealer before the hand is dealt.

3. Watch the deal. Each hand will receive two cards.

4. Calculate the house and player's hand. Face cards and 10s are worth zero in mini bac. All other cards are counted at face value. For example, the five of spades counts as five points. If a hand totals more than 10 points, 10 points are subtracted from the final total. For example, a hand that consists of the eight of hearts and the seven of diamonds equals five, not 15.

   A two-card hand that totals eight or nine points is called a natural. If the house or player's hand scores a natural, then the game is over. Whoever has the best score wins, or if the scores are the same, it is considered a tie.

5. Watch the hitting sequence. Unlike blackjack, gamblers playing mini bac don't have any control over the proceedings. The dealer will hit the player's hand, then the house hand automatically, according to game rules.

6. Calculate the final totals. Use the same scoring system you used in Step 3.

7. Collect any winnings. Winning bets wagered on the house hand and the player's hand pay even money. However since the odds are slightly better that the house hand will win, casinos take commission on these bets. Ties are a long shot and therefore pay off better. Most casinos pay eight to one for a winning tie bet.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to understand the hitting process fully, ask the dealer for a cheat sheet. Most casinos provide a pamphlet that outlines the hitting rules for every scenario.

• Many casinos offer free gambling classes in the morning when there isn't much play. Ask your casino host, dealer or pit boss if the gambling hall offers classes.

References

• Gambling-Baccarat.com: Mini baccarat