If you’ve been anywhere from a sticky-floor California card room to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, chances are you’ve seen some form of baccarat played in action. This classic casino game has long been a staple in Asia and is now one of the world’s most popular casino games. Though a game of mainly chance, there are still a few things you can do to improve your chances of winning the next time you’re at a table.
First, understand how the game works. The basic rules of baccarat are fairly simple: Players place bets on which hand will come closest to nine points. There are from seven to 14 seats for players, along with a dealer’s area, and only two hands of cards are dealt. Picture cards and tens are worth zero points; numbers from 2-9 count at their face value; and the ace is worth one point. The winner of the round is whichever hand has a total closer to 9.
The Banker Bet
Baccarat has many different side bets that can be placed, but these are not available at every gambling establishment or online. Depending on the platform or establishment, these bets can pay out odds as high as 11:1. When you place a Player Pair bet, you’re wagering that either the player or the banker will receive identical cards on the deal. If you win, you’ll be paid 1:1.
A bet on the Banker is the most statistically favorable option in baccarat, but it’s also the most risky. This bet pays out 1:1 if the Banker wins, but it has a higher house edge than the Player bet.
Most of the time, when you bet on the Banker, the best strategy is to just go with your gut feeling. This is a game that’s more about luck than skill, and if you have an idea of how much money you want to spend on the round, you should stick to it. If you’re feeling confident, however, the adage that “it’s better to bet more than you can afford to lose” may work in your favor. Alternatively, you can try using a betting system such as the Martingale, which involves doubling your bet after each loss with the hope that a win will eventually recoup all previous losses and yield a profit equal to the original bet.