For example, if the players hand totals 15, 10 is subtracted and the value of the hand becomes 5. An ace counts as 1, two counts as 2, nine counts as 9, etc - but tens (also jacks, queens and kings) count as 0.

To begin the hand, both the player and banker are dealt two cards face down. The next move depends on the cards dealt.

If the player or banker has a two card total of 8 or 9, they turn the cards over immediately. The other must do so also. (In online baccarat cards are already face up, so there is no turning.) A hand with a value of 9 beats any lesser total, and if neither player has a 9 then 8 wins over any lesser total. Tied 9s or tied 8s are a tie.

If neither the player or the banker has a total of 8 or 9, then play first goes to the player. He/she must stand on a total of 6 or 7, but if the player has a total of 5 or less he/she must take one card.

It is then the bankers turn. With a total of 7, he stands. With a total of 6 or less, his selection depends on the value of his two card total and the value of the card that the player just drew. Those rules are actually a little complicated, but as there's no decisions to be made they really aren't important so we'll omit them.

One the hands are complete, the winner is the banker, the player or there may be a tie (whoever is closest to 9). You can bet on any outcome despite being the 'player', just as a spectator in regular baccarat.

Winning player and bank bets pay even money (excluding commissions). Hands that result in a tie pay off tie wagers at 8 to 1 and a bank or player bet is treated as a push with the money sitting on the table for the next hand.