Developing a baccarat strategy can boost your chances of winning when you play this classic comparing card game online. Baccarat is known for its simplicity, with just three possible bets: banker win, player win, and tie.
Our guide covers the most popular strategies used by professional gamblers as well as their pros and cons. We also provide some top tips and mistakes to avoid when you play Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and other variants.
Best Baccarat Strategies for Players
There are multiple baccarat strategies used today. They cater to beginners and professionals and feature patterns designed to increase your chances of success. These systems can be used in land-based casinos and when playing baccarat at online casinos.
Fibonacci System
Fibonacci System
A quick math trivia before we explain how this works. A Fibonacci sequence is a string of numbers that look like this: 1,1,2,3,5,8, etc. Every number in the sequence is the sum of 2 numbers that precede it. – 0+1 =1/ 1+1=2/1+2=3/2+3=5/3+5=8 etc.
If your bet loses, the stake for your next bet will rise to $2.
Following your first winning bet, you go back two places in the sequence.
So, if you won with a $8 bet, you will then place a $3 bet.
You keep that bet size so long as you are winning, and when you lose, you resume where you left off in a losing streak.
Pros
You will always win your losses back
Requires little brain power
Consistent small profits
Cons
A losing streak could blow your budget
Martingale & Reverse Martingale
Martingale & Reverse Martingale
Martingale is the simplest baccarat strategy for beginners. Just remember to double your bet size whenever you lose and keep doubling up until you eventually win. This allows you to recover losses immediately. This is a breakdown of how the Martingale system works.
Place a small bet on either the banker or player.
If the bet wins, your stake remains the same.
Double your stake if the opening bet loses.
You must double your bet after reaching a loss.
Return the opening unit following a win.
When using reverse Martingale, you double your bet after every win. The main idea is to capitalize on a big winning streak.
For both of these baccarat strategies, you’ll need a starting bet size that should be pretty low. Bear in mind that it’s possible to end up on a long losing streak and go bust, so know when to back off.
Pros
Easy to master
Opportunities to recover entire losses
Small, short-term earnings are possible
Cons
Bet limits can restrict your strategy
D’Alembert & Contra D’Alembert
D’Alembert & Contra D’Alembert
Many consider D’Alembert the best strategy for baccarat because it’s similar to Martingale but less aggressive. You set a base betting limit, e.g., $2, and that is your wager unit. The steps below outline how this baccarat pattern strategy works.
Place an opening bet of your base amount.
Increase your stake by 1 unit after each loss.
Follow a winning bet by decreasing your stake by 1 unit.
Contra D’Alembert is a similar baccarat game strategy, where you increase the wager size by 1 unit after each win. Your stake decreases by a single unit following an unsuccessful bet.
Pros
No complex patterns
Bet increases are not large
Potential for significant short-term winnings
Cons
Not a good baccarat game strategy for the long-term
Pair Bet Strategy
Pair Bet Strategy
This is a unique baccarat strategy to win at pairs side bet, and it’s impossible to pull off in real casinos. You’ll have more chance of succeeding if you play at the best live casino sites that have baccarat with pairs side bet option.
You should target titles that use 8 decks in a show. Keep a close eye on which cards leave the shoe. If a large number of the same cards are left in the shoe, then the player’s edge on this side bet gets significantly higher.
This requires the creation of a spreadsheet, which will feature a detailed system for tracking cards. It must be updated following the completion of every round. You can use the spreadsheet to determine the odds for pairs bets.
Pros
Potential for high payouts
Your odds are calculated instantly
Suits live baccarat games
Cons
Only available on selected baccarat variants
Mikki Mase Strategy
Mikki Mase Strategy
Mikki Mase is a gambling celebrity who claims that he can recognize patterns as the game goes on. Also known as the dirty goth boi baccarat strategy, this tactic is all about prioritizing banker bets and changing your wagering patterns based on previous outcomes.
It’s hard to tell whether there is any merit to Mikki Mase baccarat strategy as he never clearly explains how it works. Mase says that he can recognize patterns and outcomes ahead of time. For all we know, it could all be a scam dressed in a veil of mystique.
Pros
Prioritizes banker bets
Your stake is determined by past results
Developed by a baccarat expert
Cons
An unproven strategy
Paroli System
Paroli System
The Paroli system is almost identical to the reverse Martingale strategy baccarat. So you use the original bet size whenever you lose, and you double it when you win. This theory is demonstrated in the steps below.
Bet on the player’s hand with a small stake.
Double your stake if the opening bet wins.
Return to the first unit after a loss.
Keep up this system until you win or lose three consecutive times.
Pros
Makes your budget last longer
You bet less during a losing streak
Suits even money bets well
Cons
Not an exciting system in the long-term
Labouchere System
Labouchere System
For the Labouchere baccarat strategy, you’ll need a sequence of numbers like 3,4,5, for example. Your bet amount is always equal to the sum of the first and the last number in the sequence, in this case, $8 (3+5).
Start with an $8 bet on the banker or player.
After a loss, your stake is added to the sequence.
This would make the next bet worth $11 (8+3).
If this bet wins, the first and last numbers are removed from the sequence.
This would remove 3 and 8 in this example.
Pros
Success with every bet is not required to meet your target
A structured method of chasing wins
Offers you greater freedom
Cons
Difficult to use the sequence over an extended period
Oscar’s Grind System
Oscar’s Grind Strategy
Just like its name suggests, this winning Oscar’s Grind baccarat strategy is a real grind. Once again, you’ll need to establish a wagering unit (e.g., $2) and form a cycle around it. Whenever your profits are equal to +1 in wager units, the cycle restarts.
When you lose, you keep your bet unit the same as in the previous round. Whenever you win, you can increase your bet size by 1 unit. You’ll go back and forth until your win profit reaches +1 bet unit, and the cycle begins anew. Here’s an example that demonstrates how it works.
You bet $2 on the banker.
Six rounds of betting would see you stake a further $2, $2, $2, $4, $6, and $6.
In the next round, your stake increases to $8.
If that bet wins, the stake returns to $2.
Pros
Allows for small, frequent wins
Less complicated than the Fibonacci system
Suits any budget
Cons
Requires a significant amount of luck
1-3-2-6 System and 1-3-2-4 System
1-3-2-6 System and 1-3-2-4 System
1-3-2-6 represents the multipliers that you use on your original bet unit whenever you win. So, if the base unit is $2, this is how things would work.
Place a $2 bet on the banker or player.
A win would increase your stake 3x to $6.
Additional wins would take your stake to $4 and $12.
Return to the opening number in the sequence after a loss.
The idea here is to get 2 wins in a row and then lower the wager amount to offset the potential loss. If you end up winning 3 times in a row, you have a chance to make a bigger win and significantly increase your profit.
The 1-3-2-4 system has the same application. The only difference is your final bet is not that risky. So, even if you lose and don’t get a 4th win in a row, you still have some profits from the last 3.
Pros
An easy sequence to follow
Compatible with any unit size
Based on the Paroli strategy
Cons
You can be left with nothing left to play with
The James Bond
The James Bond
Here is a fun online baccarat strategy that is called James Bond, but you can call it Christopher Columbus if it makes it easier to remember. Why, you ask? Well, you need to remember 3 numbers 14-5-1, and Christopher Columbus was born in the year 1451.
You bet $14 on the banker.
On the same hand, you bet $5 on the player and $1 on a tie.
This gives you a maximum potential loss of $10 and a potential profit of $8.
As you have just read, there are multiple strategies to consider when you play baccarat. There is not one leading system, as the best strategy for you is based on your playing style, budget, and other factors.
Cheat Sheet for Baccarat Payouts
Learning how to play baccarat includes understanding how payouts work. This is important regardless of the strategy used. You can use the baccarat cheat sheet that details both payouts and house edge for each betting option.
Side bets are only available in selected variants of baccarat. So, if you plan on using the cheat sheet, make sure you pick a version that is compatible with it.
Bet Option
Payout
House Edge
Player
1:1
Around 1.24%
Banker
1:1
Around 1.06%
Tie
8:1 or 9:1
Around 14.36 %
Player Pair
11:1
Depends on decks in a shoe and the remaining cards
Banker Pair
11:1
Depends on decks in a shoe and the remaining cards
Choose the Right Game for Your Baccarat Strategy
The best baccarat betting strategy for you will depend on the variant played. Some systems are better suited to a particular variant of baccarat than others. We have outlined available games and the best strategy to use below.
3-Card Baccarat
As the name suggests, the player’s and banker’s hands feature three cards with this variant. The hand closest to 9 still wins. The number and size of face cards is key. Managing your bankroll is important, making the Paroli system a good option.
Punto Banco
The majority of online baccarat games are based on Punto Banco. Using classic rules, a banker win remains the most likely outcome. Given its structure and the fact that you are not required to win all the time to meet your goals, the Labouchere system is our recommendation for this variant.
Chemin De Fer
With Chemin de Fer, the role of the banker changes after each round. Each player takes on the role, which differs from Punto Banco, where the casino is in charge. Chemin de Fer uses six decks of cards. It is suggested that you should start with small bets when playing this variant. This is in line with the Fibonacci system, which is based on a sequence of numbers.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is played with three decks of cards, rather than six or eight. The gameplay is almost identical to Chemin de Fer. However, you don’t compete against other players. Baccarat Banque is often viewed as a good option for high rollers, who may well be familiar with the work of Mikki Mase.
Mini Baccarat
This quickfire version of baccarat features a smaller table. The basic principles remain the same, often accepting lower minimum bets. With that being said, the D’Alembert strategy suits Mini Baccarat best. This is because you can select the value of a single unit.
Top 10 Baccarat Betting Strategy Tips
In case you need to brush up on your basics, keeping these essential tips in mind will make any baccarat strategy more successful. These tips cater to live baccarat games and virtual options.
Prioritize the Banker Bet for Lower House Edge
Prioritize the Banker Bet for Lower House Edge
Out of the two main options that pay 1:1, the banker has a slight edge of coming on top. So, regardless of the pattern or baccarat winning strategy you plan to use, make sure to prioritize banker bets. Betting on a tie is not worthwhile, and it will make bankroll management difficult.
Familiarize Yourself with Baccarat Rules
Familiarize Yourself with Baccarat Rules
When you play at the best online casinos, the rule sheet is always a click away. It can be used to help jog your memory regarding when the banker or player hits/stands. It also shows the potential payout for each bet.
Establish a Realistic Budget
Establish a Realistic Budget
Even the best baccarat strategy will fall short without proper budget management. As you can see, many tactics revolve around your budget and setting your bet unit. Setting your base unit at 2% of your total budget is one option. The best Bitcoin baccarat casinos and other gambling sites feature deposit limits that help you control your spending.
Limit Your Playing Sessions
Opt for Shorter Playing Sessions
Stop playing when you are no longer enjoying yourself. The best baccarat strategy can extend your playtime. However, there is no need to continue if you don’t wish. You can play on a mobile casino at any time. 20-30 minute sessions are recommended.
Choose Games with Fewer Decks
Choose Games with Fewer Decks
Although the house edge isn’t drastically affected by the number of decks, every little bit counts. If you are exclusively playing on Banker, fewer decks in the shoe will go to your advantage. Unless you plan to use the Pair Bet baccarat strategy, then standard 8-deck options are better.
Practicing Baccarat Strategy to Win
Practicing Baccarat Strategy to Win
Use demo baccarat games to test available baccarat strategies. This means that there is no need to risk your hard-earned money. Find the best system for your needs and then switch to real money variants.
Track Your Bets
Track Your Bets
We suggest keeping a record of all bets placed. This should include their outcome, win or loss. This will give you a better understanding of where you are achieving success and what the best baccarat betting strategy for you may be.
Take Regular Breaks
Take Regular Breaks
Any winning baccarat strategy requires some form of thinking. It is difficult to remain focused and on the ball when you have been playing extensively. This is why it is important to take breaks from playing.
Quit When You’re On Top
Quit When You’re On Top
It is easy to get greedy and target even greater profits when you play baccarat. However, a wiser plan is to end the playing session when you are ahead.
Consider the Commission
Consider the Commission
Remember that any winning bet on the banker will come with a 5% commission. This rate can differ between variants, but it is often overlooked.
3 Things to Avoid when Playing Baccarat Online
In addition to some of the tips and tactics mentioned above, there are a few things to avoid when playing. Make sure that you don’t fall into these 3 traps:
Avoid Chasing Patterns in Baccarat
There isn’t a single legitimate baccarat pattern strategy or a way to predict who will win in the following round. Many players love to write their pattern and stick to it, just so they avoid overanalyzing the arbitrary outcomes.
You can do the same, and that way, decide in advance how many rounds you’ll play. Just write a Player/Banker pattern that will look natural and that will prioritize the banker bets.- e.g.P/B/B/P/B/P/B/B/P/P/B/B/P/B/B.
Avoid Opting for the Tie Bet in Baccarat
Tie bets just aren’t worth it. You have around 9.5% of getting it right, while the payout is 8 to 1, or 9 to 1 in some variations. The option is mainly there to tempt you and help the casino earn more money.
The same rules go for other possible side bets that might be available. The odds of winning those are slim, and potential payouts just aren’t worth it.
Avoid Overlooking Game Variations
Different variations might have slightly different rules, and that can mess up your baccarat basic strategy. After all, the tactics we listed above only apply to traditional rules. You might want to look for specific variants that use traditional rules but lower number of decks.
EZ Baccarat is a popular variant of baccarat that features slightly different rules to the traditional version. When you play EZ Baccarat, remember to avoid the Dragon 7 option and only use Panda 8 where necessary.
Other Casino Game Strategies
Now that you have a baccarat game strategy in place, you may need to develop a system for when you play other games. The expert guides listed below have all bases covered.
Multiple strategies can be utilized when you play baccarat. Fibonacci, Martingale, and D’Alembert are popular systems. Unfortunately, even the best thought-through strategy or baccarat strategy chart cannot guarantee success.
However, they can enhance your chances of winning consistently. We suggest considering the Oscar’s Grind strategy. This system makes it easier to manage your bankroll and still facilitates extended winning streaks.
FAQ
Is baccarat a skill-based casino game?
To an extent, yes. Knowing baccarat rules and strategy can help you improve your win rate or at least prevent you from placing unwise side bets.
Can the Martingale strategy be used in baccarat?
Yes, it can, and it’s a commonly used baccarat tournament strategy. It’s usually associated with roulette, but it works just as well in this game.
Which baccarat pattern is most popular?
Martingale is popular both as a regular and mini baccarat strategy. It’s easy to remember, and it can easily recover all your losses in one round.
What is the house edge in Baccarat?
The house edge is very low, especially on the Player and Banker bets. It’s around 1.06% for Banker and 1.24% for Player.
Can you ever win baccarat?
Of course, you can. In fact, players have almost a 50% win rate. Using a baccarat strategy, wins can feel even more rewards.
What is the most common winning hand in baccarat?
The goal of the game is to get as close to 9 as possible. So, if a hand score is 9 then that hand cannot lose. It can only result in a tie.
Responsible Gambling
Using a basic baccarat strategy isn’t the same as having responsible gambling practices. Showing discipline and limiting your time and money spent in a casino is always the right thing to do. If you are having a hard time setting or respecting these boundaries, you can always seek out professional help:
The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.
Daniel Smyth is a gambling industry veteran who has covered poker, casino gaming, and sports betting for over a decade. Daniel first anted up at a poker table while studying for a degree in English. He parlayed those early lessons into a job with WPT Poker Magazine. Working alongside some gambling greats, Daniel soon became adept at creating captivating copy and folding pocket jacks to a 3-bet. He subsequently spread his gambling wings and now produces content for some of the industry’s biggest players, including ReadWrite.
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