Card game guide

Lucky 9 rules — how to play

Get closest to 9 — the classic Filipino card game explained.

Updated September 30, 2026 · Information checked against the official PH28 site

Lucky 9 basics

Lucky 9 is a fast Filipino card game similar to baccarat. Players try to get a hand total as close to 9 as possible. Only the last digit of the total counts — 7 + 8 = 15 counts as 5.

Card values

  • Ace = 1
  • 2–9 = face value
  • 10, J, Q, K = 0

How a round works

  1. Players place bets; the banker deals two cards to each player and to themselves.
  2. Each player may take one more card if their total is low.
  3. Hands are compared with the banker; the higher total wins. A two-card 9 is usually a “natural” and wins immediately.

Payouts and tie rules vary by table.

Like Lucky 9? Try live baccarat

Baccarat uses the same “closest to 9” idea. Play it with real dealers in the PH28 live casino.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best hand in Lucky 9?

A total of 9, especially a two-card 9 (natural).

What are face cards worth in Lucky 9?

Zero — 10, J, Q and K all count as 0.

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