The content presented here is solely for informational purposes about a specific type of game. The aim of this content is to provide tips to improve your chances of winning and does not guarantee winning in any casino game.
Baccarat is one of those games that you either imagine being played by loud gamblers celebrating every winning hand or by men and women dressed to the nines, standing around the table placing huge bets.
The truth is that Baccarat is no longer an exclusive game reserved for high rollers, and in both land-based and online casinos, Baccarat tables are available to everyone, with betting limits to suit all preferences.
It may not seem like it, but Baccarat is actually a simple casino game that’s easy to learn. It's also a game where players can apply strategies to reduce the house edge as much as possible.
In this article, we’ll give you some Baccarat strategy tips to help you make the best possible decisions.
Baccarat Strategy Tip #1 – The Banker Bet is The Best Bet
The most important decision you must make in Baccarat is whether to bet on the Player or the Banker. And our advice is simple: your first bet should always be on the Banker. The Banker wins just over 50% of the time, and the only reason the casino doesn’t lose money on this bet is because they take a 5% commission on Banker wins. Still, it’s the best bet.
Having said that, you may be wondering if you should always bet on the Banker. The answer is NO.
Let us explain.
Streaks can form in Baccarat, and the Banker bet has a higher chance of forming one. So, if the Banker is on a winning streak, you should keep betting on it. But how long should you continue betting on it? Simply until the Banker loses.
When the Banker finally loses, don’t place another bet straight away. Wait for the result of the next decision and bet on that outcome from then on. If it’s a Tie, neither the Banker nor the Player has won, so it doesn’t count. Wait for the next round and bet based on the outcome of that decision.
Baccarat Strategy Tip #2 – Switch from Player to Banker as Soon as It Loses
If you thought that if you bet on the Player and it loses, you'd just wait for a hand and bet on the next decision, as in tip #1, you're wrong.
As soon as the Player’s streak is broken, don’t wait, and immediately switch to betting on the Banker. We want to bet as little as possible on the Player and take advantage of the Banker’s streaks as much as possible.
Baccarat Strategy Tip #3 – Tie Bets Are a Big No-No
You might be wondering where Tie bets fit into all this. The answer is simple. Ignore them. In the strategy outlined in the previous tips, if the outcome is a Tie, act as if it didn’t happen. For example, if the sequence goes Banker-Banker-Tie, ignore the Tie and continue to bet on the Banker.
In fact, avoid the Tie bet altogether like the plague. The house edge in Baccarat is relatively low for two of the three available bets. The Banker bet has a house edge of 1.06%, and the Player bet has a house edge of 1.24%. This means that for every 100 units you bet on the Banker, you lose 1.06 units, and for every 100 units you bet on the Player, you lose 1.24 units.
However, the Tie bet has a whopping 14.4% house edge. No, that’s not a typo. It’s 14.4%! You lose 14.4 units for every 100 units you bet. Just pretend it doesn’t exist.
Baccarat Strategy Tip #4 – Mini Baccarat Can be Risky
Traditional Baccarat, the version you’ll find most often in high-roller rooms, is a slow game where players will see about 40 hands per hour. The players deal the cards, so the pace is much slower, and that’s a good thing. Fewer decisions in a game where you don’t have the advantage is always better for the player. But things are very different in Mini Baccarat.
The big difference between the two is that in Mini Baccarat, it’s the dealer who deals the cards. This obviously has a significant (negative) effect on the game’s speed, making it much faster. It can sometimes reach 200 decisions per hour. Even if you follow the strategy outlined in the previous tips and keep the house edge as low as possible, that many decisions can lead to significant losses if things don’t go your way.
If Mini Baccarat is your only option, stick to betting only on the Banker. Bet on the Banker until it loses, then, without placing a bet, wait for the Player to lose before returning to betting on the Banker. This will halve the number of decisions and theoretically reduce your losses.
Baccarat Strategy Tip #5 – Manage Your Money and Set Limits
Effective money management is crucial in any casino game, and Baccarat is no exception. Before you start playing, set clear win and loss limits. For example, set a goal of stopping when you win 100 units and walking away when you lose 50. Sticking to these limits will help you maintain discipline and avoid making emotional, impulsive bets.
Equally important is avoiding the temptation to chase losses. Increasing your bet to recover quickly can lead to even bigger losses. Baccarat is a game of streaks, and trying to win back what you've lost too quickly will only deplete your bankroll faster.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your bets consistent. If you're wagering 10 units per decision, stick with that amount. If things aren’t going well, take a break. Step away from the table, clear your head, and come back when you feel ready.
With sound money management, patience, and clear limits, you’ll not only protect your bankroll but also enhance your overall gaming experience.
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Baccarat is a game of chance, but with the right strategies - like focusing on the Banker bet, managing your money wisely, and setting clear limits - you can maximise your chances of success. Stay disciplined, avoid emotional bets and remember to enjoy the game responsibly for the best experience.
