Baccarat Strategy Guide (Beginner and Advances Systems)

Why Having a Baccarat Betting Strategy is Important?

Before you begin to play online baccarat, it is best to go into the game with a baccarat betting strategy in place. A good baccarat strategy may tip the odds in your favour and increase your chances of winning. By optimising your strategy you can reduce the house odds making baccarat one of the more player-friendly online casino games.

Honing baccarat betting strategies will maximise your bankroll and the more you practice, the more you will understand the intricacies of the game. It is important to understand the rules of baccarat and how to play (including the different bet types) before applying any of the strategies discussed on this page.

Best Baccarat Strategies and Betting Systems

Baccarat is one of the oldest card games around and is likely a derivative of an Italian game that was popular in the 14th Century. Although it is mainly a game of chance, there are a variety of strategies commonly used when playing the game. Using these tactics will not guarantee you walk away with a huge prize as there may be no baccarat sure win formula out there. However, it is helpful to have a baccarat casino game strategy in place before you start wagering.

• The Martingale Strategy

  If you want to know how to win baccarat games, then the Martingale Strategy might be a good starting point. This system is widely used for a variety of online casino games and involves doubling your bet each time you lose. So, if you bet $5 and lose, then your next bet would be $10 and so on until you are dealt a winning hand. Once you win, you go back to your starting bet. The object of this strategy is to offset all losses with one big win. Of course, it has its upsides and downsides.

  • The System is Easy to Understand and Use
  • No Special Skills or Knowledge Required
  • It Can Be Profitable in the Short-term
  • It Helps Manage Losses
  • There is the Risk of Large Losses
  • A Large Bankroll is Required

• One-Sided Baccarat Strategy

  The one-sided Baccarat strategy is another fairly straightforward system for playing the game. It involves choosing a side and sticking with it. Therefore, you only place bets on either the player or the banker. With this system, you should not keep betting on the same side for more than 3 losses. Take a break and wait for your chosen side to start winning before placing another bet.

  • Simple and Easy to Learn
  • Can Work in the Short-term
  • Offers a 3:1 Chance of Winning If Used Properly
  • Needs a Stop-Loss in Place
  • Tie Bet Not Included

• Breaking the Doubles Strategy

  Breaking the Doubles is a baccarat pattern strategy where you zigzag from one side to the other. So, typically your bets would look like Player, Banker, Player, Banker. You aim to achieve a double streak such as Player-Player-Player or Banker-Banker-Banker. You then reverse the pattern. This system might be a little more complicated than the previous ones we've discussed as you need to keep track of where your bets are landing.

  • This is a Fun Zigzag Strategy
  • Need to Double Down Once

• Trend Switch

  The trend switch strategy means that you're not stuck with just one way of playing. You can switch from one trend to another. In the trend switch strategy, you start by flat betting and then switch to another trend such as a zigzag pattern. This strategy works on the basis that there are clear trends in baccarat such as the banker winning, or alternating hands winning.

  • Players Have More Options
  • Players Can Profit From Both Trends
  • Stop-Loss Needs to be Wider
  • Player Needs to Know Both Trends

• 1-3-2-4 Baccarat Strategy

  This is a low-risk baccarat strategy designed to ensure that you always come out on top. The main thing to keep in mind is that if a bet wins you progress to the next level but if a bet loses you return to the starting point. So on the first bet, you wager 1 unit, e.g. $1. If that bet wins you bet 3 units ($3). If the second bet wins you bet 2 units ($2) and if that wins you bet 4 units ($4). If the first bet wins and the second loses you have bet $4 but are only down $2. If the third bet loses, you make a profit of $2 because you'll already be $4 up after bet 2. If the 3rd and 4th bets win you have an overall profit of $10 but even if the 4th bet loses you still have an overall profit of $2.

  • Helps Players Minimise Risk
  • A Fun and Exciting Strategy
  • House Edge Remains the Same
  • Not For Serious Baccarat Play

• Fibonacci Strategy

  The Fibonacci strategy is based on a mathematical system where you calculate your bet on the sum of the preceding two numbers e.g. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... You increase your bet size following this system after each loss. After a win, you take two steps back on the scale.

  • Boosted Win Potential After Losing Round
  • Allows Players Enjoy Long Sessions
  • Not As Aggressive as Martingale
  • Requires A Big Bankroll
  • Possibility of Big Losses

• Paroli Betting System

  Also known as the reverse Martingale, this is another strategy that focuses on positive progression. With this system, you double your bet every time you win and return to your starting bet after a loss. This is considered a more conservative betting strategy.

  • Easy to Learn Strategy
  • Small, Consistent Wins
  • House Edge Remains The Same
  • No Guarantee of Winning

• Labouchere Baccarat Betting System

  The Labouchere system is also known as the Cancellation system or the Split Martingale and is more complex than some that we have already mentioned. It uses a precise series of numbers to decide the bet amount. First you create the sequence e.g. 1,2,3,4. Your wager is equal to the sum of the first and last numbers in the series, so in this instance, it would be 5. If you win you repeat the same bet, but if you lose you add the number (5) to the end of the sequence and go again, so in this case the next bet would be 6. This is a strategy for more experienced players.

  • The Player Sets the Betting Sequence
  • This is a Flexible System
  • The Player Has More Control Over the Game
  • Requires a Massive Bankroll
  • Complicate and Not Recommended for Beginners

• D'Alembert System

  This is a system that is normally applied to games where you have a 50/50 chance of winning. In baccarat, this system can be used when betting on the Player or the Banker. You decide on the amount of the bet you want to place. If you win you deduct one unit from your next bet. If you have a losing round you add one unit to your next wager. For example, if your starting bet is $20 and you lose you add another $20 so your next bet is $40. If you then lose you go back to $20.

  • Designed to Give a Series of Small Wins
  • Easy to Follow System
  • Gives Control Over Your Bankroll
  • Can Lead to Longer Sessions
  • Could Lead to Big Losses
  • Does Not Make the Most of Winning Streaks

Choosing the Best Baccarat Strategy

When considering the best strategy for baccarat you need to take several factors into account. Remember, the best strategy for another player may not be the one that suits you.

• Playing Style : You need to find a strategy that suits your playing style. Are you a risk taker or do you like to play it safe? The system you choose should match with the way you want to play.
• Experience : Some strategies are for beginners and others are for more experienced players. If you're only starting out you need to use tactics that are easy to remember. Leave the more complicated systems until you have more experience.
• Baccarat Game : There are many variants of baccarat. The strategy you opt for should fit in with the variant you are playing.
• Budget/Bankroll : As you'll know from reading this review, some strategies are more suited to players with a large bankroll. There's no point in trying to adopt one of these if you're playing on a budget. Use betting tactics that fit in with how much you are willing to spend.

Best Baccarat Strategies for New Players

When you are starting on your baccarat journey you want to discover how to play baccarat and win if possible. Choosing a complicated system will probably make you feel like you are getting nowhere with the game and impact your enjoyment. Starting with the simpler strategies will allow you to get a grasp on the basics before you move on to more intricate plays.

• Martingale : The Martingale Strategy is easy to master and use. It does not require you to have any specialised knowledge about the game.
• One-sided : This is possibly one of the easiest strategies to use so it is perfect for beginners. Simply choose which side you want to bet on and stick with it. You don't even have to worry about the tie bet.
• Paroli : If you can master the Martingale, then you won't have a problem using the Paroli system. Simply reverse how you bet in Martingale and you'll be using this strategy proficiently in no time.

Best Baccarat Strategies for Pro Players

Professional players have a different mindset when it comes to playing this game. Below, we are introducing the best strategies that pros can use in 2024 casinos online:

• Fibonacci : The Fibonacci system is better for seasoned pros because it requires a hefty bankroll to implement. If you're going to invest a large amount of money in a game, then it's better if you know what you're doing. You also need to be able to keep track of the game and your strategy over what may be an extended playing period.
• Card Counting : It has been claimed that card counting strategies do not work for baccarat but some state that simple card counting systems like Thorp's can reduce the house advantage on the player's bet. There is a similar card counting system for the banker bet. May developed a system for card counting on the tie bet but expressed that it only worked once every 10,000 hands. Even if it is possible to count cards in baccarat it is a highly improbable strategy and should only be tried by consummate professionals.

Picking the Right Game is Important for a Winning Strategy

When you first decide to play baccarat at an online casino, you may be a little confused by the different titles available. There are quite a few variants of the game and it is essential that you match your baccarat betting strategy to the game you choose to play. To give you an insight into the various games, we'll look at the most popular in more detail below.

• 3 Card Baccarat :

  Three card baccarat is played with one standard 52-card deck. The suits have no meaning. When the points for a hand are added up only the last digit counts. So if you draw three 8s the total is 24 and you get 4 points. As with other variants, the maximum total is 9.

• Punto Banco :

  Perhaps the most common variant of baccarat at American casinos is Punto Banco. The game is always banked by the house and all winning hands are subject to a 5% commission. Both the bank and player hands are played according to house rules and the casino always decides when a third card is dealt.

• Chemin de Fer :

  Chemin de Fer or Chemmy is a popular variant at European casinos. Players take turns acting as the banker and the house gets a commission on all winning bets. Players can take control of the bank's hand and decide which hand draws a third card.

• Baccarat Banque :

  Baccarat Banque, also referred to as Deux Tableaux is considered one of the earliest forms of baccarat still played in both land-based and online casinos. In this version, the bank is the one in the driving seat and it can be seen as the banking version of Chemin de Fer.

• Mini Baccarat :

  As the name suggests, this variant is a scaled-down version of Punto Banco. There is one dealer in the game and players cannot function as the bank or deal cards. The game is played at a faster pace than the standard game but the same rules apply and mini baccarat strategies are the same as other variants.

• American Baccarat :

  This is a variant that is popular in North America and it is played with eight decks. The general rules and objectives are the same as other baccarat variants.

• Super 6 :

  Super 6 is another popular variant that boasts one of the lowest house edges of any online casino game. The difference between Super 6 and traditional baccarat is that there is no commission paid for winning banker bets. However, if the banker scores a 6 your payout is reduced. It is recommended that you avoid side bets and tie bets in this variant.

• EZ Baccarat :

  This is perhaps the easiest variant of the game. It has the standard banker, player and tie bets. If there is a bank win with a total of 7 the bank's hand is barred and the tie and player's bets lose the round.

Baccarat Advanced Strategies

Advanced baccarat strategies are for serious players who are prepared to push through losses and stay in the game in the hopes of being compensated with bigger wins. These are not for the faint-hearted and require an impressive bankroll and well-thought-out tactics.

Baccarat Pattern Strategy - Understanding Roads

Baccarat pattern strategy refers to recurring sequences of outcomes during a game. These patterns include streaks for both the player and banker wins and the incidence of ties. The theory proposes that certain patterns may influence the probability of certain results occurring. To recognize patterns a meticulous scrutiny of the scorecard must be undertaken. Baccarat roads are displayed as scoreboards in online casinos and give players access to a visual representation of past outcomes. They make it easier to recognise patterns and track historical trends. However, it is always useful to understand the different types of roads and use them as a tool to make informed decisions when placing a bet.

• 

  Bead Plate

  The Bead Plate Road is named after the tray or plate given to players in land-based casinos who recorded round results by placing different coloured beads into it to represent the different types of wins. It is usually made up of at least twelve columns with six rows and can display the results of at least seventy hands starting in the top left corner. It can also record perfect pairs dealt to the banker or the player.

• 

  Big Road

  The Big Road is, as the name suggests, a detailed representation of each hand in chronological format. Each cell represents one hand and an icon denotes whether the win was banker, player or tie. It is easier to recognise patterns, streaks and trends on the Big Road due to its comprehensive depiction of historic games.

• 

  Cockroach Pig

  This represents a highly detailed view of the outcomes of individual hands. It can be useful for advanced pattern recognition looking out for subtle clues in the dispersal of wins and losses. This is a particularly useful tool for seasoned players who are interested in the intricacies of the game.

• 

  Big Eye Boy

  This road interprets the information from the Big Road. It highlights any discernible patterns and records if the results appear to be random. Each entry relates to a specific entry on the Big Road with red representing a pattern and blue denoting random outcomes.

• 

  Small Road

  The Small Road is like a condensed version of the Big Road. The hands are still in sequence so it acts as a quick reference guide for spotting patterns without the added detail of the bigger road.

When to Use Baccarat Roads

Baccarat Roads can be used to help you determine how to bet. Each player is welcome to interpret the information in any way they see fit and apply it to their future betting strategy. It should be noted that the effectiveness of this strategy is debatable but it is probably best used when integrated with other strategies.

Card Counting

Card counting in baccarat focuses on the removal of cards from the deck. A deck with many high cards is theoretically better for the player bet so when they leave the deck it has a negative impact on the player bet. The reverse is true of the banker bet where high cards leaving have a positive impact. Therefore, low cards leaving the deck are good for the player bet and bad for the banker bet. We've mentioned some card-counting baccarat strategies above, but this strategy is much debated. Some argue that baccarat is an uncountable game whereas others feel card counting can increase the chances of winning.

Does All This Apply To Live Dealer Games?

In 2024, live dealer games are becoming increasingly available and more players are choosing them because of the added social interaction and overall casino experience. Games are played in purpose-built studios, hosted by professional dealers and streamed directly to your device. The bets in live dealer baccarat games are the same as other versions, i.e. player bet, banker bet and tie. As you are making the same bets as you would in online baccarat you can incorporate the same strategies into your gameplay.

Top 10 Baccarat Winning Strategies and Tips for 2024

If you're looking for a quick reference baccarat cheat sheet to increase your chances of winning, then our top tips and strategies listed below should help.

1. Choose the Right Games : Choose a variant of the game that is right for your level of experience. Go for the simpler offerings first before progressing to more intricate formats.
2. Manage Your Bankroll : Set a budget and stick to it. Don't keep chasing losses. If your strategy isn't working have a built-in stop-loss that allows you to take a break until the game starts to swing back in your favour.
3. Use Bonuses : Claim casino bonuses and use them to bulk up your bankroll, allowing you to play for longer.
4. Bet on Banker : The banker has a higher likelihood of winning, so bet on the banker first. You can always switch your bets later.
5. Don't Play No Commission Baccarat : In no commission baccarat the 5% commission on banker wins is eliminated and the wins are paid at 1:1. This seems like a good deal until you look further and see that the payout is altered when the banker wins with a score of 6 and can be as little as half the original bet. This increases the house edge on banker bets.
6. Never Bet on a Tie : The payout on tie bets might seem enticing but these types of wins to not occur frequently. The house edge on these bets is huge in comparison to other bets coming in at almost 15%.
7. Be Careful With High Risk Bets : Do not make high risk bets unless you have the bankroll to cover them and can afford the possible losses. We recommend taking a look at our minimum deposit casinos that will allow you to claim a great bonus for a lower amount.

FAQs

• How many decks are used in baccarat?

  The number of decks will depend on the variant you are playing. Some have just one deck but most commonly 6 - 8 decks are used.

• What is the best strategy for baccarat?

  There's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to baccarat strategy. You need to find the strategy that suits your playing style, budge and level of experience.

• How hard is it to win on this game?

  Some people see baccarat as solely a game of chance so each time a round is dealt you have an equal chance of winning or losing. The banker bet has a higher chance of winning than other bets.

• How do you win baccarat consistently?

  Some experienced players feel that complicated strategies, baccarat roads and even card counting can help them win consistently.

• Is card counting allowed?

  Card counting is technically allowed, but many people feel that it is a pointless exercise in baccarat.

• Is there a baccarat cheat sheet that can be used?

  You can find many online resources that claim to be baccarat cheat sheets. The information contained in this page can be used to give you the best option for winning.

• What is the golden secret strategy in baccarat?

  The golden secret strategy uses pattern recognition to potentially increase your chances of winning. It is an advanced strategy for experienced players. It has bet selection rules which incorporate a logical approach to betting.

• Do any casinos offer baccarat bonuses?

  Casinos will allow you to use bonuses to play baccarat but familiarise yourself with the percentage the game will contribute to any wagering requirements. Specific baccarat bonuses may arise periodically so keep checking the promotions section of your favourite site.

• Can I practise for free without spending real money?

  Many casinos will allow you to play baccarat free in demo mode with no deposit and no registration needed.

• What is the 1326 strategy in baccarat?

  This is a system used to manage your bets and winnings. It is similar to the 1324 strategy reviewed above, except that the last bet in the sequence is a 6x multiple of your original unit.

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Amanda Evans - Chief Editor

Amanda has been involved with all aspects of the content creation at Top10Casinos.com including research, planning, writing and editing. The dynamic environment has kept her engaged and continually learning which along with +15 years iGaming experience helped propel her into the Chief Editor role.

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