⚠️ 18+ Only: Casino gaming involves financial risk.
This guide explains Dragon Tiger mechanics—it does not guarantee wins.
Learn about responsible gambling.
What Is Dragon Tiger?
Dragon Tiger is sometimes called "two-card baccarat" because of its simplicity. Originating in Cambodia, it's become one of the fastest live casino games available. Each round takes just seconds—one card dealt to Dragon, one to Tiger, higher card wins.
No skill or decision-making is required. You simply bet on which position will receive the higher card, or whether they'll tie.
Basic Rules
- Two positions: Dragon and Tiger on the table
- One card each: Dealer deals one card to each position
- Card values: Ace is low (1), King is high (13)
- Winner: Position with higher card wins
- Ties: Both cards same rank = Tie
Suit doesn't matter. Only the rank determines the winner. If Dragon gets 7♠ and Tiger gets 7♥, it's a tie.
Card Rankings (Low to High):
A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K
Main Bets & Payouts
| Bet | Payout | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon | 1:1 | Dragon card is higher |
| Tiger | 1:1 | Tiger card is higher |
| Tie | 8:1 or 11:1 | Both cards same rank |
What Happens on a Tie?
When Dragon and Tiger tie, Dragon/Tiger bets typically lose half the stake (returned half). This is the house edge mechanism for the main bets.
Some casinos push (fully return) Dragon/Tiger bets on ties, which lowers the house edge. Check the specific table rules on BK8.
Side Bets
Additional wagers with higher risk and reward:
Big/Small
- Big: Card is 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K (Pays 1:1)
- Small: Card is A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Pays 1:1)
7 typically loses both Big and Small—this is where house edge comes from.
Odd/Even
- Odd: Card is A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K
- Even: Card is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q
Suited Tie
Both cards are same rank AND same suit. Pays 50:1. Extremely rare.
House Edge Comparison
| Bet Type | House Edge | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon/Tiger (half on tie) | 3.73% | Best option |
| Dragon/Tiger (push on tie) | 2.84% | Best if available |
| Tie (8:1) | 32.77% | Avoid |
| Tie (11:1) | 7.69% | Still poor |
| Suited Tie | 13.98% | Entertainment only |
Avoid the Tie Bet: The Tie bet at 8:1 has a 32.77% house edge—
one of the worst bets in any casino game. For every RM100 bet on ties over time,
you'll lose approximately RM33 on average.
Dragon Tiger vs Baccarat
| Aspect | Dragon Tiger | Baccarat |
|---|---|---|
| Cards Dealt | 2 (one each) | 4-6 (drawing rules) |
| Round Duration | ~20 seconds | ~45 seconds |
| Complexity | Very simple | Moderate (drawing rules) |
| Main Bet House Edge | 3.73% | 1.06% (Banker) |
| Tie House Edge | 32.77% | 14.36% |
Dragon Tiger is faster but has a higher house edge than baccarat on main bets. Players who prefer quick action choose Dragon Tiger; those focused on house edge prefer baccarat.
Responsible Dragon Tiger Gaming
Dragon Tiger's extreme speed is both its appeal and its danger:
- 20-second rounds: You can bet 100+ times per hour
- Set strict session limits: Both time and money
- Avoid the Tie bet: Despite tempting payouts
- Take breaks: The fast pace can be hypnotic
For help: Befrienders Malaysia: 03-7627 2929 (24/7)