Once an exclusive pastime of the elite, Baccarat has grown into a game more popular and accessible than ever before. This guide will quickly and simply teach you the rules of the game, as well as share the most valuable tips and expert strategies to help you win. So, let's drop the curtain on this prologue and get to the main event! Here’s how to play and, of course, with some luck, win at Baccarat!

How to play Baccarat

Baccarat is a straightforward comparing card game played between two hands: the "Player" and the "Banker." The main objective is to bet on which hand will have a higher total value: the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or a Tie. Contrary to popular belief, the Player's hand does not represent the actual player, nor does the Banker's hand refer to the casino or dealer. These are just names that refer to the two different hands you can bet on (besides Tie). To make it more simple, you can think of the Player’s Hand as simply “Hand P” and the Banker’s Hand as “Hand B”.

Baccarat Game Rules

Unlike other card games, baccarat uses a point value system to determine its hand values:

Cards 2 to 9: Face value (e.g., 2 is worth 2 points, 9 is worth 9 points).
Ace: Worth 1 point.
10s and Face Cards (King, Queen, Jack): Worth 0 points.

The hand with a total closest to 9 wins. Any hand which exceeds 9 measures only the last digit. For example, a hand composed of 2+4 totals 6, but 7+5 will have a value of 2.

When to Draw a Third Card

Players place their bets on either the Player, the Banker, or a Tie before the cards are dealt. Two cards each are then dealt to both the Player and the Banker. A third card may be drawn based on a specific set of rules which the dealer will follow. You do not need to worry about this step as it does not require you to do anything. However, if you are interested, here is the general guideline for when a third card is drawn in most baccarat games.

If the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9 after the initial two cards, it's called a "natural," and both hands stand. If the Player's total is 5 or less, they draw a third card. If the Player stands (has 6 or 7), the Banker draws a third card with a total of 5 or less. Here's a nice summary from PokerNews's YouTube channel for a quick refresh:

How to win at Baccarat

Once all cards are drawn, the hand closest to 9 wins. If the Player's hand wins, all bets placed on the Player win; if the Banker's hand wins, bets on the Banker win, minus a 5% commission (levied to keep the game fair). In the event of a Tie, bets placed on the Tie win, paying out at higher odds.

Baccarat Expert Tips and Strategies

Baccarat is often considered a game of chance, but strategic decision-making can influence the outcome. While no strategy guarantees victory, there are a few ways to improve your odds and enhance your play. Take it straight from the horse’s mouth, the latest buzz from the gambling world, Mikki Mase:

Why Bet on the Banker in Baccarat?

Statistically, the Banker bet offers the best odds in baccarat, with a slightly lower house edge than the Player's hand. If you opt for the Banker bet, be aware of the 5% commission applied to Banker wins. The commission is meant to offset its higher profit turn-out, but it still remains the most favorable bet.

Casino expert and gambling author Frank Scoblete recommends a unique strategy aimed to “capitalize on winning streaks” by placing consecutive bets on the Banker hand until you suffer a loss. At that point, you switch to betting on the Player hand, minimizing your potential overall losses.

Note: There are many casinos that provide commission-free baccarat, with slight variations to the rules. Always consult the rule book to identify these differences.

Tie bets in Baccarat: Do’s and Don'ts

The Tie bet pays 8-to-1 (sometimes 9-to-1) whenever the Player and Banker's hands have an equal value. Although this wager may offer tempting high payouts, it carries a significantly higher house edge (14.36%), making it a riskier choice. As such, it's advisable to approach Tie bets with caution or simply avoid them.

Why You Should Keep an Eye on your Bankroll

You’ll hear us say this often, but for any casino game, managing your bankroll is crucial in baccarat. Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away, even on a winning streak.

When Should You Use Betting Systems

Betting systems, such as the Martingale or Fibonacci, are based on mathematical formulas based on a hypothetical infinite bankroll. Unless you are a millionaire, this won’t be your situation, meaning there is a high probability of substantial losses. Remember that baccarat outcomes are independent of previous results, and no betting system guarantees consistent profits. Therefore you should aim to spread your bankroll over many smaller bets instead of a few high-risk wagers. With that said, here are some betting strategies that we consider best suited for baccarat.

Popular Betting Strategies in Baccarat

Two of the most popular baccarat betting strategies for the game are known as the 1-3-2-6 Betting System and the 1-3-2-4 Betting System:

1-3-2-6 Betting System. Explicitly designed for baccarat, the 1-3-2-6 system can also be applied to other even-money bets like those in blackjack. Here's how it works:

Set your starting bet value, which we will count as one unit. This can be as low as 0.5$ in some low-stakes online casinos or as high as tens of thousands. The concept remains the same.
Start by placing a bet of 1 unit. If you win, increase your bet to 3 units.
If you win again, place a 2 bet on the next hand.
If you win again, increase your bet to 6 units.
After the fourth bet, return to the initial 1 unit bet, or if you lose at any point during the sequence, start over with a 1 unit bet.

The 1-3-2-6 system follows the same concept of progressive betting, aiming to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses during losing streaks.

1-3-2-4 Betting System. The 1-3-2-4 system is a variation of the 1-3-2-6 system, offering slightly less risk. Here's how it differs:

Start with a 1 unit bet.
After a win, increase your bet to 3 units.
If you win again, place a 2-unit bet on the next hand.
After a win on the third bet, increase your bet to 4 units.
After the fourth bet, or if you lose at any point, return to the initial 1-unit bet.

The 1-3-2-4 system reduces risk by capping the maximum bet at 4 instead of 6 units. It can help manage your bankroll and minimize potential losses.

Baccarat in the Casino World

Baccarat's popularity has soared over the years, making it a staple in casinos worldwide. It is available in lavish baccarat rooms of high-end establishments and standard tables in more accessible venues alike. Online and live casinos have also embraced baccarat, making it accessible to all players.

Baccarat Variations

While Punto Banco (traditional baccarat) is the most played version, other variations like Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque, and Mini Baccarat can bring excitement and variety to the game. Each variant comes with its own set of rules, providing players with different gaming experiences.

The Rise of Live Baccarat

live baccarat

Live baccarat has brought a new dimension to the game, offering an interactive and immersive environment. Players can experience the thrill of real-time gameplay and interact with a human dealer while still enjoying the convenience of online gaming.

High Limits and VIP Rooms

Baccarat has retained its status as a high-stakes game, attracting high rollers and VIP players. Many brick-and-mortar, as well as online casinos, offer exclusive baccarat rooms with higher table limits, catering to the demands of players seeking elevated wagering experiences.

Conclusion

Baccarat remains a timeless favorite in the era of online and live casinos, discovered and enjoyed by more players than ever before. Understanding the rules and adopting the right betting strategy can enhance your baccarat experience and help you take advantage of its tempting low-house edge. Embrace the challenge, place your bets, and discover the fascinating world of baccarat!

Responsible gaming advisory

At MrWest, we are dedicated to endorsing responsible gaming as an integral part of our customer care and ethos. We aim for you to enjoy your casino experience while being fully aware of the risks of problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addictive gambling behaviors, please reach out:

Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
Responsible Gaming: http://www.responsiblegambling.org/

References:

The Ultimate-Bullet Proof Baccarat Winning Strategy, https://books.google.ro/books/about/The_Ultimate_bullet_Proof_Baccarat_Winni.html?id=U17NAQAACAAJ&redir_esc=y
Sofen, J.: Can Poker Player Mikki Mase Really Beat Baccarat Long-Term?, https://www.pokernews.com/news/2022/07/mikki-mase-baccarat-poker-player-41769.htm
Scoblete, F.: 8 Strategy Tips on How to Win at Baccarat, https://www.888casino.com/blog/strategy-tips-on-how-to-play-baccarat