The Casinos.com Ultimate Guide to Baccarat

My answer to the question “Why play Baccarat?” is simple. Why not play Baccarat?

There are so many reasons why your next visit to a casino should involve a trip to the Baccarat table. 

If you have played Baccarat many times before, you will know exactly what I’m talking about. On the other hand, if you have always shuffled past nervously, preferring to patronise the Roulette wheel or your favourite slots, let me explain Baccarat’s unique appeal. 

For me, it comes down to four highly persuasive reasons:

1. It’s simple! Forget about trying to remember your strategy. For most casual players, there is no strategy. Baccarat, in its purest form, is a game of pure chance. You are wagering on an outcome over which you have no control. Put it this way… you don’t even get to touch the cards. It’s all done for you. All you have to do is sit there with a wise look on your face, pretending you know what you are doing. That always works for me. 
2. It’s elegant. Yes, I know I’m trying to persuade you that Baccarat is a game for everybody. But you can’t deny there’s a whiff of stylishness and sophistication around the business of Baccarat. This is a game with its origins shrouded in mystery hundreds of years ago. A game that has intrigued the mightiest in the land – we’ll come on to the Tranby Croft Affair shortly. And a game that James Bond likes to play once he’s holstered his Walther PPK. While I’m here to debunk all those old associations, even I can’t deny it; Baccarat is a game that has Glamour with a capital Glam.
3. It’s got a low house edge. When you drop into your favourite casino, you want your visit to last as long as possible. So it makes sense to spend your valuable time playing a game where you’re going to win almost as much as you lose. The most important rule to remember about any casino game is that the house always wins. But the house edge on Baccarat, if you’re betting on the Banker or the Player, is 1% or just a little more. You should be able to eke out even a meagre stack of chips for a decent spell.
4. It’s democratic. You really do not have to be an expert to get an enormous amount of enjoyment out of playing Baccarat. If you are a beginner, it will take you literally minutes to get your head around the structure and basic rules of the game. If you are high roller, meanwhile, you will still enjoy the simple pleasure of the ebbs and flows at a good Baccarat table.

Actually, make that five reasons:

It’s everywhere! I can’t think of the last time I strolled into a decent casino and didn’t find at least one or two Baccarat tables to visit. That tells you everything, doesn’t it? And the same goes for online casinos. Oh, you’ll find your hundreds of slot games, your Roulette and your Blackjack… but you’ll always find Baccarat too. We’ll delve further into the advantages of playing online, but main ones are that you can play 24/7, you can usually find free demonstrations, and there are low-stake tables to ease you in when you are a newcomer. 

Let’s start with the basics. Baccarat is a card game played at a table that may seat up to 14 players – although, if you are playing online, it’s a one-to-one affair. 

Two sets of two cards each are dealt out from a shoe. One set belongs to the Banker and one belongs to the Player. Before they are dealt, you have to place a bet on which hand will be better and earn you a payout. 

A third card may be dealt to either the Banker or the Player – we’ll explain why that happens shortly. 

And fear not, we will also soon come on to the scoring of each hands, and how the winner is decided. 

All you need to understand right now is that you do not have any cards dealt to you. If you wager on the Banker, the cards dealt to the Banker are your cards – and the same goes for the Player. 

This is where Baccarat differs from other card games popular at casinos, such as Poker and Blackjack. It’s worth restating just to be clear… no cards are dealt to you. You are an interested observer, rather than an active participant. 

And when those third cards are dealt, it’s not because you ask for them (although we will later examine variations where you can exercise a bit more control over the hands). 

You are wagering on which of two sets of hands will score better. So the first thing you need to do is set aside traditional concepts of who is the dealer and who is the player. 

Forget all that old mush about casino play being gladiatorial, you against the Dealer, toe-to-toe combat. In Baccarat, there’s a Player and a Banker – and you can be on the side of either.

I maintain that it adds a little frisson of glamour to any game if its origins are murky. Baccarat isn’t some Nintendo title thought up in the 1980s. Indeed, nobody can pinpoint exactly where Baccarat started – or even when!

1. China? The ancient Chinese tile game of Pai Gow has clear echoes of Baccarat, not least because the name means “makes nine” – which, as we will see, is at the heart of Baccarat. Pai Gow lives on in a variation of Poker that is still played at some online casinos today.
2. Rome? Vestal virgins in the Roman Empire used to undergo a dice test in which they had to roll a six or higher with two dice to survive. Scoring eight or nine meant they could advance to become a high priestess. It seems a rather random way to decide someone’s fate… but the importance of eights and nines in Baccarat suggests this ghastly ritual might be a precursor.
3. Egypt? India? The Vikings? The number nine has tremendous significance to many civilisations. There are nine influencers in Indian astrology, nine deities in Egyptian mythology, and nine realms in the Norse universe. Yes, we’re stretching it a bit here, but that’s part of the magic and mystique of Baccarat – nobody really knows where it started. 

Most conventional histories, however, say that the roots of Baccarat as we know it lie squarely in Europe. It may have come from the old card game called Macao, it may have its roots in other games brought back to Europe from Asia to explorers.

We know Macao was being played in Italy in the late 15^th century, and some authorities still call this game “Italian Baccarat”. 

Indeed, Italy has the most persuasive claim to be the cradle of this particular game. Not least because the Italian word “baccara” means “zero” – the value of all the picture cards in Baccarat. 

As anyone who has ever picked up a deck of cards knows, there are almost limitless variations of games that can be played – which makes the job of historian particularly tricky in this context.

By the 19^th century, however, Baccarat was a popular pursuit among the French aristocracy – what was left of them after the Revolution, anyway. 

From the Napoleonic era onwards, the game was played in private gaming rooms. That popularity soon spread to England, where it was often enjoyed by members of high society. 

You can see why those associations of Baccarat with the upper class still persist, can’t you? In fact, here’s a tip… if you want to sound like a proper, old-school player of that game, it’s all in the pronunciation. 

Experienced players like me will usually pronounce Baccarat in the French style, to rhyme with “car”, rather than to rhyme with “cat”.

No history of Baccarat could possibly be complete without a mention of the Tranby Croft Affair, which scandalised English high society in the last decade of the 19^th century.

This is a fabulous story that involves a cast of impossibly posh names, the Prince of Wales, and some magnificently Victorian values. 

It began with a game of Baccarat in 1890 at a house party at Tranby Croft, a stately home in Yorkshire, at which the future Edward VII was present. Teddy was, at the time, a big fan of the game.

One of the other guests, Sir William Gordon-Cumming, was accused of cheating at Baccarat. Although he denied it, he signed a document promising never to play cards again in return for the story going nowhere. 

You can guess what happened next, can’t you? The story soon went everywhere, of course, and Sir William defended his honour by issuing a writ for slander. The court case attracted newspapers from across the world, intrigued by the appearance of the Prince of Wales as a witness. 

Sir William lost – not helped by a rather one-sided summing-up by the judge – and was immediately branded a cad and a rotter, and banned from polite society for life. 

A Global Casino Presence

Whatever the Tranby Croft Affair did for the reputation of poor Sir William, and of the Prince of Wales, it did absolutely nothing to lower the profile of Baccarat. 

As casinos proliferated during the 20^th century, Baccarat became a staple product alongside Roulette and Blackjack. It’s worth restating that any casino worth its salt will have several Baccarat tables – and that necessity to give the people what they want has now extended to online casinos. 

For as long as there have been classy establishments where you could drop in to play a few casino games, there has been Baccarat. 

And for as long as there are online casinos that you can visit wherever you are (with a signal), there will be Baccarat.

It really is not hard to see why. For all its long history, its associations with the aristocracy, its French name, its enduring whiff of glamorous aloofness, Baccarat is a simple game to play and enjoy. 

The fact that the house edge is so low as to be almost invisible adds to the feeling that you will have an enjoyable session as your stack of chips decreases ever so slowly. 

There is no reason at all why you should not savour a game of Baccarat at an online casino, or in a room full of high rollers. Now it’s time to look deeply at the game and guide you through the basics of Baccarat.

The time has come for me to take you by the arm, lead you to the table and explain precisely what Baccarat is all about. 

You may be playing at an online casino. Personally, I still enjoy playing in person. I have spent many happy evenings at a classy establishment in London’s West End, with a glass of something sociable at one elbow and a fellow devotee of this wonderful game at the other. 

And here are the essentials of the game we are playing.

The Objective of the Game

In each hand of Baccarat, two cards are dealt to the Banker, and two to the Player. The objective is for the total score of those two cards to be as close to nine as possible. 

So if the Banker’s cards add up to six, and the Player’s to eight, the Player wins. 

If the Player’s cards have a total of four, and the Banker’s six, the Banker wins. 

It is also possible to bet on a tie, which pays out when both the Banker’s and the Player’s hand add up to the same number. 

That’s it. That’s the whole story. You decide, before the cards are dealt, whether you believe the Banker or the Player will have the higher total. If your prediction is correct, you win and you get a payout. 

It really is that simple. For all the history and perceived glamour of the game of Baccarat, at its heart is it a straightforward game of chance. 

Oh, there are variations galore. And there are all kinds of staking plans to make you feel you have some sort of strategic input into your play. But at its heart, Baccarat is pure hazard – and, I would respectfully suggest, all the more fun for it. 

Table Layout and Card Dealing

A Baccarat table looks from a distance like any other card table you’ll find in a decent casino. The standard table has 12 seats around it, although some offer 14 if you don’t mind being squished companionably as you play. 

Obviously, when you play online you tend to be playing alone – both in person and on the screen in front of you. But if you play live dealer games, you may get a flavour of what it’s like to be at a real table with fellow devotees around it. 

In the space directly in front of you, you will find three areas where you can place your chips. The one closest to you will be labelled Player, the one after that is marked Banker, and the furthest away will say Tie. 

From above, the table may look like an athletics track, with concentric circles divided by lines showing each player’s betting area.

When the cards are dealt – two for the Banker, two for the Player – they will be placed face up in the middle of the table. Remember, these are not your cards per se; your selection of Player or Banker determines whether or not you win. 

Card Values and Scoring

So, how do we know what each hand is worth? The scoring system is quite ridiculously simple.

• The Ace counts as one
• Cards between two and nine count as their face value. 
• Tens and picture cards count as zero.

If the total of your two cards is more than ten, only the last digit counts. So if a pair of eights is dealt, the value of that hand is six, rather than 16.

Believe me, it will take you a matter of moments to get used to counting tens, Jacks, Queens and Kings as zero. Remember, the Italian for zero is “baccara” – which is how, we believe, this game got its name.

Now you understand how Baccarat works. But nothing beats the real thing, does it? So let’s take a gentle stroll through a typical round of the game. 

Overview

Before anything else, place your bet by moving your chips to one of the areas marked Player, Banker or Tie. 

Now two cards are dealt to the Player and two to the Banker.

If a third card is needed for either hand, or both, it is now dealt.

The scores are added up and the hand with a total of nine – or closest to it – is the winner and the winnings are paid out.

You place your bet for the next round.

Placing Your Bets

Baccarat tables come in all shapes and sizes, but what remains the same is the areas in front of you where you can put your chips to place your bet. 

You should see three areas, clearly marked Player, Banker and Tie. Place your chips accordingly. 

Always bear in mind any minimum or maximum table limits when it comes to staking. 

You should have plenty of time to place each bet – particularly online! One of the joys of playing at an in-person casino table with a group of experienced players is that the hands do whistle by at a fair rate of knots. But if you are a newcomer to the game, don’t feel rushed as you contemplate your next wager. 

Dealing the Cards

The dealer now slides a card to each of the Player and Banker areas in the middle of the table, then repeats that so that there are two cards in each hand. 

That may conclude the business for this hand. Or…

Drawing a Third Card

You remember I said how simple Baccarat is? Well… I’m sorry to tell you that this is one area of complication. One hand, or both, might need a third card.

What you have to remember is that you do not decide whether or not a third card is drawn. This is decided according to the Rules of the game. 

We’ll go into that a bit later, and please brace yourselves – because there may be quite a degree of complexity involved. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to memorize the Rules – but the dealer does. 

Determining the Winner

This is the easy part. Add up the points scored by the two or three cards in the hand you chose to back. Then add up the points scored by the other. If your total is nine, or closer to it than that other hand, you have bet on a winner.

If the values of both hands are equal, that round is declared a Tie. This is a Push, in casino terms; your stake is returned, or left on the table to use on the next hand.

The only variation on this will arise if you wagered on the Tie as an outcome, in which case you get a payout.

So now you understand how a hand of Baccarat works. It’s time to talk about the type of bets you might place on the outcome. 

The first thing I need to remind you is that you should always wager only what you can afford. Always bet responsibly. 

When it comes to Baccarat, there are three main bets. But, I’m delighted to say, there is also an absolute slew of side bets you can place to spice up your time at the table. Let’s start with the big three.

Main Bets

1. Player Bet: If you decide that you think the Player’s hand will be the best scorer on the next deal, place your chips in the area marked Player. If you are correct, the payout is 1:1 – which means you’ll receive double your stake. So if you stake a pound, your payout is two pounds. That’s refreshingly simple, isn’t it? Don’t worry… things will get more complicated in just a moment. One thing I will say is, don’t instinctively identify as the Player – the cards dealt to them are not “your” cards, though you are hoping they are good if you wager on them. Which leads us neatly on to…
2. Banker Bet: The other hand dealt on to the table is the Banker’s hand. If you feel that this is more likely to be the highest score close to nine, push your chips into the part of the table in front of you labelled Banker. When it comes to your payout, there is a slightly lower house edge on a Banker bet. You get 1:1 as with a Player bet, but a 5% commission is deducted. This will be calculated automatically if you’re playing online. If you’re in an actual real-life casino, there’s a little section next to the dealer, with a number that corresponds with your seat at the table, where your commission on winning Banker bets will be recorded.
3. Tie Bet: This is a bet with a greater element of risk, with – naturally – a higher reward. You’ll be able to see written on the table what the payout is on a Tie – it will be either 9:1 or 8:1. That reflects the fact that it’s less likely that both hands will end up with exactly the same score. It’s a fun bet if you like to play at higher prices; I’ve often, when I’ve been down to my last couple of chips, placed them on the Tie to see if I can reverse my fortunes with one fell swoop. Sometimes it works but most often, I must confess, it does not. 

Side Bets

Now, I’ve made it clear that Baccarat is a simple game. Which it is – but, like all the best casino games, there are a host of variations that can be applied to that basic structure. 

Nowhere is that more vividly apparent than in the quite extraordinary number of side bets you can place on any hand. Believe me, the examples listed here are a tiny sample of the dozens of different ways you can add an extra tingle of excitement to your Baccarat session. Check to see which your chosen casino offers.

1. Player Pair: You can bet on the Player’s first two cards being identical – such as a pair of eights. The payout on this is 11:1.
2. Banker Pair: Similarly, you may place a wager on the Banker’s first two cards forming a pair. Again, the payout here will be 11:1.
3. Perfect Pair: This enables you to bet on either hand having a perfectly matching pair – the same card and the same suit. The payout on this will be either 25:1 or 26:1.
4. Big/Small Bet: A bet relating to the total number of cards dealt in any game. Small describes a deal where just four cards end up on the table, with a payout of 1.5:1. If there are five or six cards dealt, that’s a Big hand and the payout is usually 2:1.
5. Super 6: Here you are betting specifically that the Banker will win the deal with a hand with a value of exactly six. The payout is 12:1. You can make it a Lucky Bonus with an 18:1 payout at some casinos if you place a Banker bet on the same round. 
6. Dragon Bonus: You can place this side bet on the margin of victory by the Player if the Player’s hand is an eight or a nine. The payout is scaled depending on the margin involved – the biggest is nine points, which has a 30:1 payout. 
7. Dragon 7: A wager that the Banker will win the hand with a three-card hand worth a total of seven. At most casinos, the payout here is 40:1.
8. Egalite bets: Pronounced the French way with four syllables, naturellement! You are betting that the round will be tied, and that both the Player’s and Banker’s hands will be of a specific value. Payouts scale from 45:1 for a tied value of six to 225:1 for both hands being worth two. 

I could go on. The most important thing, if you really want to get serious with your side bets, is to check at the casino table to see which varieties of extra ways to wager are on offer at that particular venue.

I hope I have managed to convince you already of the fact that Baccarat is, at heart, a perfectly simple game. 

However, there is one area that even the greatest adherents of Baccarat must admit is mired in complexity. And that is the Rules regarding the dealing of a third card to either hand, or both.

The first thing to bear in mind is that a copy of these Rules will always be available at any Baccarat table if you want to consult them. If you become a regular player of this noble game, you might in time have them memorized. 

But the second, and most important, thing to remember is that you do not have to make a decision on the dealing of a third card. The Rules are applied automatically, either by the dealer at your table or, if you are playing online, by the website or app concerned. 

Nevertheless, it’s good to take a detailed look at how these Rules apply. Because it can be confusing for a while when you see a third card dealt to the hand you have put your money on. 

So let me explain these Rules as simply as I can…

Player Hand Third Card Rules

• If the Player is dealt two cards that add up to five or less, a third card is dealt.
• If the Player is dealt two cards that add up to six or more, no card is dealt. 

That’s easy enough, isn’t it? Ah, but wait a moment… when we come to the Banker’s hand, things get a little more knotty. Because they are dictated in part by what has happened to the Player’s hand.

Banker Hand Third Card Rules

If the Player stands after two cards, the Banker’s hand is treated according to the same rule as the Player’s. A third card is dealt for hands of five or less, while the Banker stands with hands totaling six or more.

If the Player has been dealt a third card, however, a more complicated set of Rules apply depending on what that Player’s third card is.

Confused? Frankly, I do not blame you for a moment. However, please believe me when I say that you will eventually pick up the rhythms and nuances of the third card Rules. 
Equally frankly, it does rather help that you don’t have to know these Rules by heart. I’ll say it again… the Rules will be applied automatically by your dealer or your online casino game.

Natural Hands

What a relief – we are back on solid ground when it comes to what we call Natural hands.

If either the Player or the Banker is dealt a pair of cards whose values add up to eight or nine, that is known as a “natural”. In this instance, the recipient stands automatically and no third card is dealt. 

Now let’s look in detail at how the odds work in Baccarat, and how that makes a difference to the house edge on the different types of bets. 

The “edge” is the margin that ensures the casino, the house, makes a profit from the business of offering you the chance to enjoy the wonderful game of Baccarat.

And in this instance, I’m delighted to report, Baccarat is particularly attractive. The house edge, whether you play on the Banker or the Player, is incredibly small, a percentage point or two. That compares favourably with pretty much any other casino activity you care to name, with the exception of Blackjack. 

The mathematical details are as follows:

House Edge for Each Bet

• Player: 1.24%
• Banker: 1.06%
• Tie: About 14.4%

This is using standard European rules and is based on the statistics that show the Banker’s hand wins 45.8% of deals, the Player’s wins 44.6% of the time, and Ties win the other 9.6%.

House Edge on Side Bets

In almost all instances, the house edge on side bets is larger than on the main two bets you can place on a game of Baccarat. The principal reason for this is that you are wagering on an outcome that, in most cases, is less likely to happen. Your payout may be larger, but so is the house’s average take on the bet, which will reduce your returns in the long term. 

For edge, the house edge on a Dragon Bonus bet is 2.65% if you are wagering on the Player, and 9.37% on the Banker.

RTP stands for Return To Player and is expressed as a percentage. It shows how much of your stake is returned to you as you play. 

So, for instance, if you start with £100, by the time you have staked £100, you should have a certain amount coming back to you in winnings – and the higher that figure is, the better the RTP. 

Obviously, you’ll never get an RTP of more than 100. Any casino running that kind of number is on its way out of business. But the RTP at online casinos where you can play Baccarat is usually between 98.76% and 98.94%.

So, if you’ve gambled responsibly and sensibly, after staking £100 you should have between £98.76 and £98.94 on the table. 

RTPs vary very slightly over time, but you should always be able to check the current figure for your chosen game at a reputable online casino. And please be aware that if you play different variations of the game or place a large amounts of side bets, it’s going to affect your RTP – and not in a good way. 

Volatility is one of those casino terms that merits deep scientific study in its own right. If that sort of thing fascinates you, good luck! For the purposes of this guide, however, what you need to know is the following.

Baccarat in its purest form is one of the casino games with the lowest volatility. That is, it’s a game in which you should enjoy relatively regular payouts, but of relatively small size. 

Higher volatility games, such as certain slot titles, promise you fewer wins – but when they arrive, they tend to be more handsome than your average payout. 

So you can understand why the Tie in Baccarat counts as a high volatility wager, as do some side bets. The likelihood of winning is lower, but when it does land you should receive a bumper stack of chips.

By now I hope I have convinced you that Baccarat is at its heart a game of chance. There is no skill involved. You are, effectively, making a guess – educated or not – on the turn of a couple of cards. 

Nevertheless, you will find many Baccarat betting strategies and systems that have been devised by people hoping to wave a magic wand and beat the house. 

I’m always reminded in this context of a casino manager I once met, who told me the old story about the gambler in Monte Carlo who fired a telegram off to a friend that read: “System working, send more money.”

In short, I’ve always believed you should accept the inevitable, that the house always wins in the end. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a  lot of fun from following particular betting systems to add variety to your Baccarat play.

Should You Use a Betting System?

By now, you should know that I rather like to turn a question like this on its head. Should you use a system? Well… why shouldn’t you?

Systems and strategies are, in essence, an effort to impose control over a situation governed by pure chance. All you can control are your staking patterns. However inventive your strategy may be, you cannot control the house edge. 

My advice on this is clear. When it comes to weighing up the relative merits of staying disciplined in your staking and ramping up your risk, you’ll always find me firmly in the former camp. 

Now, let’s look at some of the popular betting strategies that have, over the years, been developed and applied by Baccarat devotees.

Please allow me to advise you at this point that, in all the following cases, you will not have to look far to find people who claim they work, and will mean you can win money over time at Baccarat. 

All systems can work for a while; and if you use one and score a big win in the process, my sincere compliments to you. But never forget the oldest rule in the book; that in the end, the house always wins. 

For the purpose of this section of the guide, we’ll assume you are wagering consistently on one of the two main bets, the Banker or the Player. 

Martingale

This is a system that has been applied to plenty of casino games, and in particular to Baccarat. The idea is that whenever you lose a hand, you double your stake. 

The theory runs that, when the cards next fall in your favour, your stake will be so big that the payout will cover all the previous losses – and then some. You then return to your original stake.

Sounds ingenious – and I’ve seen players do quite well in the short term using the system. But the biggest issue is that, if you have a long enough streak, you’ll come up against the table staking limit as you continue to double your stake.

Streaks happen and, if you usually stake in fairly modest amounts, it can be awfully scary to see the amount you are putting on the table rapidly sky-rocketing if a few hands go the wrong way.

Fibonacci

Named after a noted Italian mathematician, this follows the number sequence that he created. It works in a similar way to the Martingale, except that in this case you do not double your stake after a loss.

Instead, you follow the Fibonacci sequence, in which each number is the sum of the previous two:

1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34 55 89

The key here is that you don’t go right back to the start when you have a win. Instead, you go back two numbers. So if you have to wait until your fifth hand, with a stake of five times your original bet, to have a winner, on the next hand you wager twice your basic amount. 

A system like this requires concentration and discipline, but you can enjoy some decent wins using it without seeing your stake rocket like it does with the Martingale. Ultimately, however, the house edge ensures it is unlikely you will turn a profit. 

Paroli

As if to emphasise that no staking system is guaranteed to work, the Paroli is the precise opposite of the Martingale!

In this instance, you double your stake after you win, rather than lose. In this way, you can take advantage of any streaks that build at your table. 

Sounds good but… streaks end. And, as with the Martingale, if that streak goes on long enough, you may find yourself butting up against the table limits. 

Labouchere

This is a little more complicated, but please do bear with me. The idea of the Labouchere is that it helps you to reach a particular target for winnings. It was developed to be used on 50-50 outcomes on Roulette, but can be applied to bets on Player and Banker in Baccarat too. 

Let’s say you want to get a return of £50. You set up a sequence of five numbers – 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 – that add up to that target. You stake a total of the first and last numbers in the list, in this instance £20 (8+12).

If you win, you remove those two numbers and use the first and last of the new sequence. If you lose, you add the amount staked to the end of the sequence and start again. 

As with other streak-based systems, your stake can oscillate quickly – and you may not be comfortable with that. You’ll need a serious pile of chips at your elbow. And, as with all systems, the house edge ensures that, as the term suggests, the house always has the edge. 

1-3-2-6 system

This is a nice, simple system designed to give you a potential short-term profit. The numbers in the 1-3-2-6 system tell you how much to wager; your basic stake, then three times that amount, then twice that figure.

When you hit a loser, you go back to the start. If you win all four bets, you should show a return of 12 times your original stake. 

My favourite aspect of this strategy is that it doesn’t force you to chase your losses with big stakes. The drawback is the same as with any system; you are not altering the odds or the house edge at all. 

Trends and Scoreboards

Now, you and I know that the result of the previous hand in Baccarat has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the outcome of the next. None at all! It’s the same as flipping a coin, or spinning a Roulette wheel. 

But we’re dealing with human nature here. And humans – particularly those who play Baccarat, I’ve observed – are highly superstitious. Some players believe they might be able to spot patterns in the results of hands, which will help them to predict the result of the next. 

This gave rise to some players using scoreboards to track results. Some of these boards, also known as roads, have fabulously inventive names – Big Eye Boy, Bead Plate and the quite magnificent Cockroach Pig. At an in-person casino, you’ll probably find a scoreboard next to or above the table that displays the most recent wins. 

Yes, it can be fun to keep track of the hands that have been played.

No, the last deal has no effect whatsoever on the outcome of the next.

In the next section, we’ll look in detail at the experience of playing Baccarat at an online casino. In terms of strategies, however, there are one or two observations I’ll make first. 

Baccarat at online casinos moves incredibly fast; the games are, after all, controlled by computer algorithms rather than a human dealer. That can make it difficult to follow a sequence like the Martingale or Fibonacci.

Table limits on many digital Baccarat games can also be quite low, meaning that sequence-based systems like those named above soon hit a restrictive ceiling. 

Bankroll Management Tools

Baccarat, as I will gladly attest, is a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable game. So absorbing, in fact, that there may be a danger of losing yourself in the regular rhythm of hands – and losing track of your wagering. 

To add to a degree of personal discipline, I suggest using some of the tools available at online casinos. You can set a loss limit on a particular session, which is a fantastic idea. You can also keep track of the time you spend betting, and ask for a reminder when you have been online for a particular amount of time. 

Resources like these should help you to keep your Baccarat play within limits – and, ultimately, to enjoy it more. 

I trust by now you are fully persuaded of the joy of playing Baccarat in the alluring surrounds of a superior casino. Well, even traditional players have had to embrace the digital age and be aware of the competing charms of online Baccarat. 

Every online casino worth its name will offer you the chance to enjoy Baccarat – in so many ways.

• RNG Baccarat Games
  Some younger, digital-first players will argue that, in the words of U2, these are “even better than the real thing”. Driven by a random number generator (RNG), these games offer Baccarat at high speed – and you don’t have to be distracted by other players. It’s a solo one-on-one experience, you’re the only player at your virtual table – and you’ll be able to place side bets as well as your main wagers. 
• Live Dealer Baccarat
  Welcome to what I call the Halfway House, where you join a game through your screen that is operated by a live dealer. They run the game, deal the cards and tell you how the hand plays out. With a good dealer, you can feel as if you really are in the room, helped by high production values and multiple camera angles.
• Bonuses
  Take advantage of welcome bonuses and cashback offers, but always check the terms and conditions so you know what you’re getting and understand any wagering requirements.
• Mobile Baccarat Gaming
  If you want a quick hand of Baccarat wherever you are, a good online casino will have games available through its app. Expect a simplified interface but the same ease and enjoyment of play – and look out for mobile-only bonuses. Of course, you will need a signal and good connectivity. 
• Social and Multiplayer Baccarat
  It’s now possible to join online games with other people involved. You can’t see them, or they you – but it’s about as close as you can get to the feel of a land-based casino without actually being there.
• Free vs. Real-Money Online Baccarat
  This is a fabulous way to play when you are first learning the game and don’t want to risk your hard-earned money too soon. Look out for the option to play for free, which many online casinos offer. You’ll then feel more confident about trying it with real cash at stake. 
• Software Providers and Game Quality
  Certain developers have become well known for the high quality of their online games. Evolution is the biggest name in the field, but it’s closely followed by Playtech and Pragmatic Play. Expect high-quality graphics, instant reactions and the ability to place a range of side bets.
• Choosing a Trusted Online Casino
  If you want to play Baccarat online, then I strongly suggest that you do so at a reputable and licensed casino. At such establishments, you’ll be able to play securely – and you can expect the games will be fair. 

Take a moment to check out the RNG certifications from bodies such as eCOGRA, as well as online reviews from other players, to ensure you are with a trustworthy operator.

Baccarat may be a simple pastime, but there are some popular variations of the grand old game you might like to be aware of. With Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque, in particular, I’d suggest further detailed study to understand the nuances of the game before you start playing.

As a regular visitor to Baccarat tables at in-person establishments over many years, and someone who considers himself a gentleman in all things, this is an area in which I have some expertise. 

There are, simply, certain ways in you should behave when at the Baccarat table. Ways that mark you out as a valued guest and a person to be respected – and that, more importantly, ensure that everybody else at the table has a pleasurable experience. 

Follow these superlative suggestions and I can guarantee you be welcome at all the finest tables in town.

• How to Join a Table Respectfully
  This is a matter of what not to do as much as what to do. Do not charge in and grab a seat while a game is in progress. And do not lean impatiently over someone already playing and make it clear you would like to usurp them. Wait patiently and quietly until a game is over and a seat becomes available. Signal to the dealer that you would like to join, and take your seat when they give you the nod. It is only polite to wish those to your left and right a good evening before you turn your attention to the table and the fun that is about to start.
• Handling Chips and Bets
  Rather too many people have watched films in which players fiddle constantly with their chips, stacking and re-stacking them or rolling them from finger to finger. At this point, the only thing I’m rolling is my eyes, in disappointment. Leave your chips alone until it is time to move them and, when you do, place them clearly on the relevant portion of the table that denotes your selection. And always, but always, respect the table limits – both upper and lower.
• Avoiding Disruptions
  This should not need spelling out, but we live in an age when what should be obvious is no longer always so. Concentrate on the table, the cards that are being dealt, and do not become distracted by your surroundings, your companions or, worst of all, your mobile device. Play calmly and coolly and, when you win a hand, please resist the temptation to shout and whoop. That is really not on at all.

Etiquette for Live Dealer Online Baccarat

The same respect you extend to your dealer and fellow players at a table in a flesh-and-blood casino should also be shown online in live-dealer games. Listen to your dealer and follow your cues to place bets. If there is a chat function, please use it respectfully – your future self will thank you when you look back on the evening. Most of all, don’t be the sort of person who tries to spam other players.

One of the best rules by which to live your life is that if it sounds too good to be true, it is. These are wise words to take into account the next time someone tells you that there is a guaranteed, sure-fire way to win at Baccarat. 

Maybe it shouldn’t, but the number of myths around the game still comes as a surprise. Let’s take a look at a few of them from the perspective of having our feet firmly connected to solid ground. 

• Popular Baccarat Myths Debunked
  - The Hot Shoe: Possibly my favourite Baccarat misconception. This is the idea that a particular shoe – the container from which cards are dealt and slid across the table – is “hot” and paying out on a particular bet with winning regularity. Honestly, have you never heard of shuffling? There are eight decks in that shoe, and the idea that there is some kind of pattern that will lead to regular payouts could not be more far-fetched. 
  - Streaks: People will tell you to bet against a streak. They will tell you to try to follow a streak. As we have seen, there are a variety of scoreboards (I’m still chuckling at the Cockroach Pig) that people use to keep track of winning hands. A streak can end, or begin, at any time and that is plain, logical fact. 
• Does Card History Affect Future Outcomes?
  No. No, it doesn’t. It absolutely does not. I hope that makes things clear. People love to try to discern patterns and, as mentioned above, watch roads to track whether or not the Banker or Player is winning a disproportionate number of hands.
  Much like flipping a coin, each new deal is a totally fresh event, utterly unconnected with what has gone before. It can be fun to notice that the previous six hands have been won by the Banker, for instance. But that does not in any way indicate, or guarantee, that the next one will too. 

Online Baccarat Misconceptions

Most negative theories about online games are driven by a cynical need to explain away the fact that the house always wins. I’ve heard people say that RNGs are rigged, for instance – but at a reputable, licensed casino, the RNGs are monitored closely and audited regularly to ensure fair play. I’ve even heard frustrated players question the validity of live streams, claiming they are somehow faked. There is real-time tech in place to ensure that there really is an actual person running an actual Baccarat game at that actual moment. Besides, if your casino has a licence, it is legally bound to offer fair play in all respects – otherwise, it runs the risk of losing that licence.

Here’s a handy reference guide to some of the terms you’ll come across regularly in and around Baccarat.

We are reaching the conclusion of our gentle stroll through the delights of Baccarat. I hope it has been as pleasant and uplifting for you as it has for me; I never tire of discussing this most elegant and absorbing of card games. 

Allow me to leave you with a few final suggestions that should ensure your experience of Baccarat is an entirely positive one. 

• Practice Online for Free
  This is an excellent strategy for newcomers to Baccarat. There are online casinos that offer you the chance to wager without staking any of your own money. That’s ideal if you want to pick up the rhythms and subtleties of the game, and watch how deals are made and concluded – without feeling the pressure of watching your stack deplete through your inexperience. When you feel ready, you’ll be able to play for real with a bit of confidence behind you. 
• Set a Betting Limit
  I’ll talk more in a moment about responsible gambling in general, but this is a piece of advice that has always stood me in good stead. Decide before you walk into a casino, or before you fire up a website, precisely how much you want to spend. Once you know how much your bankroll is, you should stick to it and walk away from the table rather than chase your losses.
• Avoid the Tie Bet
  I’ve met, and played with, many people who have been tempted by the higher payouts available from the Tie bet. Odds of 8:1 or 9:1 certainly look juicier than the 1:1 of the Banker or Player. But there’s a reason for that. The probability is lower, the house edge is higher and you are less likely to win if you play this regularly. 
• Enjoy the Game’s Simplicity
  Ultimately, this is a simple game. Unless you are trying to follow a staking system, or playing for high stakes, you should be able to enjoy it in a relaxed mood. There really isn’t much to think about; once you place your stake, everything is taken care of by the dealer – real or virtual! You can take in your surroundings, enjoy the social side of the game, and reflect on how fortunate you were to stumble across Baccarat!
• Use Online Tools and Communities
  As you play the game of Baccarat more regularly, you may want to find out as much about it as you can. Look online and you will find discussion forums where people are happy to chat away about every aspect of the game. Similarly, there are videos available that you can watch to learn about strategies, the history of the game, every aspect of Baccarat you find fascinating. You should become a more adept and confident player as a result.
• Explore Tournaments 
  If you are fortunate enough to become a regular, experienced player of Baccarat, you may feel inclined to test your skills directly against other players. Numerous casinos offer tournament play, where the person with the largest number of chips after a certain number of hands will be declared the winner – and receive a prize. 

It would be remiss of me not to remind you to gamble responsibly at all times when you are playing the fine game of Baccarat. 

Like all forms of gambling, Baccarat is supposed to be an enjoyable and relaxing pastime. It becomes considerably less fun if you find yourself losing control and wagering more than you can afford. Thankfully, there are ways to combat such an experience.

• Setting Limits and Using Casino Tools
  When you visit an online casino, you can put in place several measures to ensure your gambling stays in control. You can put a limit on the amount you deposit across a certain period, and you can restrict the time you spend playing on a website or app. If you become more concerned, be aware that licensed operators will give you the option to take a time-out to exclude you from their platforms for a set period – or for good.
• Recognising Problem Gambling
  How do you know if you are developing a gambling problem? There are several signs. The most worrying is a compunction to gamble when you cannot afford it, and you go beyond your planned bankroll and keep playing. Another is chasing losses; you should not expect to win in the long term, so learn to let go and come back another day. If you do recognize any of these signs, please do not hesitate to get help.
• Resources for Support
  One of the most encouraging trends I’ve seen in recent years is the heightened attention devoted to responsible gambling by reputable licensed operators. Part of that initiative is the provision of links to agencies who can provide expert help to someone worried they are developing a gambling problem. There are many out there and they include GamCare, BeGambleAware and Gamblers Anonymous. If you need to speak to an organisation like that, your chosen casino should make it easy to do so.