Using a baccarat strategy is a popular approach to this casino card game. While no system or technique guarantees a win since it’s a game of chance, having a strategy can help you decide what to bet on and how much to wager.
To become a confident player, you need to understand the game’s odds, payouts, and house edge. We’ve covered all of this along with the most important baccarat rules and strategies.
What is a Baccarat Strategy?
A baccarat game strategy is a structured way of playing this card game with the goal of managing bets and maximizing potential wins. A good strategy guides you on the most suitable next wager based on previous outcomes.
There are various systems that different players consider to be the best baccarat strategy. These systems differ in rules and bet sizes but are all based on the fact that the game has a finite number of possible outcomes. Much like with roulette, they are based on bets that have winning odds close to 50%.
While using a baccarat pattern strategy, it’s important to remember that there are no win guarantees. No matter how well you follow the system’s rules and how sound the mathematical principles behind the strategy are, the chance of winning is never higher than 45.8%.
Best Baccarat Strategy for Beginners
If you’ve just started playing at online baccarat casinos or have a limited bankroll, it’s best to use a strategy designed for newbies.
Flat Betting
This is the simplest baccarat betting strategy where you bet the same amount each hand, regardless of the previous result. Using this system, you can better manage your bankroll and limit losses, but you won’t benefit from any winning streaks, and there is no structure to recoup losses or a defined stopping point.
Handy Note: Flat Betting example could be placing a $1 wager on the Banker in one round and the same Player bet in the next round. You continue placing the same value wager on either side regardless of whether you’ve previously won or lost.
One-Sided Betting
Implementing the One-Sided Betting baccarat strategy is as simple as the Flat Betting system. The only difference is that this system recommends sticking to a specific bet for the entire gaming session. This means that you should bet on either the Player hand or the Banker and place the same bet on every round.
Handy Note: Using the One-Sided Betting system could mean placing a $1 wager on the Player or the Banker and placing the same bet on every round. If you decide to bet on the Banker and play 10 rounds, you’ll place ten $1 bets on the Banker.
Best Baccarat Strategy for Intermediate Players
Mastering a basic baccarat strategy doesn’t take long, but many players quickly move on to more advanced strategies. These strategies are a bit more complex to implement but offer significant mathematical advantages.
Martingale System
The Martingale System is a well-known strategy also used in other casino games, including roulette. It’s a negative progression system where you double your bet after a loss and reset your wager after a win.
The goal is to recover all previous losses with a single win, but this approach can require a significant bankroll, and you might hit the table limit before recouping your losses.
Handy Note: Start with a $5 bet on the Banker. If you lose, place a $10 bet on the Banker next. If you lose again, bet $20 on the Banker. When you win, go back to the original $5 bet.
Paroli System
Sometimes called the Reverse Martingale, the Paroli System is friendlier on your bankroll. Instead of doubling your bet after a loss, you double it after a win. If you lose, revert to your original wager.
This system helps you maximize profits during winning streaks, and your bankroll is less exposed than with the Martingale System. However, a single loss can wipe out your gains, so set a realistic profit target and stop playing once you reach it.
Handy Note: Start with a $5 bet on the Banker. If you win, place a $10 bet on the Banker next. If you win again, your next bet should be $20. If you lose at any point, go back to a $5 bet.
Best Baccarat Strategy for Advanced Players
An advanced strategy requires more attention and practice. Many top offshore casinos offer free games, so it might be worth practicing these strategies for free before playing with real money.
Fibonacci Strategy
The Fibonacci Strategy is based on the famous sequence of numbers created by the Italian mathematician Fibonacci. This sequence is formed by adding the previous two numbers together, and it continues indefinitely. While the Fibonacci sequence can go on forever, you’ll likely use only the first few numbers while playing baccarat online.
To use this strategy, start by multiplying your unit wager by the first number in the sequence. If you lose, your next wager should be your unit wager multiplied by the next number in the sequence. When you win, move two steps back in the sequence and multiply that number by your unit wager.
This system is less aggressive than the Martingale, helping you manage losses more effectively. However, it can still lead to large bets quickly and requires close attention to avoid skipping a number in the sequence.
Handy Note: Let’s consider $1 as your unit wager. The first five numbers of the Fibonacci sequence are 1, 1, 2, 3, and 5. Your first wager should be $1 on the Banker. If you lose, your next bet should also be $1 on the Banker. If you lose again, your next wager should be $2 on the Banker. Losing this wager means your next bet should be $3. If you win this wager, your next bet should return to $1.
1-3-2-6 System
Similar to the Paroli Strategy, the 1-3-2-6 System is a positive progression system where you increase your wager after a win and decrease it after a loss. This strategy is simpler than the Fibonacci System, relying on a four-digit sequence and having a clear endpoint.
To use the 1-3-2-6 System, choose a unit wager value, such as $1. Apply this unit wager to the first number of the sequence. If you win, progress to the next number in the sequence. If you lose, either move back or stay on the same number. Restart the sequence after winning a bet using the fourth number.
The main advantage of the 1-3-2-6 System is its ability to limit losses during losing streaks. During winning streaks, you can make substantial profits, provided you stop playing after winning four times in a row. Though not as complex as the Fibonacci System, you still need to pay attention to the sequence to avoid confusion and potential losses.
Handy Note: Start by placing a $1 wager on the Banker. If you win, place a $3 bet. If you win again, your next wager should be $2. If you lose at any point, your next bet should return to $1.
Understanding the Potential Results of Different Baccarat Strategies
Choosing the best baccarat strategy for yourself depends on how much risk you’re willing to take, the size of your bankroll, and how closely you can follow number sequences. The table below shows the potential outcomes of various strategies, giving you an idea of potential profits, losses, and bankroll needs.
In these examples, we’re using $1 bets and always betting on the Player. Tie bets are treated as a push, just like in most online baccarat games.
| Round | Outcome | Flat
Cost/Result |
One-Sided Cost/Result | Martingale
Cost/Result |
Paroli
Cost/Result |
Fibonacci
Cost/Result |
1-3-2-6
Cost/Result |
| 1 | Win | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 |
| 2 | Lose | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $2/$0 | $1/$0 | $3/$0 |
| 3 | Win | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $2/$4 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 |
| 4 | Win | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $2/$4 | $1/$2 | $3/$6 |
| 5 | Lose | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $4/$0 | $1/$0 | $2/$0 |
| 6 | Win | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $2/$4 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 |
| 7 | Win | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $2/$4 | $1/$2 | $3/$6 |
| 8 | Lose | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $4/$0 | $1/$0 | $2/$0 |
| 9 | Win | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $2/$4 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 | $1/$2 |
| 10 | Lose | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $1/$0 | $2/$0 | $1/$0 | $3/$0 |
| Result | Profit/Loss | $10/+$2 | $10/+$2 | $13/+$5 | $20/-$4 | $10/$2 | $20/$0 |
In this series of random rounds, some strategies have led to profits, while others have resulted in losses or no gain. It’s important to consider the total cost of following different betting systems. For example, using the Fibonacci System cost $10 over 10 rounds, but you would need twice the bankroll for the Paroli System.
Understanding Baccarat Bets, Odds, and Payouts
A solid baccarat strategy relies on understanding the fixed odds and payouts of the game. Here’s a quick look at the basics:
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% |
| Banker | 1:1 (-5% commission) | 1.06% |
| Tie | 9:1 or 8:1 | 14.36% |
Before diving into any baccarat strategy, you should familiarize yourself with the three main types of bets. Both Player and Banker bets offer decent odds, but the Banker bet has a slight edge due to the third card rule. To balance this advantage, Banker bets usually come with a 5% commission. Despite this, many seasoned players prefer the Banker bet because it offers the best overall odds.
Like roulette odds and payouts, the best baccarat strategies focus on even-money bets. These bets pay double your wager, so if you bet $2 and win, you receive $4.
Any free baccarat strategy, even those from famous players, typically involves betting on the Player or the Banker. Betting on a Tie is generally avoided due to its high house edge.
Top Tips for Using a Baccarat Strategy Online
Keep these tips in mind to enhance your online baccarat experience:
- Place a Banker’s Bet: The Banker’s bet has the lowest house edge, making it statistically the best choice even with the 5% commission.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it to avoid emotional or financial stress. Remember, responsible gambling keeps the experience fun and safe.
- Avoid the Tie Bet: While the payouts are tempting, the house edge is significantly against you.
- Use Strategies Wisely: Explore the pros and cons of each strategy and practice with free games before betting real money.
- Know When to Walk Away: No strategy guarantees a win, so be ready to stop playing if you’ve exhausted your bankroll, are tired, or frustrated.
Mistakes to Avoid Whilst Using an Online Baccarat Strategy
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new strategy and make these common mistakes:
- Chasing your losses: Stop playing once your bankroll is gone. Do not chase losses, as this often leads to even greater losses. Many fall into this trap, mistakenly believing that past losses will affect future outcomes. This mistake is known as the gambler’s fallacy.
- Ignoring the house edge: The house edge for the different types of baccarat bets is the result of mathematical calculations. Unlike in card games found at online blackjack casinos, no baccarat strategy chart can help you improve your odds of winning.
- Using overly complicated strategies: Stick to strategies you understand and can afford. For instance, players with smaller bankrolls might find the Paroli System more suitable, while high rollers might prefer the Martingale Strategy.
- Gambling without a plan: Set limits on your wagers, losses, and session times to avoid emotional and financial distress. Gamble responsibly and know when to stop.
- Forgetting to claim a casino bonus: Top casino sites offer welcome and ongoing promotions that are suitable for virtual or live baccarat games. Claiming these casino bonuses allows you to extend your bankroll or implement slightly higher risk strategies.
Read Other Helpful Gambling Guides
Here are some other popular strategy guides you might find useful:
- Craps Strategy – Learn the best strategies for this popular dice game.
- Blackjack Strategy – Discover the skill-based strategies for this classic card game.
- Gambler’s Fallacy –Understand how to avoid common gambling misconceptions.
- Roulette Bets and Payouts – Learn how to apply baccarat strategies to roulette.
- James Bond Roulette Strategy – Advance your skills with this popular roulette betting system.
- Slots Tips and Tricks – Find out the best ways to enjoy this popular online casino game.
- How to Play Video Poker – Play this popular electronic card game using top tips.
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