Tips for Playing Baccarat

When playing baccarat, players have absolutely no control over the way the game progresses as this is dictated by the house. Players should place wise bets, manage their money and avoid 'systems' at all costs.

Tip #1 - Money Management
Money management is very important when playing baccarat, just as it is when playing any casino game. Players should go into a baccarat session with a set budget and stop playing when that money is gone. Similarly, players can also set a cap on their earnings so that they are not tempted to re-invest all of their winnings back into the casino.

Tip #2 - Avoid Systems
Since the player has no control over the outcome of the game and can only predict who will have the highest score at the end of the hand, baccarat systems are useless. Many people choose to use betting systems, and these are often detrimental as they cause players to exceed the table limits too quickly.

Tip #3 - Bet on the Banker
Even with the 3% to 5% commission that the house will take on most banker bets, it is still the most favorable option for the player. The house edge is only slightly more than 1%. Player bets fall next in line with a house edge of just about 1.15%, so this is always an option for players who do not want to bet on the banker for each and every hand.

Tip #4 - Fewer Decks in the Shoe
The number of decks in the shoe will vary from venue to venue, and this statistic has no merit in online casinos at all due to the random number generating software. When playing in-house, players who choose games with fewer decks in the shoe may increase their odds of winning just slightly.

Winning at baccarat is generally the result of a streak of good luck, but players can do their part by following the tips listed here and not allowing their intuitions to get the best of them.