Gold99 | The Enchanting Tale of Baccarat

Baccarat’s captivating history traces back to the 1400s, credited to an avid Italian gambler, Felix Falguierein. The term “baccara” from Italian, meaning “zero,” reflects the zero value of face cards and tens.

Originally played with medieval tarot cards, baccarat evolved to use standard playing cards and found its way to France, becoming Chemin de Fer, a variant of Baccarat en Banque. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it had conquered Europe.

Tommy Renzoni, a writer-gambler, later introduced baccarat to Las Vegas from Cuba, etching its mark in casino history. Today, baccarat graces the tables of brick-and-mortar and online casinos across the US in states where gambling is legal, such as Nevada and New Jersey.

Gold99 | Baccarat Simplified: A Guide to Playing with Ease

Baccarat may seem intimidating, but beneath its glamorous exterior lies a straightforward card game with just three possible outcomes per hand. No special skills are required to begin playing this European favorite.

The game is played using three to six standard decks, shuffled together in a “shoe.” The dealer (croupier) handles the card dealing, while you place your bets on the Player, Banker, or Tie.

After placing bets, the croupier deals two face-up cards to the Player and the Banker. The objective is to predict which hand’s total value will be closest to 9.

Gold99 | Card values are simple:

• Cards 2 through 9 have their face values.
• Tens, face cards (J, Q, K), and Aces are worth zero (0) points.
• Aces count as 1.

If a hand’s total exceeds 9, 10 is subtracted, or the first digit is dropped. For example, a hand with 9 and 6 equals 5, not 15.

Each hand may receive up to three cards, with specific rules dictating when the Player or Banker gets a third card. Usually, a Player stands at a count of 6 or 7.

A Player receives a third card when their hand is less than 5 or exactly 5, at their discretion.

For the Banker, a third card is drawn if their count is less than 3 or as determined by favorable odds. The Banker stands at any count of 6 or higher. They may also draw a third card under certain conditions, like when the Player’s third card is a 9 with a Banker count of 3, or when the Player receives a 4 in the third-card draw with a Banker count of 5.

Further reading：Gold99 | Mastering Baccarat: Unraveling Winning Strategies (July 2023)

Aspect	Description
Game	Baccarat
History	Invented by Felix Falguierein in the 1400s, derived from the Italian word “baccara” meaning “zero”
Card Decks	3 to 6 standard 52-card decks, shuffled together in a “shoe”
Objective	Predict which hand (Player, Banker, or Tie) will have a total value closest to 9
Card Values	– Cards 2 to 9: Face value<br>- Tens, face cards (J, Q, K), and Aces: 0 points<br>- Aces: Count as 1
Hand Total	If total exceeds 9, subtract 10 or drop the first digit
Third Card Rules	– Player: Draws a third card when the count is less than 5 or exactly 5 (Player’s choice)<br>- Banker: Draws a third card when the count is less than 3 or as determined by favorable odds, stands at 6 or higher; may draw a third card under specific conditions
House Rules	Casino-specific rules may apply for drawing a third card
Winning	The hand closest to 9 wins
Game Availability	Offered in all brick-and-mortar and online casinos in US states where gambling is legal
Famous Introduction	Tommy Renzoni introduced baccarat to Las Vegas from Cuba

Gold99 | Baccarat Payouts: How to Win Big

Player Hand Bets: Betting on the Player hand pays double or evens (1:1) if it’s closer to 9 than the Banker hand. A $20 wager on the Player hand yields $20 in winnings, totaling $40.

Banker Bets: Placing a bet on the Banker hand pays evens minus a 5% house commission. For instance, a $20 Banker bet results in $19 in winnings, with $1 going to the house as a commission.

Tie Bets: Tie bets predict both hands having an equal count and pay 8:1. A $20 tie bet victory means $160 in winnings, plus the original $20 bet.

In case of a tie, all Banker and Player hand bets are pushed, allowing you to adjust or leave the bet as is. Tax implications may apply based on state and federal regulations.

Bet Type	Payout	Example
Player Hand Bets	Double or Evens (1:1)	$20 wager wins $20, total payout: $40
Banker Bets	Evens minus 5% commission	$20 wager wins $19, $1 commission to the house
Tie Bets	8:1	$20 wager wins $160, plus the original $20 bet

Gold99 | The Baccarat Bet to Steer Clear of: The Tie Bet

While baccarat is generally considered a safe casino game to play, not all bets are created equal. The tie bet, in particular, should be avoided at all costs, as it can quickly deplete your bankroll.

Gold99 | Understanding the Pitfalls of the Tie Bet

Although the tie bet in baccarat offers an enticing 8-to-1 payout, it comes with the worst odds of winning compared to other bets. With a staggering house advantage of 14.36 percent, this wager poses a significant risk. For every hundred $1 wagers, you could potentially lose around $14.36, making it a highly unfavorable choice.

Gold99 | Making Smart Baccarat Bets: Avoiding the Tie Bet

The tie bet in baccarat may boast an attractive 8-to-1 payout, but it also carries the worst odds of winning. With a staggering 14.36 percent house advantage, a hundred $1 tie wagers could lead to a theoretical loss of $14.36.

To maximize your chances of winning, opt for bets on the Banker, offering a favorable 1.06 percent house edge and paying 1:1. Even with a 5 percent commission, the Banker bet remains a smart choice. Alternatively, the Player bet, with a slightly higher 1.24 percent house advantage, is another viable option.

In any optimal baccarat strategy, avoiding the tie bet is essential to safeguard your bankroll and increase your chances of success.

Gold99 | The Banker’s Edge: A Winning Baccarat Strategy

The age-old advice of “always wager on the Banker” holds true as one of the simplest and safest baccarat strategies, backed by solid mathematics. With a theoretical house edge of 1.06 percent and an impressive return to player (RTP) percentage of 98.94 percent, betting with the Banker ensures a favorable outcome.

In a scenario with eight standard 52-card decks, Tie bets paying 8:1, Banker bets paying evens minus 5 percent commission, and Player bets offering a 1:1 payoff, the numbers speak for themselves.

Analyzing the statistics, the Player hand loses 45.87 percent, wins 44.63 percent, and ties 9.51 percent, while the Bank Hand loses 44.65 percent, wins 45.87 percent, and ties 9.51 percent. When excluding tied hands, the Bank hand wins 50.68 percent and loses 49.32 percent, while Player hands lose 50.68 percent and win 49.32 percent.

Despite the 5 percent commission on winning Banker bets, the Banker hand’s house advantage remains an appealing 1.17 percent. In comparison, Player hands carry a slightly higher house edge of 1.36 percent.

Both the Banker and Player bets present favorable odds, but the Banker’s advantage in winning more frequently makes it a standout choice. So, when seeking a winning baccarat strategy, trusting your money with the Banker is a smart move.

Gold99 | The Martingale System and Other Betting Strategies

In addition to avoiding the tie bet and consistently betting with the Banker, incorporating advanced betting systems can significantly enhance your baccarat strategy.

One widely leveraged strategy is the Martingale System, which originated in 18th-century France. This progressive betting system is not only popular in casino games like baccarat but also works well with roulette, blackjack, and craps. Its application extends to financial markets and investments, emphasizing long-term profit potential.

Developed by French mathematician Paul Pierre Levy, the Martingale System aims to capitalize on the Mean Revision theory. According to this theory, historical returns and asset prices, such as Gold, Oil, Stock, and FX, tend to revert to their long-term average or mean.

In baccarat, the Martingale System assumes that payouts will eventually align with the bet’s RTP, meaning that certain hands are bound to win at some point.

The fundamental concept of the Martingale System is simple: after a loss, double your wager on the next bet. For example, if a $10 bet on the Bank hand loses, the next wager on the same hand should be $20. This pattern continues until you achieve a win.

Upon winning, the strategy dictates that you return to your original bet. In our example, the Player won a total of $80 (inclusive of the stake) for a total bet of $70 ($10 + $20 + $40).

Gold99 | While the Martingale System may seem foolproof, it does have some risks and shortcomings:

1. Not suitable for those with limited bankrolls, as losses can quickly deplete funds before achieving a win.
2. Consecutive losses may reach the table limit, preventing further doubling of bets.
3. Repeated betting may be necessary to achieve substantial winnings.
4. Some casinos prohibit the use of the Martingale System.

Fortunately, there are alternative effective systems, including Fibonacci, Paroli, Labouchere, and Doubles, which can yield comparable results and enhance your baccarat experience.

Gold99 | The Fibonacci Strategy: A Progressive Betting System

The Fibonacci baccarat strategy involves using the famous Fibonacci sequence as a guide for adjusting bets after losses. This sequence is a natural number progression, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc.).

Unlike the Martingale system, the Fibonacci strategy requires some mathematical understanding, but it is relatively simple to put into practice.

Here’s how it works: After a losing bet, you increase your wager based on the Fibonacci sequence until you win. The underlying assumption is that over time, you will eventually recover your losses by progressively increasing your bets.

For instance, if you start with a $10 bet on the Player hand and lose, your next wager should be $30 (3 times the original bet). If the third bet wins, you’ll get $30 in winnings, effectively recouping your previous two losses.

Should your losing streak continue to three in a row, your fourth wager should be $50 (5 times the original bet). If you win the fourth round, you’ll receive $50 in winnings, equal to the sum of the last two losing hands ($20 + $30).

The idea is to follow the Fibonacci sequence and adjust your bets accordingly: $10, $20, $50, $80, $130, $210, $340, and so on. Whenever you win, irrespective of the stage, revert to your original $10 bet to start the sequence anew.

Gold99 | The Paroli System: A Positive Betting Strategy

The Paroli baccarat strategy, also known as the Reverse Martingale system, is the complete opposite of the Martingale system. Its origins can be traced back to 16th-century Italy when it was applied in the card game called Basset. Today, it remains highly effective for betting on baccarat, roulette, Pai Gow poker, Sic Bo, and Craps.

As a positive betting system, the Paroli strategy simply requires doubling your bet after each win until you experience a loss. The primary goal is to achieve three consecutive wins.

Here’s how it works:

Step #1: Start with a $10 bet on the Player hand and continue betting at this amount until you win. After a win, double your wager to $20.

If you lose, go back to Step #1. If you win, proceed to Step #2.

Step #2: Bet $20 until you win, then double to $40.

If you lose, return to Step #1. If you win, double again to $80.

Step #3: Bet $80 until you win.

In case of a loss, return to Step #1. If you win, restart the process from Step #1.

The Paroli system continues in this manner, with the objective of achieving three consecutive wins before starting the cycle again.

Gold99 | The Labouchere System: A Complex Yet Effective Betting Strategy

The Labouchere system, also known as the American Progression, Cancellation System, or Split Martingale, was introduced by Henry Labouchere, a devoted French roulette player. This strategy is well-suited for even-money betting in baccarat, blackjack, and sports betting.

Unlike simpler additive betting systems, mastering the Labouchere system requires more effort due to its complexity. As a negative progression system, it involves increasing your bet after each loss, with the aim of recovering losses through a few wins, not just a single win as in the Martingale system.

Here’s how it works:

Rule #1: Create a Sequence

Start by establishing a sequence of numbers of your choice. For this example, we’ll use the sequence 1-2-3.

Rule #2: Bet the Sum of the First and Last Number

Initially, place a bet equal to the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence. In this case, the bet would be $3 (1+2).

Rule #3: Cross Off Winning Numbers

If your bet wins, cross off the first and last numbers in your sequence. In this case, the sequence would be reduced to 2.

Rule #4: Add a Number After a Loss

If your bet loses, add the total loss amount to the end of the sequence. For instance, if you lost the $3 bet, the new sequence would be 1-2-3-4. The next bet would then be the sum of the first and last numbers, which is $5 (1+4).

Continue following these four rules for every bet. After a win, eliminate the first and last numbers. After a loss, add the loss amount to the end of the sequence. Repeat until you are left with a single number in the sequence.

Gold99 | The D’Alembert System: A Balanced Baccarat Strategy

The D’Alembert system, named after Jean le Rond d’Alembert, an 18th-century French theorist, is a positive progressive system similar to the Martingale. Its aim is to protect you from steep losses while also recovering lost bets.

To begin, choose your base unit, typically the value of a single chip or token. For instance, if you’re using $1 chips, your base unit is 1.

After each losing bet, increase your next wager by 1 chip. For example, if you lost a $4 bet, your next wager should be $5.

On the other hand, if you win, maintain your original $4 bet until you lose again. Then, once more, increase each losing wager by 1 chip.

For every winning coup, subtract one chip from your bet. For instance, if you had raised your bet to $7 after three consecutive losses, remove one chip to lower your next wager to $6.

The D’Alembert baccarat strategy is based on the notion that losses and wins will eventually balance out over time.

Gold99 | How to Manage Your Bankroll for Baccarat Success

Mastering money management is crucial for every bettor, especially when playing baccarat. Regardless of your chosen baccarat strategy, here are some essential tips to help you maximize your bankroll and improve your chances of winning.

Gold99 | Tip #1 – Set Win/Loss Limits, and Stick to Them

Protecting your bankroll and enhancing your baccarat strategy for success requires setting win and loss limits. Even during a winning streak, it’s important to be cautious. Since baccarat bets have a house advantage, losses are inevitable in the long run. By setting a win limit, you can lock in your profits when you reach a predetermined amount. For example, with a win limit of $200 starting from a $100 bankroll, you should stop at $300. The same principle applies to losses – set a limit and walk away when you reach it. If your loss limit is $80, stop playing when your bankroll hits $20 and take a break. This approach helps maintain discipline and preserves your funds for future sessions.

Gold99 | Tip #2 – Break Down Your Bankroll

Managing your bankroll effectively involves dividing it for each casino game you play. Whether you’re at an online or land-based casino, it’s essential to allocate a specific portion of your total bankroll for baccarat.

For instance, if you have a $500 bankroll and decide to play baccarat with $100, ensure you leave the table when your balance reaches $400 or hits your predetermined win/loss limits.

Additionally, consider setting specific time-based sessions, such as one hour or two hours, for playing baccarat. Each session should have its own fixed bankroll, win limit, and loss limit, providing structure and control during your gaming experience. By doing so, you can enjoy the game responsibly while maximizing your chances of success.

Gold99 | Tip #3 – Wager on Low House-Edge Bets

When playing baccarat, it’s crucial to focus on low house-edge bets to improve your winning potential. As a general rule, always opt to bet with the Banker, as it offers a favorable house edge of 1.06 percent.

On the other hand, tie bets should be avoided at all costs due to their significantly high house advantage of 14.36 percent. Betting on the Player hand is also a viable option, as it boasts an RTP of 98.76 percent, slightly lower than the Banker bet’s RTP of 98.94 percent. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your chances of success and make more informed decisions during your baccarat sessions.

Gold99 | Tip #4 – Avoid All-In Bets

It’s essential to resist the temptation of going all-in with your bets. While the idea may seem enticing, risking your entire bankroll on a single hand is a risky move that can lead to significant losses.

Remember, your bankroll is your capital, and the goal is to make it last long enough to yield favorable returns. Going all-in might be portrayed glamorously in Hollywood films, but in reality, it’s a dangerous strategy that can result in the complete depletion of your funds.

To mitigate risks and ensure a more sustainable approach to baccarat, it’s prudent to make calculated and well-considered bets, keeping in mind your set win and loss limits. By exercising patience and discipline, you can enhance your chances of success and prolong your enjoyment of the game.

Gold99 | Tip #5 – Use the Right Baccarat Strategy

Selecting the appropriate baccarat strategy is crucial for optimizing your chances of success. While the Martingale system may appeal to high-rollers with substantial bankrolls, it may not be suitable for those with more limited funds, such as a $20 bankroll on a $1 minimum table.

For players seeking a strategy that mitigates the risk of quick and significant losses, the D’Alembert betting system could be a more suitable option. By gradually increasing bets after losses, this positive progressive system offers a balanced approach that can better preserve your bankroll and lead to more sustainable gameplay.

Gold99 | Different Versions of Baccarat

Baccarat enthusiasts can explore various exciting variants of the game in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Among the most prominent versions are Chemin de Fer, Punto Banco, and Mini Baccarat. Each offers a unique twist on the classic game, providing players with diverse and enjoyable gaming experiences.

Gold99 | Punto Banco

Punto Banco, also known as American Baccarat, is the version of baccarat discussed in the examples above. This variant is widely played in casinos around the world, including popular gambling destinations like Macau, Australia, and North America, as well as online gambling sites.

In Punto Banco, players can bet on the Bank hand, Player hand, or a tie. What sets Punto Banco apart are the following features:

• Both the Bank and Player hands are subject to fixed house rules.
• The house always serves as the banker in the game.
• A 5 percent commission is charged on all winning Banker bets.

Unlike other variations, the decision of when to draw a third card is determined by the casino and not the player, making it a defining characteristic of Punto Banco.

Gold99 | Chemin de Fer

Interestingly, the term “Chemin de Fer” is French for “the railway” or “railroad.” This version of baccarat is most commonly played in French casinos.

Also known as chemmy, Chemin de Fer follows almost the same rules as Punto Banco, with only two differences.

1. Players have the option to take on the role of the Banker, giving them control over the Bank’s hand.
2. Players can influence whether the Player hand or the Banker hand should draw a third card.

The game typically uses six standard 52-card decks shuffled together. One player is chosen to be the Banker, and players have the opportunity to take turns being the Banker.

The designated Banker decides how much to bet, and all players state the amount they are willing to wager. The player with the highest bet becomes the Player.

A player may match the Banker’s bet and declare “banco,” excluding all other players from the round except for the two main participants.

The croupier deals two facedown cards to both the Banker’s hand and the Player’s hand. The respective players then inspect their cards.

• If either hand totals 8 or 9, that hand wins, and the round concludes.
• If neither hand equals 8 or 9, the player responsible for the Player’s hand decides whether to stand or draw a third card.

Once the Player’s hand is complete, the Banker determines whether to stand or draw a third card. After the Banker’s decision, both the Player and Banker reveal their cards to determine the winner.

In Chemin de Fer, the Player typically stands on 6 and 7, draws on 2, 3, and 4, and either stands or draws on 5.

Due to the significant influence players have on the game’s direction, using betting systems like Martingale, Poli, Fibonacci, etc. can be very challenging.

Gold99 | Mini Baccarat

True to its name, Mini Baccarat is a simplified and lower-limit version of the full-size Punto Banco (Big Baccarat).

In land-based casinos, you’ll typically find mini-baccarat tables on the main floor near the blackjack tables, accommodating six to seven players.

Unlike Big Baccarat, which can have multiple bankers, Mini Baccarat has only one dealer, and players are not allowed to act as the Banker or deal cards.

As a result, Mini Baccarat games tend to be faster than Punto Banco. However, the same rules and baccarat strategies can be applied to this version of the game.