In the game of baccarat, neither players nor bankers have any say in how the cards are drawn. Instead, hands are dealt according to a set of rules. You do not need to know how these rules work in order to play; however, understanding them can bring more enjoyment to your game.

After the croupier or banker deals the first four cards, assuming a natural does not exist, they analyze the players’ hand first:

• If the players’ hand totals a six or seven, the player stands.
• If the player stands, the bank must hit on a hand of five or less.
• If the players’ hand is five or less, a third card is drawn and added. This completes the players’ hand.
• If the banker’s hand is two or less, the bank draws a third card, and their hand is completed.
• If the banker’s hand is a three, the banker hits, unless the players’ third card is an eight, in which case the banker stands.
• If the banker’s hand is a four, the banker hits if the players’ third card is a two, three, four, five, six, or seven.
• If the banker’s hand is a five, the banker hits if the players’ third card is a four, five, six, or seven.
• If the banker’s hand is a six, the banker hits if the players’ third card is a six or seven.
• If the banker’s hand is a seven, the banker stands.
• The winner is declared.