What will you learn from our Baccarat strategy guide?
Baccarat is a traditional casino game liked by players with different backgrounds. Its low house edge appeals to many, but knowing baccarat strategies is what will improve your chances of winning. Find them in this article, make better decisions, and take your gameplay to new heights!
4 important tips before you start
You’re one step closer to becoming a better baccarat player. Read the tips below to secure that spot!
- Get to know all the rules, odds, bets, and payouts
In Baccarat, you can bet on ‘Player,’ ‘Banker,’ or ‘Tie.’ Simple, yes, but each one has different odds and payouts. Before playing for real money, know the baccarat rules, odds, and different bet types.
- Choose a baccarat variant smartly
Perhaps you’ve already heard about the different baccarat variants. Learn about them first and choose the one that best suits you.
- Plan your budget —how much are you prepared to win or lose
Sticking to a budget is a way of playing responsibly. Know when to stop for better bankroll management.
- Don’t forget about the time you’re willing to spend on a game!
Use the different responsible gambling tools to control the time you want to spend playing.
10 Most Popular Baccarat Strategies
Baccarat strategies help you structure your game, manage your bankroll, and make better decisions. Learn about each strategy below, and pick your favorite one to boost your playing experience!
The one-sided baccarat strategy
This baccarat strategy is self-explanatory. Players bet on either ‘Banker’ or ‘Player’ throughout the game to enjoy a fractional statistical advantage. Some players recommend stopping using this strategy after several losses in a row (usually 3 or 5).
The trend switch combat baccarat
In this strategy, players switch from one ‘trend’ to another. For example, if the ‘Banker’ shows a winning streak, keep betting on it until you’ve lost three times straight. Then, alternate your bets, assuming you’re moving into a new winning trendline.
Breaking the doubles strategy
This betting strategy is based on the zigzag pattern strategy (PBPB). Players bet on the opposites until a double streak is won (PPP or BBB).
Card counting in Baccarat
Card counting is used in baccarat and other casino games, like blackjack. Players keep track of the cards dealt and develop a total to help them make a bet later.
Learn more with the table below:
| Cards dealt | Add/Subtract |
|---|---|
| A, 2, 3 | +1 |
| 4 | +2 |
| 5, 7, 8 | -1 |
| 6 | -2 |
| *10-value cards are ignored | n/a |
“What’s all this mumbo jumbo?” you might think. This strategy will help you make more assertive decisions. If the total is > 16, you should bet on the Player. And if it’s < 16, you should bet on the Banker.
1-3-2-4 baccarat strategy
This strategy works well on bets close to even chance (i.e., 50/50, like a coin toss)— perfect for Baccarat and Roulette. It consists of increasing your bet after every win and returning to your initial bet if you lose.
The Martingale System
The Martingale System is a simple gambling strategy players of all kinds of experience levels use. Although it can be effective, it’s not guaranteed to work. It involves doubling your bet after every loss and returning to your original stake when you win.
The Fibonacci Strategy
The Fibonacci Sequence is a set of numbers where each equals the sum of the two previous numbers (i.e., 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…).
Yeah, but how does it work in roulette or baccarat?
Here’s how: ☞ At the beginning of the game, you bet 1 unit (let’s say $1). If you lose, move on to the next number in the sequence—1. If you lose again, you change your bet to 2 units, and so on through the sequence —3, 5, 8, until you win. And if you win, you must move back two numbers in the sequence.
The idea is that it offers a less aggressive approach and more manageable bet increases.
The Paroli System
Also known as the Reverse Martingale. In this baccarat strategy, you double your bet after each win and return to your original stake after each loss.
The Labouchere System
The Labouchere or cancellation system is widely used in casino games with even money bets.
First, players must define the amount they’d like to win. This amount is divided into a list of numbers determining the money spent on each round. The bet amount results from adding the first and last numbers on the list.
Let’s say you want to win $40 this way— 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. So, your first bet should be $6 + $10 = $16. If you lose the hand, add the amount lost at the end of the list, like this: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 22. If you win the hand, cross out the two numbers you were betting (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). Your next bet should be $7 + $9 = $16.
The D’Alembert System
We’ll wrap this section with another simple baccarat strategy based on the Martingale system with a few tweaks. All you have to do is raise your bet ‘one unit’ after each loss and lower the bet by ‘one unit’ if you win.
Which Baccarat Strategy should you choose?
The best baccarat strategy will depend on your chosen baccarat variant and your experience level. Some strategies require complex rules and having to memorize a sequence of numbers. Although they don’t guarantee a win, they help lower the house edge and minimize losses.
The best strategies to try when you’re new to casino
Stick to the next baccarat strategies if you’re a new casino player. They’re simple and don’t require you to overthink.
- Martingale System – It’s a straightforward baccarat gambling strategy. Double the bet after each loss and return to your original stake after each win.
- Paroli System – (a.k.a. Reverse Martingale). Double your bet after each win and return to your original stake after each loss.
- One-sided Baccarat Strategy – Stick to one side (Player or Banker) throughout the game and hope for the best!
Baccarat strategies to play if you’re a pro
If you’ve been playing for a while and your brain can take in some formulas, try these baccarat strategies:
- Card counting – It requires your full attention, but keeping track of the cards dealt helps you make better decisions.
- Fibonacci Strategy – If you know how to move around in the famous mathematical sequence, you’ll play less aggressively and handle bet increases better.
Baccarat strategies that got the most wins
No strategy guarantees a win. They only help you lower the house edge, minimize losses, and increase the winning potential.
With that in mind, one can only learn to make bets with better odds for a better payout.
General beginner mistakes to avoid
The simple game mechanics behind baccarat attract players of all types. However, there are certain things to avoid to stop you from losing money, especially if you’re a beginner.
So, to get the best out of your casino thrill, get familiar with the rules regardless of the baccarat variant you choose to play. Don’t chase your losses thinking there’s a win due on the table, and learn to control your impulses. Losing a few rounds doesn’t mean you’re a bad player, but winning some doesn’t mean you’re the best.