The Best Baccarat Strategy Guide – Learn How to Win at Baccarat

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.

You can use the Fibonacci System as a baccarat strategy to optimize their spending. Just follow these steps:

  1. Place an opening bet of $1.
  2. If your bet loses, the stake for your next bet will rise to $2.
  3. Following your first winning bet, you go back two places in the sequence.
  4. 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.

  1. Place a small bet on either the banker or player.
  2. If the bet wins, your stake remains the same.
  3. Double your stake if the opening bet loses.
  4. You must double your bet after reaching a loss.
  5. 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.

  1. Place an opening bet of your base amount.
  2. Increase your stake by 1 unit after each loss.
  3. 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.

  1. Bet on the player’s hand with a small stake.
  2. Double your stake if the opening bet wins.
  3. Return to the first unit after a loss.
  4. 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).

  1. Start with an $8 bet on the banker or player.
  2. After a loss, your stake is added to the sequence.
  3. This would make the next bet worth $11 (8+3).
  4. If this bet wins, the first and last numbers are removed from the sequence.
  5. 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.

  1. You bet $2 on the banker.
  2. Six rounds of betting would see you stake a further $2, $2, $2, $4, $6, and $6.
  3. In the next round, your stake increases to $8.
  4. 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.

  1. Place a $2 bet on the banker or player.
  2. A win would increase your stake 3x to $6.
  3. Additional wins would take your stake to $4 and $12.
  4. 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.

  1. You bet $14 on the banker.
  2. On the same hand, you bet $5 on the player and $1 on a tie.
  3. This gives you a maximum potential loss of $10 and a potential profit of $8.

Pros

  • Covers the majority of outcomes
  • Potential for significant wins
  • Gives you enhanced confidence

Cons

  • Better suited to roulette
Joe Yarnold
Casino & Betting Expert
Expert Insight
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.

Joe Yarnold
Casino & Betting Expert
Expert Insight
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.

What is the Best Strategy for Baccarat?

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?

Can the Martingale strategy be used in baccarat?

Which baccarat pattern is most popular?

What is the house edge in Baccarat?

Can you ever win baccarat?

What is the most common winning hand in baccarat?

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:

Resources

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

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
iGaming Expert

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.

Get the biggest iGaming headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Gambling News

    Explore the latest in online gambling with our curated updates. We cut through the noise to deliver concise, relevant insights, keeping you informed about the ever-changing world of iGaming and its most important trends.

    In-Depth Strategy Guides

    Elevate your game with tailored strategies for sports betting, table games, slots, and poker. Learn how to maximize bonuses, refine your tactics, and boost your chances to beat the house.

    Unbiased Expert Reviews

    Honest and transparent reviews of sportsbooks, casinos and poker rooms crafted through industry expertise and in-depth analysis. Delve into intricacies, get the best bonus deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guides.