Simple rules, high stakes, and fast rounds – this is why baccarat was once loved in aristocratic circles. In France, it was considered a luxurious pastime for the elite. However, in England and the United States, baccarat became associated with casinos and crime.
The game was presumably invented in the 15th century in Naples, Italy. Its name comes from the Italian word “baccarat,” meaning “zero.” This choice is explained by the scoring system: tens, jacks, queens, and kings are all valued at zero.
Baccarat continues to gain popularity thanks to films. In A Hard Day’s Night, members of The Beatles are surrounded by Britain’s gambling culture, and Sean Connery, playing James Bond, defeats Le Chiffre at the baccarat table.
General Rules of Baccarat
A full game at home is possible using 52 cards. It becomes more interesting when 6 – 8 decks are used in the deal.
A round of baccarat ends in one of three possible ways:
- Banker wins. Payout 0.95 to 1 (because of the casino’s commission). House edge – 1.23%.
- Player wins. Payout 1 to 1. You cannot bet on both the player and the banker at the same time. House edge – 1.06%.
- Tie. Payout 8 to 1. House edge – 14.12%.
The casino can also accept additional bets:
- Banker pair. Payout 11 to 1 if the banker’s hand wins with two cards of the same denomination.
- Player pair. Payout 11 to 1 if the player’s hand with two cards of the same rank turns out to be stronger.
When the bets are placed, the dealer begins dealing: 2 cards are placed face-down on the player’s box and the banker’s box. The outcome of the round is determined by the number of points in each hand. The goal of the game is to guess which box will be closer to 9 points.
Baccarat has a term called “natural nine” which signifies an instant win in the deal. During the game, a “natural eight” may also appear, where the total points equal 8. It is stronger than any other combination except the “natural nine” .
Important! Baccarat is a game of chance. The only thing that the player has control over is the size and subject of their bets.
The system of scoring in baccarat has one interesting peculiarity: if the total points equal or exceed 10, the 10 points are ignored. This means that 13 is counted as 3, and 19 counts as the winning 9.
If the points in one of the boxes do not exceed 5 after the deal, a second stage comes into play. The player always receives a third card if their total is less than 6.
For the banker, the rules differ. The banker draws a third card only if the player did not take a third card ( meaning the player has 6 points or more). The banker’s final decision to draw or stand is determined by a special decision table.
Important! In baccarat, there is no concept of a “bust” as in blackjack, where a player loses by exceeding the maximum number of points.
The house gains an advantage over the player through the decision table. Arbitrary choices regarding the third card are mathematically disadvantageous for the casino.
In the old version of baccarat, players competed against each other. Each received 2 cards, and a third could be drawn at their discretion. In modern baccarat, players have no interaction with the cards and must rely solely on the established rules.
Advice for Beginners
In baccarat, it is important to be wise about your betting. Avoid betting on every hand; it is better to reserve your bankroll in case a series of 8–10 consecutive losses comes along.
The banker has a slight advantage, as they receive additional cards more frequently. However, it is a bad idea to bet against a box that is already on a winning streak.
The number of decks also affects the likelihood of each box winning. With multiple decks, the odds are more balanced, whereas with a single deck, the banker has the edge.
You can keep track of the point totals during the game to gauge whether high or low cards are appearing. This can help make a more informed bet, though it cannot predict a winning round.
It is also worth remembering that in the long run, the chances of the player and the banker winning are nearly equal – around 50% each. As more time goes by, the probability of winning evens out.
Betting on the Banker
Beginners tend to prefer betting on the banker, believing it to be the most profitable option. And they are absolutely right. In theory the banker bet has a win rate of about 45 percent.
Although the casino charges a 5 percent commission on banker bets, the actual win rate is close to 50 percent. This is because the rules of some baccarat variations give players a small advantage when betting on the banker. For this reason, most strategies recommend betting on the banker first.
The banker bet is the most rational choice, as it minimizes the house edge and increases the player’s chances of winning.
Betting on the Player
The banker has a statistical advantage, but betting on the player can also yield wins when using the right strategy.
Systems such as Martingale, Labouchere, or Fibonacci are based on accumulating small wins over the long term. However, the casino’s commission limits the effectiveness of these strategies when betting on the banker. Betting on the player’s box avoids this drawback, as no commission is charged.
Mathematically, the banker bet does not work with these strategies. The player’s box is a favourable option for long-term play.
Betting on a Tie
At first glance, a tie may seem like a profitable option. The truth is, however, that this bet offers the player no real advantage. The chances of a tie occurring are less than 10 percent, so the payout for this bet is lower than its actual probability.
If the game ends in a tie when betting on another outcome, the player does not lose their original bet – it is considered a “push.” A tie removes the opportunity to win on the more likely outcomes.
Interesting! The house edge on a tie bet is a substantial 14.4%, one of the highest among all gambling games. For comparison, the house edge on a banker bet is just 1.06%, and on a player bet, 1.26%.
The best strategy in baccarat is to avoid tie bets and focus on the main betting options.
Variants of Baccarat
The primary goal of any casino remains making a profit, and baccarat makes a significant contribution to the establishment’s revenue.
In the first quarter of 2023, nearly 60% of profits made by casinos in Macau came from low-stakes baccarat—$4.3 billion. A further 24.6% was generated by the VIP segment—$1.06 billion. This far exceeds income from slot machines, which accounted for only 7.1%—$303 million.
American Baccarat
The game takes place at a special table divided into sections for the participants. Each section includes three areas for bets on the banker’s win, the player’s win, or a tie. Before the cards are dealt, participants place their bets within the established limits.
Interesting! In European casinos, bets are usually made with chips, while in American casinos, cash is often used. This format makes the game more visually engaging.
The game uses 6–8 decks of 52 cards, which are thoroughly shuffled before the game begins. Cards are dealt counterclockwise, starting with the player to the right of the banker.
After bets are placed, each participant is dealt one card in turn. The cards are then revealed, and the points are compared. If the total is 8 or 9, the round ends. Otherwise, an additional card is dealt.
The winner is the hand closest to nine. In the event of a tie, bets are returned to the players.
European Baccarat
The difference between European baccarat and American baccarat lies in the greater flexibility of the rules.
A player with a total of 5 points can decide whether to take an additional card. However, in many European casinos, the American version’s rules are preferred.
Another difference is that the size of the bank is determined by the establishment.
Participation of other players in the deal depends on the size of the bets placed in the previous round:
- If the first player placed a total bet of $3,000 under a $5,000 limit, the second player can only bet up to $2,000.
- If the first player goes “all in” (bets the entire bankroll), no one else can participate in that deal.
The casino also takes a commission of 4–5% from winnings that occurred as a result of banker bets.
French Baccarat (Chemin de fer)
Unlike the American version, where the player competes against the casino, in “Chemin de fer” the house does not take part in the game itself. Its role is limited to providing the table and ensuring the rules are adhered to. In exchange for this, the casino collects a 5% commission on Banker wins.
The role of the banker, rotates among the players. Bets form the Bank, which is then played out among the participants. The first banker is the one willing to wager the largest amount.
The right to make the first bet belongs to the player sitting to the right of the banker. The banker keeps their role until they lose a bet. In that case, the right passes to the next player clockwise.
Unlike the American version, in “Chemin” the players have greater freedom being able to choose whether to take an additional card or stick with their current hand (depending on the total points).
If the banker wins, they collect all of the bets and continue playing. If the banker loses, each player receives their back bet plus gets an equal amount in winnings.
Punto Banco
Card values and combinations are evaluated just like in traditional baccarat. The game takes place at specially marked tables. Each player is assigned an individual box corresponding to their seat number. The role of the banker is taken by the casino.
Players place bets on either the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie. Betting limits are indicated on the table, and chips are placed in the box corresponding to the player’s number.
Only the player and banker receive cards. Depending on the total, the third-card rule applies: the player may take an additional card or stand. The banker follows the same rules.
The hand with the stronger combination wins. Payouts follow standard baccarat rules. If the player wins, bets on the banker and tie are collected, and winning bets on the player are paid out.
Mini Baccarat
This is a popular version of baccarat among Asian players. Rounds take place at smaller tables with low minimum bets.
In one version of mini-baccarat, known as Super 6, payouts work differently. If the banker wins with a six, the player receives only half of their bet. This increases the casino’s statistical edge to 5.87%. This system also speeds up the game, as it simplifies the calculation of winnings.
There is a similar version called EZ-baccarat. Here, payouts are made on winning bets for both the banker and the player. The only exception is when the banker has a total of 7 points after three cards.
This game includes additional bets:
- Dragon 7 — for a banker’s win with a three-card seven, paying 40 to 1;
- Panda 8 — for a player’s win with a three-card eight, paying 25 to 1.
The minimum bets in mini-baccarat are lower, which makes it appealing to beginners.
Baccarat banque
The game is played with three decks of cards. The banker retains their position to the end of the game, until all cards are dealt, unless they choose to step down or run out of money.
Initially, the banker is determined through an auction – the player willing to take the greatest risk by betting the largest amount becomes the banker. In some cases, the banker is the player who registered first on the player list.
After the banker is determined, the cards are dealt. The dealer shuffles the deck and offers players on both sides of the table, as well as the banker, the opportunity to reshuffle. Then a random player is chosen to cut the deck.
The croupier deals one card to the players on their right and left, as well as to the banker. This process is repeated, so there are 6 cards on the table. The losing player gives up their seat to the next player. Everyone has the option to risk their entire bankroll if they wish.
The banker is required to conduct at least one deal but may step down afterward, appointing a successor and transferring the remaining chips. If the bank runs out, the banker can add additional funds. In Baccarat Banque, the banker retains their position until the very end of the session, providing greater game stability.
Peek Baccarat (from the developer Evolution Gaming)
In virtual casinos, there are no neighboring players at the table, as is common in offline venues. The pace of live games is significantly faster — up to 800 deals per hour. Bets from 10 cents are accepted, making the virtual format more accessible. The online version provides more detailed statistics for each table. Players can also play at multiple tables simultaneously, further expanding their options.
Peek Baccarat is a unique variation of the card game in which the player has the opportunity to “peek” at the cards and place a bet based on the values seen.
The game uses a deck of eight standard 52-card decks. Before the round begins, the player makes a regular bet on either the player or the banker. The first two cards are then dealt, after which the player is allowed to look at one card. This enables them to assess the situation and decide whether to keep the bet as is or increase it by 2 or 3 times.
The rules for determining the winner of the round are the same as in regular baccarat – the goal is to reach the number of points closest to nine.
A feature of peek baccarat is that a 20% commission is charged for the ability to peek at the cards. The strategy involves frequently doubling or tripling the bet after peeking, so that the commission does not “eat up” the entire bankroll.
Lightning Baccarat (from the developer Evolution Gaming)
This is a version of traditional baccarat that introduces bet multipliers. Players place bets on whether the player’s or banker’s cards will be closer to 9 points. Bets on a tie are also possible.
After the first two cards are dealt to each hand and points are counted, the winner is determined. In Lightning Baccarat, before the cards are revealed, additional “lightning” cards appear with win multipliers ranging from x2 to x8.
Overall, the RTP of Lightning Baccarat is slightly lower than regular baccarat at 98.76%. However, there is a chance for a bigger win from a smaller bet thanks to the random multipliers.
Strategies for Playing Baccarat
There is a number of different game strategies in baccarat, each having its own distinct features.
These strategies can be divided into 3 categories:
- Positive. Involve gradually increasing the size of the bet after a loss in order to compensate for previous losses.
- Negative. Work in the opposite direction – the bet is reduced after a loss to reduce risk (a more conservative approach, but less profitable).
- Flat. Involve keeping the same bet size regardless of previous results (minimum risk, but also lower potential profit).
The choice of a strategy depends on the player’s individual tastes and willingness to risk.
Reverse D’Alembert System
One of the most common methods is the Reverse D’Alembert system. It involves starting the game with the minimum bet. After a win, the player increases the previous bet by one unit, and after a loss, the bet is decreased by the same amount. This creates a gradual adjustment of the bet size based on the outcomes of previous rounds.
This system is considered one of the more rational baccarat strategies, as it helps to minimize risk while gradually increasing winnings over the long term.
Paroli System
Another popular baccarat strategy is the Paroli system. Unlike the Martingale, in it, the bets are doubled after each win.
The player starts with the minimum bet. After winning a round, the next bet is twice the previous amount. This progression continues until the player loses. After a loss, the betting sequence restarts from the minimum bet.
This system allows for rapid accumulation of winnings during a successful streak, but it significantly increases risk due to the possibility of hitting table limits.
Important! A single losing round wipes out the gains from the previous sequence.
Therefore, the Parlay system is not completely foolproof. It is used by players willing to take higher risks for the chance of a large win.
Charles Guetting Progression
A widely known approach to betting in baccarat is the Charles Guetting progression.
The system consists of 4 levels of bets:
- Level one: $2 bet.
- Level two: $3 to $6 bet.
- Level three: $8 to $16 bet.
- Level four: $20 to $40 bet.
After two winning rounds on one level, the player moves to the next level. In case of a loss, they return to the first bet of the previous level.
The Charles Guetting system allows for a gradual increase in bet size during a winning streak while mitigating risks by “retreating” after a loss. The Guetting progression is considered to be one of the most balanced gambling strategies.
The 2/3 Law
An interesting approach in the game is applying the “two-thirds rule.” Its essence lies in keeping your own statistics of round outcomes.
It is recommended to bet on the banker for 10–15 rounds. If, during this period, the banker wins fewer than two-thirds of the rounds, then in the next 10–15 rounds, bets should be placed on the player.
The system is based on statistical analysis of results and aims to maximize profit over extended play.
Martingale System
The most common negative progression in baccarat is the Martingale system. It involves doubling your bet after each loss until you achieve a win. This system compensates for previous losses through the increased bet and then returning to the original wager.
The strategy also has drawbacks. The main one is the exponential growth of the size of the bet. If a losing streak lasts too long, it can lead to significant losses (table limits become a critical issue).
Important! When using negative progressions in baccarat, all risks must be considered, and it is essential to stop in time to avoid major losses.
D’Alembert System
D’Alembert became famous as a philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. His work was adapted into a simple baccarat system: if a player loses a round, the bet is increased by one unit; if the player wins, the bet is decreased by one unit.
To end up in profit, a long series of consecutive wins is required. Therefore, using the D’Alembert method is risky—it’s easy to lose all of your money.
Oscar’s Grind Strategy
Another common approach in baccarat is the Oscar’s Grind system. If a smaller bet is sufficient to win one unit (for example, $1), the stake is reduced. In the case of a loss, the wager remains the same. After a win, the wager is increased by one unit.
The system is not a type of negative progression, but it is also aimed at minimizing losses from previous unsuccessful bets.
Whittaker System
This is a method that uses a sequence of numbers in which each subsequent number is the sum of the two preceding ones.
An interesting feature of the system is that a win on a bet equal to the next number in the sequence allows the player to cover the two previous losses at once. The Whitaker method reduces overall risk in baccarat.
Progression 31
The system involves using a special numerical sequence. When the player wins, they double the size of the previous bet. This allows winnings to grow with geometric progression.
In the event of a loss, the player does not move to the next level in the sequence but to the level before the last bet. This compensates for the loss from the unsuccessful round.
Flat System (dynamic game)
The player chooses a portion of their bankroll (usually 1–5%) and bets it each round, regardless of previous outcomes. This reduces the risk of large losses and balances the frequency of wins and losses over the long term.
With this approach, it is important to regularly adjust the size of the bet relative to the current bankroll. When it grows by 10–20% from the initial amount, a correction is made. The flat system maintains an optimal balance between risk and reward throughout the gaming session.
Tips on Betting Once a Strategy is Chosen
- Betting on the Player is More Profitable Than Betting on the Banker
A wager on a banker carries a commission of about 5%, so it’s better to avoid it when using a betting strategy. Betting on the banker makes sense when the player counts on the 1.06% house edge. This modest casino advantage makes the game slightly more favorable over the long term.
- A Strategy Should Help The Player to Achieve Their Goals
Baccarat has no perfect strategy that always leads to a profit. When choosing, the player should consider their goals. If the aim is to offset the casino’s small edge, it’s better to bet on the player.
- Betting on a Tie Isn’t Profitable
In earlier times, betting on a tie might have seemed appealing, as it added variety to baccarat. However, players have long realized that this bet rarely pays off. The chances of winning are significantly higher when choosing the banker’s or player’s box.
- Only Luck Determines the Outcome
Some common mistakes include assumptions about “hot” and “cold” tables, supposedly influenced by external circumstances. Sometimes, an illusion of control arises at the table (when a player believes they can influence the course of events).
In reality, the only factor a player can affect is the choice of bets. Success largely depends on the ability to adapt to the unpredictable flow of the game and minimize the impact of luck.
- Casinos Profit from Emotional Players
Losses are an inevitable part of gambling. It is important to respond to setbacks appropriately and not give in to emotions.
Players upset by a loss often make risky bets in hopes of recouping their losses. However, such emotional tactics rarely lead to success.
The best approach is to play only when the game brings enjoyment. If your mood turns negative, it’s wise to take a break or end the session entirely. Maintaining a calm demeanour even after setbacks allows for long-term success.
- Limiting the Bankroll
Even if you cannot strictly stick to the limit, having one helps to assess your own financial capacity.
By knowing the limit in advance, a player can choose game variations with risks they are willing to accept. This allows playing for real money while staying within comfortable boundaries.
Some players prefer placing small bets more frequently, while others allocate a budget for a single large wager. In any case, predetermined limits help maintain control over the process.
- Do Not Believe in Winning Streaks
A common misconception in baccarat is the belief in “cycles” of wins and losses. Sometimes players think that after a streak of banker or player wins, their chance of losing increases.
There is no evidence of such a pattern!
The best approach is to play baccarat based solely on the actual odds defined by the rules.
- No Reason to Keep Track of Played Cards
The strategy takes card distribution into account and slightly increases the chance of success. Experts believe the effort is hardly worth it. It’s better to focus on practicing more effective tactics.
- Knowing Casino Rules is a Must
Players are attracted to offers of commissionless bets on the banker.
Attention! Generous casino conditions are a trap for careless players.
If the casino loses the commission, it compensates by increasing its regular statistical advantage. In fact, the player’s chances of winning still remain lower.
For example, with zero commission, the house edge can reach 4.07% instead of the traditional 1.06%. There are no commissions, yet the casino still retains its advantage.
When choosing a casino for playing baccarat in, it is important to carefully study not only the commission but also the actual chances of winning, which may be hidden behind the appealing promises of marketers.
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