• Blackjack Strategy Guide
• Baccarat Strategy 2020

An all-time favorite card game among casino lovers is Baccarat. A simple yet complicated game when deciding how to bet, Baccarat, also called Punto Banco, is about betting on either the player, the punto, the banker, the banco, or a tie. With three ways to gamble, it’s hard to decipher the best strategies to win big.

Baccarat Side Bets Guide 2021 — Dragon Bonus Strategy, Card Counting and More, 18:20 An all-time favorite card game among casino lovers is Baccarat. Baccarat Strategy Guide Luck may help you get a Natural, a good baccarat strategy can help you win. The key to winning any casino game is choosing the right strategy. Whether it is a strategy to bet or a strategy to play, the best one is to help you win more money than you lose. Baccarat Blackjack. Our beginner’s guide to Roulette is an introduction into the world’s most popular casino game. Isn't it an even worse roulette betting.

Here you’ll find maneuvers, tricks, and systems to improve your betting.

Make sure to also check out our Baccarat Rules Guide.

Side Bets

Perhaps the main reason why Baccarat is so popular is its simplicity compared to other casino table games. It’s an equally risky game, but winnings come from logic and strategic planning.
Because of its straightforward and transparent design, Baccarat can get boring, but casino game developers are regularly creating new twists and rules to the game to spice things up. That’s where side bets jump in.

There are various side bets added to the rules of the game. Now, the actual bets used in each Baccarat version depend entirely on the casino. Check with your casino for a list of side bets and their rules applied to your specific game.

The most popular Baccarat bet selections include but are not limited to the following:

Bellagio Match

Named after a world-famous casino in Las Vegas, this side bet is dealt by an animated dealer in a multi-player game, bet on three-of-a-kind. Payout is 75:1 for a three-of-a-kind player (5.27% house edge) while 68:1 for a banker (8.57% house edge).

3-Card Six

Receive a 100:1 payout if the player and banker have a 3-card 6 hand; the ratio of 8:1 if obtained by one hand only.

Super 6

Applied in British casinos and some online casinos, with a banker hand of a total of six, this bet pays at 12:1. Keep in mind that this is the bet with the largest house edge (29.98%).

Again, these are just a few examples of popularly used bets, but there are tons more, with some bets still in the making.

• Make sure to check out our guide on How To Beat Casino House Edge.

Royal Match

Royal Match is a side bet on the Player or the Banker getting a suited or unsuited King or Queen as one their first two cards. The wager pays out 75:1 for a suited king and queen. For an unsuited king and queen, it pays 30 for 1. Between the two, the house edge is 2.13%, which makes it one of the fairest side bets out there.

First Two Cards Same Suit

Bet on either the player’s or the banker’s hand having both initial two cards be suited. It is available at most online live casinos and land-based venues in Europe. The house edge on this bet is 4.2% for the player and 3.95% for the banker. Usually, the payout is 2.86 for the banker and 2.87 for the player.

The Dragon Bet in Baccarat

Arguably, the most relied-on bet out of the Baccarat bet selection is the dragon bet, also called the Dragon Bonus (DB).

The bet’s name was borrowed from a dragon’s ability to wipe out its opponent completely. Thus, the DB permits the player to wager that either the banker or player side will win, but not just a simple 1- or 2-point win, rather a demolishing win by many points. The wager yields a larger payout according to the margin of the turnout.

To play, make a bet on the player or the banker. The gambler wins if the side on which he/she wagered wins by a natural, or an exact 9 points.

Card Counting in Baccarat Dragon Bet

Baccarat card counting is quite effortless to do since the nature of the game is slow, and players can tally their progress at the table on a tracking sheet. Yes, it’s as easy as reporting the numbers.
When it comes to card counting in Baccarat, there are many methodologies. Everyone has their preferred strategy; however, instead of showing different tables and charts, the main point is that there are hundreds of combinations to count cards which then generate millions of chances for winnings.

What all the strategies have in common is their noted observation of the first 10 cards displayed on the table before the betting begins. Some have credited this beginning step as the foundation of their methodology.

Baccarat Betting Systems

Betting systems are dividing into two: positive and negative progression systems. Positive progression systems encourage gamblers to wager higher each time they win, whereas the negative progression system encourages the opposite; each loss calls for a lower wager in the next round.

The thing is, there is no hard evidence of this approach’s effectiveness; it actually has been seen to do the opposite, jeopardizing winnings. That being said, players continue to employ this methodology thanks to simple psychology. When you lose, naturally you want to gamble less, out of fear of losing more.

Check out a few of the prominent Baccarat betting systems.

Martingale

A classic method used in many casino games, this strategy recommends players to bet the same amount after winning and double their bet after losing. This system is good for quick gambling sessions where you play small amounts of money. Here, the key is when to start betting.

Paroli

Also applicable to a variety of casino games, this method is the opposite of Martingale. Begin by establishing a fixed betting amount of money. Upon every win, double the amount. Some players only double after three wins back to back, but it’s the gambler’s discretion to decide when to stop.

Labouchere

This is a more complex system that, like Martingale, is focused on recovering from losses by making slow progress, i.e., making smaller wagers. Patience and small bets are key here.

Fibonacci

This negative progression system adopts a more flexible approach. Using the Fibonacci sequence where every number is the sum of the two before it (1,1,2,3,5, etc.), you begin by betting the first number. If you lose, continue to the next number. If you lose again, bet the next two numbers. This pattern will continue until you get a win.

These systems are equally suitable for Baccarat online betting, too. Although Baccarat betting positions aren’t as important online as in person, they can still affect your experience for good or for bad. When gambling in the land-based casino, the best position is sitting right in front of the dealer, avoiding edge seats.

Baccarat Bonus Bets

Bonus bets are glorified side bets, often with extra incentives a more complexity. Common bonus side bets are:

Dragon Bonus

As discussed earlier, it’s the method of waging that the banker or player will be a crush, by a significant amount, by the winning side.

Lucky Bonus

The best part about this bet is being commission-free. This bonus gives the player advantage as wagers are gambled on the bankers’ hands being a winning six. No bets can be placed on the banker exceeding more than 10 percent.

All the different bets can make casino goers unsure what playing tactic to use. The best way to establish a system that works for you is to observe, experience, and adapt. Try all the diverse bets and observe the winnings and losses; then adopt the method that suits your needs. Remember, Baccarat is a game of critical thinking, strategy, and chance at the same time.

Top 5 Best Baccarat Side Bets

Interested in side bets but don’t know where to start? This list of the top 5 best baccarat side bets, chosen for their mix of low house edge and big payout potential, is the perfect way to get started!

Dragon Bonus Baccarat Bet

The most popular baccarat side bet is without a doubt the dragon bonus. This is a bet on either the player or the banker winning with a 9 (natural) or an eight and with a certain point margin. The payout varies based on the margin of the win.

• Payout: 75:1 (Player), 68:1 (Banker)
• House Edge: 2.65% (Player), 9.37% (Banker)

As you can see, armed with a good baccarat dragon bonus strategy, a player may win quite a lot of money without too much risk.

All Black / All Red Baccarat Side Bet

An all black / red side bet is a wager on all of the cards of the player hand consisting of either black cards (spades and clubs) or red cards (hearts and diamonds).

• Payout: 24:1 (All Black), 22:1 (All Red)
• House Edge: 6.53% (All Black), 14% (All Red)

Due to its lower house edge, we only recommend players make the All Black side bet.

Big and Small Baccarat Side Bet

Big and Small is a bet on the total number of cards the player or the banker will finish the round with.

• Payout: 3:2 or 2:1 (depending on the number of cards)
• House Edge:5.28% (Small), 4.35% (Big)

Bellagio Match

A wager on either the player or the banker getting a three of a kind.

• Payout: 75:1 (Player), 68:1 (Banker)
• House Edge: 5.27% (Player), 8.57% (Banker)

As you can see, the Player version of this bet offers the best risk-reward ratio.

Golden Frog

Arguably the most legendary baccarat side bet out there, Golden Frog allows players to win up to 200:1. Golden Frog consists of four variations, each of which predicts a very specific outcome. They are: Any 8 beats any 6, 2-card 9 beats 2-card 7, 3-card 9 beats 3-card 1, 3-card 9 beats 3-card 7.

• Payout: Any 8 beats any 6 (25:1), 2-card 9 beats 2-card 7 (50:1), 3-card 9 beats 3-card 1 (150:1), 3-card 9 beats 3-card 7 (200:1).
• House Edge: Any 8 beats any 6 (21.79%), 2-card 9 beats 2-card 7 (8.10%), 3-card 9 beats 3-card 1 (13.87%), 3-card 9 beats 3-card 7 (11.89%).

While this bet does not have the lowest house edge out there, it deserves a mention on this list due to its massive payouts. As you can see, 2-card 9 beats 2-card offers the best risk-reward combination here.

FAQ

What are side bets in baccarat?

Side bets are additional (aka bonus) bets that a player can bet in addition to their main bet on the player or the banker.

How to play with side bets in baccarat?

Side bets can be placed via a simple click on a special button in the online casino software you use to play the game.

Can you use side bets in online live casino baccarat?

Yes, side bets can be placed in both RNG and live casino variants of baccarat.

Do casinos allow to use side bets in baccarat?

They actually encourage it. Side bets make the game more exciting for players and increase average playtime.

What is a dragon bet in baccarat?

A baccarat dragon bet is a wager placed on the dealer’s three card score of 7 beating the player. If successful, the bet pays 40:1.

How to play baccarat dragon bonus bet?

To place a dragon bet in online baccarat, simply press the appropriate button on the user interface.

Why is dragon bet so important?

The dragon bet is important because it offers a player to win 40 times their bet.

What other baccarat strategies can help you win?

Popular baccarat techniques and strategies include advanced betting strategies, such as the Martingale System, the Fibonacci Strategy, the Paroli System, the Labouchere System, D’Alembert System, as well as common sense concepts, such as avoiding all-in bets and only placing bets with a low house edge.

Can card counting help me win in baccarat?

Counting cards does improve your chances of winning to some (minor) extent, but nowhere near to the extent that it does in games like blackjack.

Article updated on 02/03/2021.

So, you’ve learned how to play baccarat. You know the rules and understand just how this casino classic works. Yet you have the feeling there is more to the game than meets the eye. Luckily for you, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will break down various baccarat strategies and what could make them succeed or fail. After all, there are certainly ways to play James Bond’s favorite game and minimize the risk of losing big on your bankroll. It is advisable to keep tabs on your expectations when it comes to these strategies, however.

The first thing we would like to emphasize is that there are no secrets, mysteries, or esoteric knowledge when it comes to baccarat. There is no provable way to win every time, which is evidenced by the fact that casinos still host the game and are, well, still in business. While a small portion of your salary in exchange for “tips and secret systems” may seem like a modest risk, you would be better off buying maps to find leprechaun treasure. You would have more chance of finding Elvis Presley playing ping-pong with Bigfoot in the center of the Bermuda Triangle than “cracking the code” with some of the nonsensical material some rip-off merchants pass off as legitimate.

This guide is, on the other hand, a better option. We will provide you with a sensible way to strategize when playing the game. Additionally, it won’t cost you a dime. All we ask is that you leave the magic tricks to the children’s entertainers, and, instead, focus on playing smart.

Let’s get started!

If you have found yourself looking for baccarat strategies, the chances are that you have a pretty good grasp of how the game works. It is never a bad idea to run through the basics again, however, as there might be something you missed the first time around.

How about that baccarat table?

The Table and Layout

Depending on what variant you play, there will be slight alterations to the table and how many decks of cards are used. In this guide, we will mostly be concentrating on punto banco, given that it is the most popular variant of the game. In punto banco, dealers use either four, six, or eight 52-card packs. These are all shuffled together and dealt to each player. The dealer’s position is called “the shoe,” and this where the dealer will distribute cards from. In punto banco, each card is placed face down in front of players.

This version is usually played by those who consider themselves the gambling elite, so expect fine clothing, lots of ostentatious jewelry, and a roped-off area which is intended to keep out the riff-raff. Baccarat tables are usually green, with gold and red markings which determine where players’ bets should be placed. In smaller versions of the game, or online, the table could be blue.

The House Edge

Baccarat is a game, as you may well know by now, which is considered the casino game of the elite. Despite its reputation for elegance and class, it is a very simple game to play. This would, perhaps, partly explain why it is so popular in casinos around the world. As savvy players will know, baccarat’s low house edge undoubtedly keeps it on the tips of the tongues of casino enthusiasts.

The house edge is as low as 1.06% on banker bets, which blows other games such as roulette and keno out of the water. The house edge on a player bet is slightly higher at 1.24% but significantly higher at 14.36% on a tie. Some players recommend always betting on the banker, but we will explain why this is not necessarily true when we cover different types of strategies below.

Different Versions of Baccarat

As you will probably be aware by now, there are different variants of baccarat. It is crucial to ensure that any strategy you use is compatible with the version of the game you are playing. There are three particularly popular versions of the game out there, but there are also offshoots which you may encounter at some point. The most popular versions of baccarat are covered below.

Punto Banco: This is undoubtedly the most popular version of the game, and it is highly represented in casinos in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Macau, and online. Punto banco translates into English, roughly, as “player bank,” which relates to how the game is played. In some casinos, the game is referred to as “Tableau” on account of the rule book of the same name which outlines payouts.

In punto banco, there are two hands which are (unsurprisingly) the player’s hand and the banker’s hand. The game is overseen by the casino, who acts as the dealer, and is played with either 4, 6, or 8 decks of cards. Most casinos will charge a 5% commission on any winning banker bets. This also applies to chemin-de-fer, which we will look at next.

Chemin-de-Fer: Chemin-de-fer, which translates as “the railroad,” is a game which is more popular in Monaco than perhaps anywhere else in the world. This variant of baccarat is believed to be the original and is played with six decks of cards, without exception.

Unlike punto banco, the role of the banker is assigned, on rotation, to players in the game. This makes it appealing for some, especially those who enjoy the additional level of responsibility and inclusivity. No, we don’t necessarily mean attention-seekers, but to each their own.

Super 6/Punto 2000 – This version is a type of punto banco. It uses the tableau and follows an almost identical set of rules. However, many players flock to this variant of baccarat for one particular reason, which is that winning bets on banker hands are paid at even money. This removes the 5% commission which is payable on punto banco.

The one exception where this not the case is when the banker’s hand scores a 6. In this case, the bet is paid at 50%. This brings the house edge on a banker bet up to 1.46% from 1.06%, which puts some players off. However, it is typically a faster version of the game to play.

If you are serious about perfecting the right strategy for baccarat, you will want to test it out. Much like an exam, you need to ensure you have done your homework on the subject.

How well do you understand the rules of baccarat? If you are hoping to jump straight to the strategies of the game before you master the basics, then you should reconsider your approach. The advanced approach in baccarat only works when you understand how the game works. We will walk through the rules of the game one more time to make sure there is nothing you have missed. We will start with the bets, as these will be crucial to how you play – and hopefully win – at the baccarat table.

The Bets

As you probably already know, there are three bets you can make when playing baccarat. These are your options when it comes to winning.

You can choose to bet on:

• The player
• The banker
• A tie

To win your bet, you must choose which hand you believe will win, then place your bet on the appropriate choice. The game will begin once you and all other players have made your bets.

The Outcome

The object of the game – for the dealer and the banker – is to score an eight or nine. If both players score an eight or nine, this will result in a tie. If the player scores a nine and the dealer scores an eight, the player will win.

The scoring process uses the digit to the right as the final score if the combined score is less than nine. If you have received a 9 of clubs and a 7 of hearts, your score will be 6, as 9+7 = 16. If you received an ace and an 8 of diamonds, you score a 9.

The Third Card

It has now been established that the object of the game is to score an 8 or 9. However, when both the player and dealer have failed to do so, the game can result in the need for a third card to be introduced.

In a scenario where a third card is required, the player and the dealer will have different rules to adhere to. In other words, there are set rules which govern when a player should draw a third card and when a dealer should do so.

A third card is drawn for a player:

• When a player scores less than 5 from their two-card total
• If they have scored 8 or 9, this is referred to as a “natural,” so no third card is dealt
• If the player does not take a third card, the dealer stands on 6 or more and will only draw on 5 or less
• The bank will only take a third card – if the player takes one – when they have referred to the third card rule (see the table below for more information)

In the case of a third card for the bank, things are a little different:

• A third card is drawn when the bank’s total is 2 or less
• When the bank’s total is 3, and the player’s third card is not an 8
• When the bank’s total is 4, and the player’s third card is not 0, 1, 8, or 9
• When the bank’s total is 5, and the player’s third card is a 4, 5, 6, or 7
• When the bank’s total is 6, and the player’s third card is a 6 or 7

When playing baccarat online, the random number generator (RNG) software will draw a third card where appropriate.

Below, you can see the table which is referred to when it comes to the third card. This will always be used by the house when deciding where a third card is appropriate.

For many players who advocate baccarat, simply playing the game is a betting strategy in itself.

This is down to the very favorable house edge which players can avail of when betting on the game. As we covered above, the house edge is represented as 1.06% on a banker’s bet. When betting on a player’s hand, the house edge is 1.24%. A tie – which is the least probable bet of all – comes with a 14.36% house edge.

Given the low house edge, many players will simply bet – at all times – on the banker. Statistically, this is not really a fool-proof way to win. There will be player’s hands that win almost as much as the banker’s hand, and those tricky little ties can also trip you up every now and again.

Basic Strategy Number 1: Always Bet on the Banker

Statistically speaking, the banker bet is a better value when compared to the player bet. In reality, there is little between both bets. Well, other than the fact that the banker’s hand wins slightly more than it loses. You will often see the probability of the banker bet winning at 45.86% of the time, whereas the player win will be around the 44.62% mark. This leaves the remaining 9.52% with the tie bet.

Despite the banker bet being statistically better, there is a 5% commission on winning banker’s bets. This removes the edge a player could have by betting only on banker’s hands. This is always important to factor in if you are using this strategy.

With ties involved, the house edge should be represented as 1.06% on a banker bet. Therefore, for every $100 you bet, you should incur an average risk of 1.06%, or $1.06.

Basic Baccarat Strategy 2: Betting on Ties

Yes, believe it or not, there are players out there who believe that betting on ties makes the most sense. Statistically, the odds are very much against players who do so. A tie will occur (remember, this is statistically) just under once in every 10 hands. Hmm. That’s less than 10%.

10 winning bets of $10 at 8-1 = $900 (with stakes included). 90 losing bets of $10 = $900. Given that you could win 50 ties in 100 hands, or less than 5, this is something of a “Hail Mary” bet.

Basic Baccarat Strategy 3: Following the Trend

This basic strategy is also surprisingly popular with some players. In basic terms, it involves analyzing the previous one hundred shoes played and betting on either the banker or player’s hand. The hand which has won the most games in the previous one hundred is the bet which you should stick to (and never deviate from). Rather than assuming that the hand with more losses is due a winning streak, players will bet on the hand which is best represented in the wins history.

You can see why this is favorable among some. In baccarat, the game comes to down to luck. There is no way to determine which hand will win, so this “strategy” is really nothing more than picking a side and then sticking to it.

There are many self-professed gambling experts who will completely dismiss the notion that strategies or systems work. Yes, baccarat is a game of chance. You will invariably need luck to be on your side, much like any other casino game out there. We are not necessarily discounting this, but playing by a strategy can really help a player to maintain discipline. It can also help anyone looking to beat the house prepare for the good times and the bad.

Blackjack Strategy Guide

When you think about it, what are the alternatives? If you just play on a whim, with no real pattern or direction, there is just as much chance of you losing. At least with a strategy, you will feel prepared to take it to the house. What you must remember when using any strategy in baccarat is that there is a 5% commission on winning banker’s bets. Therefore, any wins you do have when betting on the banker will come at a price. In progressive betting systems, therefore, you will never actually break even.

Advanced Baccarat Strategy 1: The Martingale

Most players who have used roulette strategies at some point will be familiar with the Martingale. Even casual players will likely have heard of the world’s most renowned betting system. The question is, does it work in baccarat? Many players believe that it can. Allow us to explain why this is.

The principle of the Martingale system is to double your bet on each loss until you win. Once you win, you return to your initial wager. Yes, it is that simple! Even though this is very straightforward, we will illustrate how this system works with the help of examples.

Applying the Martingale

You must first decide on the value of each unit. Many players tend to assign an amount somewhere in the region of 1% of their bankroll to each unit. Therefore, let’s say you have $1,000 to take to the table. In this case, the value of a unit will be $10.

The Martingale should only be applied to either the banker or player bets. Completely discount ties. Once you have chosen your bet, you should stick to it. So, for example, you will be making bets only on the banker’s hand.

• When you make your first bet of $10, and it loses, your next bet will be $20
• Your second bet is $20. This loses, so you double the $20 to $40, and this will be your next bet
• Your third bet is $40, and it loses, meaning that your next bet should be $80
• Your fourth bet is $80, and this wins, meaning that you collect $80 from this fourth bet
• Because you have won a bet, you return to your initial stake of $10 and repeat the process

In the example above, you made total bets of $150. You collected winnings of $160 ($80 plus your $80 stake), which made you a profit of one unit, or $10.

Sounds good, right? I mean, if the Martingale advocates are to be believed, you will always make your money back with an additional unit or two on top. However, there are obvious flaws to this system.

Flaws of the Martingale

First things first, you will not affect the house edge by using this system. There is no proven way to lower the house edge in baccarat.

The second problem you will encounter will usually be at the behest of the casino you are playing at. The house may have a table limit, which will prevent you from carrying the Martingale system past a particular point. In other words, if you incur a considerable run of losses, you may find that the bet limit prevents you from making the bet you are hoping will see you break even.

Finally, for players who don’t have a sizeable bankroll, there is a big risk that they will not have the chips necessary to win back the amount they have lost on a bad run.

Advanced Baccarat Strategy 2: The Fibonacci

Unless you are a fan of the progressive metal band “Tool” or have an exceptional interest in mathematics, nature, or the esoteric, you would be forgiven for not knowing of the Fibonacci sequence. In the Fibonacci, the number following the first two is the sum of the two prior numbers.

The sequence runs in the following pattern:

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, and so on.

Now, you may be wondering what this has to do with a baccarat system. For a number of players, this is the strategy of choice. So how does it work?

Applying the Fibonacci

Each of the numbers in the sequence represents how many units you should bet.

Let’s use the example that one unit is worth $10. Therefore, your first bet will be $10, as will your second, before you graduate to $20, $30, $50, and so on if you continue to lose. However, each time you win, you bet one unit (or $10). This is the stake you will always bet following a win.

In the example below, we look at a scenario where you lose four straight bets and win the next two:

• When you make your first bet of $10, and it loses, your next bet will be $10
• Your second bet is $10. This loses, so you move to the next number in the sequence, which is 2. Your next bet will be $20
• Your third bet is $20, and it loses, making your next bet $30
• Your fourth bet is $30, and this loses, making your next bet $50
• Your fifth bet is $50, and this wins, which banks you $50 in winnings (minus your stake)
• Because you won, you take two steps back in the sequence on your sixth bet. Your stake is now $20. You win this bet, which banks you $20 (minus your stake)

In the example above, your total stake came to $140 over the five bets. Your fifth bet won at $50, which saw a return of $100 ($50 win and $50 stake). Your sixth bet won $40 ($20 in addition to a $20 stake). In the example above, your overall winnings came to $140, which saw you break even.

Flaws in the Fibonacci

As you will have probably spotted, this is an infinite sequence. If you have a bad run of luck – for example, nine losses in a row – are you prepared to bet $550 to break even?

Baccarat Strategy 2020

Like any other system out there, the Fibonacci does not affect the casino’s house edge. It will always come down to luck when playing with any strategy. After all, you could win nine hands in a row with the Fibonacci or lose 19.

Advanced Baccarat Strategy 3: The 1-3-2-6

The 1-3-2-6 is another form of a progressive betting system commonly used by baccarat players.

As you might have guessed by the sequence, your first bet is one unit. Unlike the Martingale or Fibonacci, you both raise and lower bets when you win. So if your first bet is a winner, your next bet will be three units (let’s stick to the $10 unit), or $30. If you win the second bet, you drop your stake to $20. Your third win will see you raise the fourth bet to $60, which, if this also successful, ends the sequence.

Applying the 1-3-2-6

If you lose at any point in the sequence, you go back to the first bet. However, a completed sequence of four winning bets also takes you back to a one-unit stake in your next bet. As with any other system, there is no way to lower the house edge. Baccarat is a game of luck, so you will be hoping for good fortune for this system to yield positive results.

In this example, we will cover three straight wins followed by one loss:

• When you make your first bet of $10, and it wins, your next bet will be $30
• Your second bet is $30. This wins, so your next bet is $20
• Your third bet is $20, and it wins, meaning that your next bet should be $60
• Your fourth bet is $60, and it loses

In the example above, your total stake comes in at $60. Your winnings are $120, including the $60 stake. Your final bet of $60 loses, which sees you break even.

This is an interesting strategy which will see many players very happy with a run of four wins in a row. If only things were that simple…

Flaws in the 1-3-2-6

As we mentioned at the start of this section, players should always remember the 5% commission payable on banker wins. As a progressive betting system, the 1-3-2-6 will require more than “breaking even” to avoid a loss.

In other words, if you win four $10 bets using this system, your total return – including stake – works out as $240. This is before the 5% commission if you are betting on the banker. Once commission has been taken into account, your $240 reduces to $228.

Like the Martingale and the Fibonacci, the 1-3-2-6 does not affect the house edge. Regardless of how sophisticated or pretty a system looks, the house will always have their advantage.

Advanced Baccarat Strategy 4: The d’Alembert

The final advanced strategy we will look at is the d’Alembert.

Depending on who you ask, this is regarded as one of the easiest of the baccarat systems out there. The d’Alembert takes its name from the 18th-century mathematician Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert and is considered similar to the Martingale. The similarity is founded on the principle that both the d’Alembert and the Martingale involve increasing the unit size of bets after each loss.

Applying the d’Alembert

Much like the other three strategies we covered, this system should only be used on player or banker bets. Where it differs, however, is that the system follows a pattern where players are required to increase their bet by one unit ($10 in the example below) after each loss. A winning bet should be followed by a bet one unit less than the prior bet. When the player returns to the initial bet amount, they should carry on until they lose.

In the example below, we will look cover three winning bets followed by four losing bets:

• When you make your first bet of $10, and it loses, your next bet will be $20
• Your second bet is $20. This loses. Your next bet will be $30
• Your third bet is $30, and it loses, making your next bet $40
• Your fourth bet is $40, and this wins, making your next bet $30
• Your fifth bet is $30, and this wins, making your next bet $20
• Your sixth bet is $20, and this wins, taking you back to the base bet amount of $10
• Your seventh bet is $10, and this wins, so you continue to bet at $10 until you lose or walk away

In the example above, you will be ahead by $40. The first three losses cost you $60.

It is easy to see why this system appeals to many players, as it is designed to minimize losses on a bad run while making a steady profit from any fortuitous streaks.

Flaws in the d’Alembert

Yes, you guessed it. The house edge still hasn’t changed. The d’Alembert is a pretty good system with a reasonable appeal. However, you do need to ensure that your bankroll is capable of surviving past a series of losses. If you do encounter a bad run, you will be unable to make any money on a subsequent, positive run.

As such, this system tends to favor players who stake low amounts on a game of baccarat.

There is no doubt that every player who is serious about minimizing their losses (and hopes to win in the process) needs a strategy.

In that case, what is a strategy? The definition of a strategy is a “plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall goal.” Now, this does not mean that you should wear your best fatigues, paint your face army green, and lay siege to the nearest casino, tossing chips at the tables like live grenades. Absolutely not.

It does mean that you should have some form of plan to keep you disciplined. Yes, you can call yourself a soldier of the casino if you like. We’re pretty sure you can call yourself whatever you like at a casino, providing you are spending money and not causing too much of a scene.

In reality, your best bet when it comes to playing baccarat is working out how much you can afford to spend, and ultimately, the limit of what you can afford to lose. This is the great thing about many strategies: they require discipline and keep unorganized players from making the age-old mistakes at the table. Emotional players have a habit of chasing losses and, well, just throwing their money away.

There is no known strategy which can alter the house edge, so please don’t waste your money on buying into any of the “secrets” or “mysteries” that snake oil salesmen are selling. Study the game, practice with some of the strategies we have laid out in this guide, and above all, play smart.