Table & Live Games
Dragon Tiger: Rules and Bets Explained
Dragon Tiger is baccarat simplified to one card per side. The higher card wins. Its speed is exactly why it needs a clear plan.
The rules
The dealer deals one card face up to the Dragon position and one to the Tiger position. The higher card wins. Cards rank from Ace (lowest, worth 1) up to King (highest, worth 13). Suits do not matter for the main bets.
Main bets
| Bet | Wins when | Typical payout |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon | Dragon card is higher | 1:1 |
| Tiger | Tiger card is higher | 1:1 |
| Tie | Both cards have the same rank | Often 8:1 or 11:1, depending on the table |
| Suited tie | Same rank and same suit | A higher payout, set by the table |
The tie rule
When a tie happens, Dragon and Tiger bets usually lose half of the stake rather than being returned in full. This rule is where most of the house edge on the main bets comes from; with it, Dragon and Tiger bets carry an edge of about 3.7%. That is noticeably higher than the Banker or Player bet in baccarat.
Speed is the real risk
A round of Dragon Tiger takes only seconds, so a live table can deal a very large number of hands per hour. Even a modest edge adds up quickly at that speed. Set a time limit and a fixed number of hands, and consider slower games if you want your budget to last.
Dragon Tiger or baccarat?
If you enjoy the simple "which side wins" format, baccarat offers a similar experience at a lower house edge and slower pace. Dragon Tiger suits players who want the fastest possible game and are strict about limits.