The simple rules of classic casino game Baccarat make it highly popular with players both online and in on-land casinos, but many are often left wondering if there’s any hidden strategies or systems that can guarantee them a highly-sought win.

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the different types of Baccarat systems and strategies that some players might use and weigh up the pros and cons of each.

We’ll also take a closer look at what new players should keep in mind when they try their hand at this popular card game.

How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat is quite simple to play, which is part of its widespread appeal. The game involves two main hands: the Player and the Banker. Despite their names, you can bet on either hand.

Each hand is dealt two cards, and the aim is to bet on the hand that gets a total as close to nine as possible – cards two through nine are worth their face value, tens and face cards are worth zero, and aces are worth one.

If the total of a hand exceeds nine, only the second digit is used. For example, if a hand has a seven and a six, the total is thirteen. This hand would be worth three.

Before the cards are dealt, you can place your bet on the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. A Tie bet has a higher house edge than the other two options but offers a higher potential payout if both hands end up with the same value.

Once all bets are placed, the cards are dealt, and if necessary, a third card may be drawn following specific rules, which the dealer does automatically without any necessary input from the player. The hand closest to nine wins the round.

Baccarat Odds and Payouts

Understanding odds and payouts in baccarat is key to knowing how the game works: each type of bet offers different chances of winning and different payouts.

The Banker bet is usually considered the option with the best chances of winning. It has a slightly lower house edge compared to the others, around 1.06%. If you win a Banker bet, the casino typically takes a 5% commission on your winnings.

The Player bet has a slightly higher house edge of about 1.24%. If you place a bet on the Player and win, you receive a payout of 1:1, meaning you get the same amount you bet plus your original stake.

The Tie bet is where things change. It offers a higher payout, often 8:1 or 9:1, but it’s the option with the highest house edge of around 14.36%. This means that it’s less likely to occur compared to the Banker or Player outcomes.

What Are the Best Baccarat Strategies?

When it comes to baccarat strategies, there are a few potential approaches; it’s important to remember that no strategy can guarantee a win, but these methods are popular among enthusiasts.

One of the most basic strategies is betting consistently on the Banker hand – as it has a slightly lower house edge, some players choose this option given the slightly better odds over time.

Martingale

The Martingale system is a betting strategy that some players use in baccarat. It’s simple to understand, which adds to its popularity.

The basic idea of the Martingale is to double your bet after every loss. The thought process is that eventually, if you win, you’ll recover all your previous losses plus a small profit.

For example, if you start with a bet of £1 and lose, your next bet would be £2. If you lose again, you’d bet £4, and so on, doubling each time until you win.

While this system seems straightforward, it can be risky. Losing streaks can quickly lead to very large bets, which might exceed your budget or betting limits set by the casino.

Because of these potential downsides, it’s crucial to have a clear plan and set limits when using the Martingale. Always be cautious and make sure to play responsibly.

Paroli

The Paroli system is a popular betting strategy used by some baccarat players. Unlike the Martingale, the Paroli involves increasing your bet after a win, not a loss.

The idea is to take advantage of winning streaks. You start with a base bet and double it each time you win. After three consecutive wins, or if you lose, you return to your original bet size.

For example, if you start with a £1 bet and win, your next bet would be £2. Win again, and it’s £4. If you win three times in a row or lose, you drop back to £1.

A key aspect of the Paroli strategy is setting a limit on how many consecutive wins you’ll chase before resetting. Most players choose three wins before starting over.

While the Paroli can help maximise gains if you hit a winning streak, it also helps limit losses since you only increase bets with winnings, not your initial funds.

Always remember to stick to the pre-established budget you set before playing, and to gamble responsibly.

Labouchere

The Labouchere system is a structured betting strategy that some players use in baccarat. It’s sometimes called the “Cancellation” or “Split Martingale” system.

To start, you decide how much you want to win and break that amount into a sequence of smaller numbers. For instance, if you want to win £10, you might use the sequence 1-2-3-4.

With each bet, you add the first and last numbers of your sequence to determine your stake. In our example, you’d start by betting £5 (1 + 4). If you win, you cross both numbers off the list.

If you lose, you add the amount you just bet to the end of the sequence. So, if you lost the £5 bet, your sequence would become 1-2-3-4-5.

You then continue using the new sequence. The goal is to cross out all the numbers, which means you’ve achieved your target profit.

While the Labouchere can provide a structured approach, it requires careful tracking and can lead to larger bets after several losses.

1324 Strategy

The 1324 strategy is a simple system some players use to manage their bets in baccarat. The name comes from a sequence of numbers that guides your bets: 1, 3, 2, and 4.

To start, decide your base betting unit, say £1. Your first bet will be this base amount. If you win, you follow the sequence by betting three units, so £3 in this example.

Winning the second bet means it’s time for the next number in the sequence, which is two units, or £2. If you win again, you then bet four units, making your final bet £4.

If you win all four bets, you complete the sequence and start again from the beginning. However, if you lose at any point, you also return to the start and bet one unit.

The idea behind the 1324 strategy is to capitalise on short winning streaks while keeping losses small. Remember, like all betting strategies, there’s no guaranteed way to win consistently.

As with any betting approach, it’s important to set limits and only play with what you can afford to lose, ensuring your baccarat experience stays enjoyable and stress-free.

1326 Strategy

The 1326 strategy is another betting approach used by some baccarat players to manage their bets. Like the 1324 strategy, it uses a sequence of numbers to guide your betting.

You start by deciding your base betting unit. For example, if you choose £1, your bets will follow the sequence of 1, 3, 2, and then 6 units.

Begin with your base bet. If you win, move to the next bet of three units, which would be £3 if your base is £1. Win again, and the bet decreases to two units, making it £2 in this scenario.

If you win a third time, your final bet in the sequence is six units, or £6. Completing the whole sequence with wins means starting over from the beginning. However, a loss at any point requires you to return to your base bet and restart the sequence.

The 1326 strategy aims to profit from winning streaks while controlling potential losses. Always remember to gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose, keeping the experience enjoyable and within your limits.

Are There Any Winning Baccarat Systems?

When it comes to baccarat, many players hope to find a foolproof system that guarantees a win every time. However, it’s important to realise that baccarat is largely a game of chance, and like all casino games, it has a built-in house edge.

Various strategies are often discussed, such as the Martingale or Paroli, but these systems don’t alter the fundamental odds of the game. They can provide a structure for how you place your bets, but they can’t ensure a win.

While betting strategies might help manage your budget or make your game more engaging, there is no scientific method to eliminate the element of chance in baccarat.

Instead of seeking a winning system, it is more important and effective to focus on responsible gambling. This includes managing your bankroll, setting personal limits, and playing for enjoyment rather than as a way to make money.

Understanding these aspects can help you have a more enjoyable and relaxed experience when playing baccarat.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.