Cut

Overview and In Depth Look

A coup in baccarat is more than just a single round of play—it represents the entire process from placing bets to revealing the outcome. At the start of each coup, players wager on whether the player hand, banker hand, or a tie will win. Two cards are then dealt to both the player and the banker hands, and the value of each hand is calculated. If either hand totals 8 or 9, the round ends immediately, as this is considered a natural win. If the hands are not a natural win, a third card may be drawn according to a set of fixed rules, which adds an element of unpredictability and strategy to the game.

Each coup is resolved independently, with the outcome determining the success or failure of a player's bet. The simplicity of the rules allows for quick resolutions, but there is still a lot of depth in understanding how each hand plays out. Players may rely on different strategies, such as consistently betting on the banker or alternating between player and banker hands. However, the outcome of each coup is determined solely by the cards dealt, with no influence from previous rounds. The term “coup” thus captures these individual rounds within the broader context of the game, marking the key moments in baccarat gameplay.

Mechanics

The mechanics of a coup in baccarat are straightforward but critical to the flow of the game. At the start of each coup, players place their bets on one of three possible outcomes: the player hand, the banker hand, or a tie. Once all bets are placed, the dealer deals two cards to both the player and banker hands. The objective is to determine which hand totals closest to nine points, with each card valued based on specific rules. Cards 2 through 9 hold their face value, while tens, jacks, queens, and kings are worth zero points, and aces are worth one point. If the total value of a hand exceeds nine, only the last digit is considered—for example, a hand totaling 15 is valued as 5.

If neither hand has a natural win (a total of 8 or 9), a third card may be drawn according to strict rules. The player hand draws a third card if its total is between 0 and 5, and it stands if the total is 6 or 7. The banker hand’s decision to draw a third card depends on its total as well as the value of the player’s third card (if one is drawn). For example, if the player draws a third card and their total is 6 or 7, the banker may be required to draw a third card, depending on its own total. The third card rules add complexity to each coup, influencing the final outcome and keeping the game dynamic.

Once all the cards are dealt and any necessary third cards have been drawn, the hands are compared. The hand closest to nine wins, and the dealer settles the bets accordingly. If the player hand wins, bets placed on the player hand are paid out. If the banker hand wins, bets on the banker are paid, with a small commission typically taken by the house. Tie bets, though rarer, are paid out at higher odds. Each coup is independent of the previous one, meaning there is no carryover effect from prior rounds, and players must approach each round with fresh strategies and decisions.