Baccarat is one of the most popular card games in the casino and is known for its simplicity and speed of play. Whereas poker is a game of psychology and skill, baccarat is largely a game of chance. However, educated players know that intelligent betting schemes can help improve odds and provide better chances of success in the long run. Using the right strategy, you can extend the playing time and maximise potential gains in periods of favorable luck.
This article will cover 7 strong baccarat strategies you can try in 2025. Some are betting progression systems, and others help with bankroll management. We’ll also describe how side bets impact your game and whether or not they’re worth the gamble.
How Baccarat Works in Simple Terms
Let’s first go over the simple rules of baccarat and the types of bets you can place before we dive into advanced techniques.
How baccarat works:
- The game is between the two hands: Banker and Player.
- Players place a bet for each round for which hand shall have a better total (most nearly 9)—the Banker, the Player, or a Tie.
- Each hand has two cards played, with the potential for a third draw based on given rules.
- Face cards and tens are worth 0; the remaining cards have their face value. The remaining digit of the sum is the final score (8 + 7 = 15, so the score is 5).
House Edge on Different Bets
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge |
| Banker | 0.95:1 (5% commission) | 1.06% (best odds) |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% |
| Tie | 8:1 or 9:1 | 14.36% (worst bet) |
A banker bet has the smallest house edge and is, therefore, the best bet in the long term. The Player bet is slightly worse but fair, while the Tie bet must be avoided since it carries a big house edge.
How Side Bets Influence the Game
All but the most trivial of casinos offer side wagers such as Perfect Pair, Dragon Bonus, or Lucky 6, with very high paybacks but with a staggering house edge. Alluring as they are, they raise risk and should not be recommended for serious playing strategy. To get the most serious from winning, a banker or player bet is the ticket.
Now that we’ve had the introduction, let’s dive into the 7 strategies that can be utilised to maximise your game of baccarat.
7 Strategies to Try in Baccarat
While baccarat is a game of chance, you can employ disciplined betting systems to manage risk and, hopefully, optimise return. Below are 7 advanced systems that you can apply in 2025. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so that the optimal one will rely on your gaming style, bankroll, and risk tolerance. If you’re looking to find the best strategy for baccarat on BaccaratWiki, you can compare different approaches and choose the one that suits you best.
1. The Martingale System
How It Works: The Martingale system is also the oldest and most risky betting system. You bet more after each loss and then revert to the original bet after you win.
Why It’s Risky:
- The system says you are going to win, and this is not always the case.
- You’ll lose a lot of money quickly with long streaks of losing.
- Table limits are reached, and it’s not possible to place the next needed bet, and you’re riding on losses.
When to Use It:
- When you have a large bankroll and do not mind table limits.
- Good for short sessions so you can ride rapid wins.
2. The Paroli System
How It Works: The opposite of the Martingale. You raise bets when you win, not lose, so you’re on the way up in your betting momentum. When you’ve won three times in a row, you return to your original bet.
Why It’s Safer:
- Uses winnings instead of pursuing losses.
- Protects funds better than Martingale.
- Performs well during winning runs.
When to Use It:
- Perfect for streaky games such as baccarat.
- Best when you receive a series of wins in a row.
3. The Fibonacci Strategy
How It Works: This is a Fibonacci system (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…), and you wager the sum of the previous two wagers following a loss. You move two steps back in the series when you win.
Why It’s Useful:
- Less aggressive than Martingale.
- Can recover slowly and consistently from losses.
- It works well if Baccarat plays in an alternating win/loss pattern.
Disadvantages:
- Still expensive after a few losses.
- Includes remembering past bets.
When to Use It:
- Works best for conservative players with a mid-sized bankroll.
- Works best when avoiding streak-based betting strategies.
4. 1-3-2-6 Betting System
It works in a cycle: Bet 1, 3, 2, and next 6. If you have four consecutive wins, you recycle and start again. Any loss sends you back to square one.
Why It Is Best for Conservative Players:
- Restricts risk by boundaries of loss.
- Prevents you from benefiting from short winning streaks.
- Preserves bankroll.
Weaknesses:
- Disappoints on long losing runs.
- Requires four consecutive wins for maximum gain.
When to Apply It:
- Good for players who like a systematic low-risk approach.
- Good if there are streaky hot results in baccarat tables.
5. The D’Alembert System
How It Works: A low-risk option to Martingale, the system increases the bet by one unit when losing and decreases it by one unit when winning.
Why It’s So Popular:
- Less aggressive than Martingale.
- Slows down the losses at a consistent rate.
- Play the same in even-money bet wagers (e.g., Player and Banker bets in Baccarat).
Weak points:
- There is a lack of good recovery from losing runs.
- It fails to maximise returns, as with streak betting.
When to Apply It:
- Supplement to conservative players seeking low-risk progress.
- Optimal when baccarat results alternate between Banker and Player wins.
6. Flat Betting System
How It Functions: Flat betting is the simplest and most self-disciplined system. You wager the same in each round, win or lose.
Why It’s Good for Bankroll Management:
- Averts huge losses caused by runaway progression systems.
- Best applied to bets with minimal house edges (e.g., Banker bets).
- Best for extended periods of play.
Disadvantages:
- Does not take advantage of winning streaks.
- More time to make a profit than with progressive systems.
When to Use It
- Best for low-variance, long-run play.
- Best for beginners or players who want even, risk-managed betting.
7. Card Counting in Baccarat
Card counting is the norm in blackjack, but players try to do it in baccarat to monitor what cards have already been played. Since baccarat uses several decks, hoping to track high-value vs. low-value cards might be beneficial. You can learn more about how this technique works here and see if it’s worth applying to your game.
Challenges & Risks:
- Unlike blackjack, baccarat’s rule of dealing doesn’t change, making counting less practical.
- Casinos shuffle through decks all the time, cutting counting’s influence.
- Many casinos ban or restrict card-counting strategies.
When to Use It:
- Best for no-commission baccarat games where card counting could yield a marginal benefit.
- Only consider if well-versed in observing patterns on cards.
Can You Beat Baccarat?
Baccarat is a game of chance in the end, but employing the correct strategies can maximise returns and control risks. No system can ever guarantee wins, but placing smart bets, bankroll management, and self-control can travel far in your game.
The best practice is to bet sensibly, never to place a bet emotionally, and to use bets of low house edge. To play better your way, you might consider perfect baccarat strategy at BaccaratWiki and experiment with strategy using fake money before real money gaming.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, staying informed and betting wisely is the key to making the most of your baccarat sessions.