EZ Baccarat: Rules, Dragon 7, Panda 8 & How to Win

What Is EZ Baccarat

EZ Baccarat is a streamlined variant of traditional baccarat that removes the standard 5% commission on banker wins — one of the main pain points in the original game. It was created to speed up play without sacrificing the math that makes baccarat appealing to both casual and serious gamblers.

At its core, EZ Baccarat plays just like regular Punto Banco — players bet on whether the banker, player, or a tie will win. The difference? Special rules make banker payouts quicker and more favorable for gameplay pacing, and exciting side bets like the Dragon 7 and Panda 8 offer juicy multipliers and unique win conditions.

Key features of EZ Baccarat 👇:

💡 This version has become especially popular in online casino and brick-and-mortar venues across North America, Asia, and beyond.

Dragon 7 and Panda 8 Side Bets

Ez baccarat Dragon 7/Panda 8 introduces two special side bets: the Dragon 7 and Panda 8. These are optional wagers that can be placed alongside your main bet.

These bets offer high payouts (more on that below) and add an exciting twist to traditional gameplay. They're popular among experienced players who enjoy riskier wagers with big reward potential.

Rule Change for Banker Win on Three-Card 7

To balance the removal of commission, EZ Baccarat includes one specific rule change:
If the banker wins with a three-card total of 7, the outcome is a push (your stake is returned, and you don’t win or lose).

This happens infrequently but is crucial in maintaining the math integrity of the game.

➡️  Quick summary of this rule:

• A push occurs only when banker wins with a three-card 7
• Your original bet is returned
• Side bets may still win or lose based on the outcome

How to Play EZ Baccarat

Despite the additional side bets and rule tweaks, learning how to play Ez baccarat table game is refreshingly simple. The core goal remains unchanged — predict which hand, player or banker, will come closest to a total of 9.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown 👇

Game Objective (Closest to 9 Wins)

The goal in Ez baccarat hit chart is simple: bet on which of two hands—the Player's or the Banker's—will have a total value closest to 9. You are not playing against the dealer or other players; you are simply wagering on the outcome of the hand. The possible bets include:

• Player
• Banker
• Tie

Card values are simple:

• Aces = 1
• 2–9 = Face value
• 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings = 0

🃏 Only the last digit of the sum counts. So a hand totaling 14 = 4, and 18 = 8.

Player, Banker, and Tie Bets

These are your main bets:

• Player Bet: Wins if the player hand is closer to 9 than the banker. Pays 1:1.
• Banker Bet: Wins if the banker hand is closer. Also pays 1:1 in EZ Baccarat, with no commission, unless the hand is a three-card 7 (which pushes).
• Tie Bet: Wins if both hands have the same total. Pays 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the casino or online platform.

💡 Pro tip: The banker hand has a statistical edge, which is why it’s generally considered the best bet.

Dealing Rules and Natural Hands

Once all bets are placed, the dealer gives two cards to the Player and two cards to the Banker. The values are then announced. If either the Player or the Banker has a total of 8 or 9 from their first two cards, it is called a "Natural." The round immediately ends, and the bets are settled. A Natural 9 always beats a Natural 8. If both hands have the same Natural value, it's a Tie.

Two hands are dealt:

🎯 This rule accelerates the game and rewards lucky natural draws.

If no natural occurs, draw rules apply (see next).

Banker Draw Rules (Same as Standard Baccarat)

If neither hand has a Natural, the game proceeds to the drawing phase. The Player's hand is always resolved first, based on a fixed set of rules. The Banker's drawing rules are slightly more complex and depend on the Player's third card.This table shows when the Banker will draw an Ez baccarat card counting third card 🔽.

💡 Note: If the Player stands on their initial two cards (with a total of 6 or 7), the Banker will only draw if their own total is 0-5.

The banker’s draw is determined by strict rules depending on:

• The banker’s initial hand total
• The player’s third card (if drawn)

These rules are identical to traditional baccarat, ensuring familiarity for returning players.

Here’s a simplified draw logic:

• Banker draws on 0–2 always
• Stands on 7–9
• Between 3–6, it depends on the player’s third card

🧠 No decisions required from the player — it’s all handled automatically by the dealer or game software.

Understanding the Dragon 7 and Panda 8 Bets

In EZ Baccarat, the most exciting twist comes from its two famous side bets — Dragon 7 and Panda 8. These optional bets offer the chance for massive payouts on rare but specific card outcomes.

If you want a thrill beyond the usual player/banker bets, this is where the action is. Let’s break down both options:

What Is Dragon 7

The Dragon 7 side bet wins if the banker wins with a three-card total of exactly 7.

• It pays 40:1
• The main banker bet pushes in this situation (no win/loss)
• But if you placed a Dragon 7 side bet, you win big

🎯 This is one of the highest-payout side bets in baccarat.

Example:

• Banker draws 2, 3, and 2 = total 7 (three cards)
• Player has 4
• Banker wins — and Dragon 7 hits 

What Is Panda 8?

The Panda 8 side bet wins when the player wins with a three-card total of exactly 8.

• It pays 25:1 
• Only applies when the player wins with 3 cards

Though less frequent than normal player wins, this bet offers solid return potential for lucky draws.

Example:

• Player gets 2 + 3 = 5, draws a 3 = 8
• Banker has 6
• Panda 8 hits, pays 25:1

📌 These bets are best for players who enjoy risk and excitement.

House Edge and Risk Levels of Side Bets

While fun and rewarding, both side bets come with a higher house edge compared to regular banker/player bets. While the massive payouts are tempting, it's crucial to understand the risk. Side bets almost always have a much higher house edge than the main game's bets. The Ez baccarat odds are not in your favor with these wagers.

Here's a quick breakdown 👇

❗ High payout = high risk. These bets are not recommended for long-term play but can add spice when used occasionally.

📌 Pro Tip: Use side bets for entertainment, not strategy. Overuse can drain your bankroll fast.

EZ Baccarat Odds and House Edge

One of the reasons EZ Baccarat has become so popular is its favorable odds combined with fast gameplay. Understanding the math behind the game helps you make smarter bets — especially when real money is involved 💰.

Let’s look at how EZ Baccarat compares in terms of house edge and payouts.

Banker Bet (Adjusted for No Commission)

In traditional baccarat, the banker bet is the best choice due to its low house edge — around 1.06%. However, the 5% commission slightly reduces your payout.

In EZ Baccarat, there is no commission, but the rare three-card 7 rule (which results in a push) is used to keep the edge consistent.

🎯 House edge for banker bet in EZ Baccarat: ~1.02%
That’s even slightly better than standard baccarat — making this the smartest bet on the table!

Player and Tie Bet Odds

The Player Bet is also a strong choice, with a house edge of approximately 1.24%. This is only slightly higher than the Banker bet, making it a perfectly viable alternative for players who like to switch up their wagers.

The Tie Bet, however, is a different story. With a house edge of around 14.36%, it is one of the worst bets you can make at the casino. The 8:1 payout is designed to attract bets, but the probability of a tie is very low, making it a poor choice for strategic play.

📌 Avoid the Tie unless you’re chasing variance with a small bet.

Comparison Table with Standard Baccarat

How do these numbers compare to the classic version of the game? This table provides a clear side-by-side look.

As shown above, EZ Baccarat slightly improves banker odds while keeping the rest of the structure intact. It’s ideal for players looking to minimize the house edge without extra calculation.

Best Strategy for EZ Baccarat

Even though EZ Baccarat is mostly a game of chance, smart decisions can still improve your chances. The right strategy is not about beating the system — it's about minimizing losses, avoiding traps, and making the math work in your favor.

Let’s explore what makes up the best EZ Baccarat strategy.

Why Banker Is Still the Smartest Bet

Despite the game’s tweaks, the banker bet remains your best option.

Here’s why:

• It has the lowest house edge (~1.02%) — even better than in regular baccarat
• No need to calculate or subtract commission
• Pushes on 3-card 7 happen rarely (~2.25%)

📌 Recommended Ez baccarat winning strategy:
Stick to the banker bet consistently if you’re aiming for long-term survival and stable returns. Don’t jump around too often between bet types — consistency is key in low-edge games.

When (and If) to Use Side Bets

The Dragon 7 and Panda 8 bets are fun, but risky. They carry a high house edge and hit infrequently. The Dragon 7 and Panda 8 bets are tempting. The best way to approach them is with a small, designated portion of your bankroll. Think of it as buying a lottery ticket—it's for entertainment, not a serious investment.

So, when should you use them?

✅ Use them if:

❌ Avoid them if:

💡 Consider placing small side bets occasionally to spice things up — but never let them dominate your strategy.

Managing Bankroll and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Proper bankroll management is just as important as knowing the EZ Baccarat rules. Many players lose because they overbet or fall into emotional traps.

🔑 Top tips:

• Divide your session into units (e.g., $100 bankroll → 20 bets of $5)
• Never chase losses — baccarat has no memory
• Avoid the Tie bet — it looks tempting, but the odds are against you
• Take regular breaks to reset mentally

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Betting on the Tie frequently 
2. Switching bets every hand with no plan
3. Overusing side bets hoping for fast profit
4. Increasing bet size after a loss (martingale risk!) 

📌 Stick to smart, low-risk bets, and treat side bets as entertainment — not income.