Are there good strategies for playing online baccarat?

If you’ve signed up for 50 free spins and found yourself at a live dealer baccarat table, don’t panic. James Bond’s favourite card game once caused a royal scandal and is hugely popular in Macau, where millions can be made on the turn of a card. So, are there any strategies for guaranteed baccarat wins?

The answer is no. Baccarat is a game of chance where the dealer and player compare hands. It’s easy for a novice to pick up, but if you want to get the best out of your time at the tables, a betting strategy can help you optimise your bonus or bankroll.

Ultimately, we make no promises because the outcome of a hand of baccarat depends solely on luck. Still, an element of skill is involved in knowing which bets to place and the probability of the best payoffs occurring.

Let’s run through the best online baccarat strategies and some tips on deciding which could work best for you.

The Baccarat Martingale strategy

They say never chase losses. The Martingale strategy throws that advice out of the window. This strategy involves doubling your bet with every loss. The theory is that you’ll recoup your losses on one big win. The reverse Martingale sees you double your bet when you win.

This strategy isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need an almost limitless bankroll to pull it off successfully. Although it looks good in theory, remember baccarat is a game of chance where nothing is guaranteed – especially wins.

The Baccarat Paroli strategy

The Paroli strategy is about maximising a winning streak’s positive power. Paroli is also known as the ‘let it ride’ strategy because you bet your winnings on the next hand to parlay an even bigger win. Once you hit a loss, you return to the base bet.

Riding the highs can be fun, but baccarat is an unpredictable game of luck, and winning streaks can vanish fast. So, Before using the Paroli system, set your win and loss limits and be prepared to walk away when you meet your edge.

The Baccarat Fibonacci strategy

Loves numbers? This baccarat strategy follows the famous mathematical sequence. It’s better known as a roulette betting strategy but can be tweaked for the baccarat tables.

Let’s say you start with a £1 bet equalling the first number of the Fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5 etc. If you lose, you’ll move on to the following number in the sequence. If you win, you take a step back in the sequence.

You’re not doubling down on losses like Martingale, and it has a precise organisational rhythm, unlike Paroli. But like those two strategies, it’s a way to manage your bets, nothing more. You can’t control the cards and need to call it a day before the sequence runs away with you.

The Baccarat Labouchere strategy

If you like the idea of personalising your betting strategy, Labouchere could be the right fit for you. It’s a betting management system in which you decide the sequence of numbers.

Let’s say your sequence is 1, 3, 5, 7, 8. Start by adding the first and last numbers and wagering that amount. If you win, remove the numbers from the list. If you lose, add the amount you wagered to the end of your list. Like the Fibonacci strategy, you’re setting the rhythm and pace of your bets based on your own sequence.

So what are the drawbacks? Like Martingale, it’s a strategy that requires deep pockets. And with no guaranteed wins at the baccarat tables, it’s merely another way of managing what you bet, not strategising your wins.

The Back the Banker strategy

There are three bets in baccarat: player, banker or tie. Now, here’s the secret. The Banker bet is the best option because it has a lower house edge and a slightly higher percentage chance of winning: 45.86% compared to the player at 44.62%.

So, the back the banker strategy means precisely that-betting on the banker through any winning or losing streaks. It’s a straightforward strategy with a 54.14% chance of losing and a 45.86% chance of winning.

Maximising your strategy

If you came for the 50 free spins and stayed to explore the casino table games, here’s how to maximise your bankroll and enjoy the best baccarat experience. It’s impossible to guarantee wins, but you can still enjoy a few hands of mini baccarat or chemin-de-fer at your favourite online casino.

Set your budget limits: Baccarat is a game of chance, so always set your limits. Don’t chase losses; be prepared to walk away when you meet your budget edge.

Keep it short: Enjoy your favourite baccarat in short, sharp sessions. The longer you play, the more chance the house edge will catch up with you.

Look for low-edge baccarat games: The fewer packs of cards in use, the lower the house edge on the banker’s bet.

Remember, you’ll pay commission: You’ll pay a 5% deduction on banker bets, so look for tables where the percentage is more favourable.

The takeaway

Ultimately, no strategy is better than another because playing baccarat is about luck, not skill. However, choosing lower-edge games, familiarising yourself with the rules, and prioritising the banker’s bet could all help you keep losses to a minimum and maximise your enjoyment of this intriguing game.