Baccarat Strategy: How to Play the Game and Win

April 5, 2023

Along with slots, blackjack, and roulette, baccarat is one of the most popular casino games loved by many New Zealand gambling enthusiasts. Unlike blackjack, which balances luck and strategy, baccarat, according to its rules, has a bias toward chance. However, several baccarat strategy options can make you a better gambler. Here, we will give you a brief introduction to how to play baccarat, as well as some of baccarat best strategy tips to help you achieve some of the best results with the card game.

Historical Background on Baccarat

It is a popular card game that originated in Italy in the 15th century. The game was first played with Tarot cards, and it quickly spread to France, where it became popular among the nobility.

During the 19th century, baccarat quickly spread across European gambling venues, and it eventually made its way to America. In those days, the game was played primarily by wealthy gamblers and was associated with high stakes and glamour.

With the advancement of internet technology, we now have iGaming platforms offering digital versions of popular casino games to bet on including online baccarat. While the game has undergone some changes over the years, the basic rules and gameplay have remained largely the same. Today, every New Zealand gambler can enjoy the game at the King Billy casino, where it is available in several popular versions.

How to Play Baccarat and Win Real Money

Before describing the baccarat winning strategy, we'll give you a basic idea of how to play this popular card game. In online baccarat, there are two opposing sides to bet on: the banker and the dealer. Players have only three betting options: on the banker, on the dealer, or a tie. Here is how the baccarat hand is played:

• After you place a bet, the dealer deals two cards to both the player and the banker.
• To estimate a starting hand, it is important to know how the cards are counted in the game. Face cards and 10s are worth 0, and all other cards are worth their face value.
• If the total value of the hand exceeds 9, the second digit is taken as the hand's value.
• If either the player or the banker has a hand value of 8 or 9 then it means a natural win and the game round ends.
• If the hands have other values, the dealer will draw additional cards according to a set of rules which can differ from version to version.
• When an extra card is drawn, the hand with the higher value wins.

It is a fast and straightforward game, giving little room for strategic maneuverings. And it's great for seasoned gamblers and beginners alike.

Payouts at Online Baccarat

In the online version of the game, payouts are determined based on the outcome of the game and the bets placed by the players. There are three types of bets, and we'll look at the payouts for each of them below.

Bet on the Player's Hand

Betting on the Player's hand can be the most attractive in baccarat because it gives good winning chances and will pay 1:1. If you correctly predict the outcome of a game round, you will get an amount equal to double your bet.

Bet on the Banker's Hand

Betting on the Banker's hand is an even more attractive option, as the odds of the Banker will win are slightly higher in baccarat. In terms of payouts, your prize for a correct prediction will be 1:1 minus a 5% commission going back to the house. A winning bet on the Banker's hand pays 0.95:1.

Bet on Tie

When you bet on a tie, you can expect an 8:1 or even a 9:1 payout, depending on the game version. A tie is a very rare occurrence and hence a tie bet is a very risky one. We do not recommend that you use this bet in combination with baccarat strategy systems based on numerical sequences, like Martingale or Fibonacci.

Baccarat Winning Strategy Options

If you want to learn how to play baccarat at a casino and win almost every hand, just understanding how the game works are not enough. To achieve more meaningful results with the card game, a player needs a baccarat winning strategy. There is no guaranteed way to win the game as it has the house advantage. Here are a few strategy options worthy of your attention:

• Martingale. According to this strategy, you need to double your bet if you lose and go back to the original bet if you win. The idea is that any winnings can cover the costs of previous bets and leave you with a profit.
• Fibonacci. Based on the famous mathematician's numerical sequence (looks like 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc), this strategy will help you get back most of your previous bets in case of a single win.
• Paroli. By suggesting to double your stake if you win, this strategy aims at maximizing your profit.

There is also a card-counting strategy so that you can keep track of the cards dealt and have an idea of which ones are left in the deck. Developed for blackjack, the card-counting technique for a hand is also applicable to baccarat.

Strategy Tips for Baccarat

If you want to learn how to win at baccarat more often (almost every hand), our top strategy tips below can be useful:

• Start by learning the rules of the game. While this game is simpler than blackjack, you won't be able to make optimal gambling decisions without knowing the rules.
• Bet on the banker in preference, as it comes with the lowest house advantage of 1.06%. So, betting on the player has a 1.24% house advantage. As far as tie bets are concerned, as the highest-risk option, it has a whopping 14.36% house edge.
• Set your limits on the maximum amount you are willing to spend, and the maximum duration of the playing session, according to the rules of sensible bankroll management.
• Use betting systems with care, because they do not increase your winning chances, but rather maximize your profits when luck is on your side.

Take advantage of the bonus offers reserved for a baccarat player. His Majesty's Kingdom rewards its new players with welcome bonuses and also has many ongoing promotions for those who decide to stay with it for longer.

F.A.Q.

Is there any hidden baccarat pattern?

Baccarat is a game where game results are determined largely by chance, so no formula for success makes you a consistently winning player. Among the many gambling systems and strategies, the one that deserves the most attention is the card-counting technique. Once you've mastered it, you'll have an idea of what cards remain in the deck.

Do I need to have any skills to play baccarat?

Since it's a chance game, a lot of things are not dependent on you and your skill. However, the skill element in the game lies in knowing how to choose the correct betting option. Beginners are advised to bet more often on the banker, as this betting option has the smallest house edge.

What bet is the best in baccarat?

Any bet that can bring in a win is a good option. If you know what cards are in the deck, it makes sense to choose the tie option if the odds are in your favor. Betting on the banker is a better option for players with low-risk tolerance.

Is it a good idea to always bet on the banker?

If you are new to baccarat, then betting on the banker is your best bet. While it brings in the lowest possible payout, it also reduces the risk of big losses.

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