Winning Baccarat Strategy: Top Tips for Big Wins

Quick Take: What You'll Learn

• Why the Banker bet is statistically the smartest play
• Which betting strategies can improve your odds
• The truth about Banker bets and tie bets
• Where to play online baccarat in 2025—with bonuses and live dealers at Rivalry

Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games around the world. It's easy to learn, fun to play, and gives you a good chance to win if you have a solid baccarat strategy. Whether you're playing in a land-based casino or enjoying an online baccarat game somewhere like Rivalry, having the right betting strategy is essential for maximizing your chances of success.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best baccarat strategies, different baccarat betting systems, and provide valuable tips to improve your game. If you're new to baccarat or looking to refine your approach, this article will help you navigate the exciting world of baccarat betting. Let's get into it!

What Is Baccarat?

Baccarat is a classic table game where you bet on one of three outcomes: the Player hand wins, the Banker hand wins, or a Tie. The goal of the game is to predict which hand will have a total value closest to nine. Although it's a game of luck, using a smart baccarat strategy can improve your chances of winning at baccarat.

In baccarat, cards are valued as follows:

• Ace: 1 point
• 2-9: Face value
• 10, Jack, Queen, King: 0 points

If a hand's total exceeds nine, the value is reduced by 10. For example, if the total is 15, it counts as 5.

Why Baccarat Is So Popular

Baccarat is a top choice among casino games because of its low house edge, meaning the casino doesn't have a big advantage over you. For example, when you bet on the Banker, the house edge is only about 1.06%—one of the lowest among any popular casino games.

There are many popular baccarat variations, like Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque, but Punto Banco is the most common today. No matter the version, though, the basic rules stay the same, making it easy to jump into any game of baccarat.

Basic Baccarat Bets

Here are the main betting options in baccarat:

1. Player Bets:

Betting on the Player hand to win. It pays 1:1 (even money), but the house edge is slightly higher at 1.24%.

2. Banker Bets:

Betting on the Banker hand to win. This also pays 1:1, minus a 5% commission to the casino. It’s the safest bet because of the low house edge (1.06%).

3. Tie Bet:

Betting that both the Player and Banker hands will end with the same value. This pays 8:1 or 9:1, but the house edge is much higher (over 14%), so it's a riskier option.

The Importance of Bankroll Management

No matter which baccarat betting system you decide to use, bankroll management is a must and here's how to do it:

• Set Limits: Decide how much you're willing to spend before playing and stick to it. You can do this via your Rivalry account dashboard.
• Use Small Bets: Start with a minimum bet (like one unit) to stretch your money.
• Set a Profit Target: Once you hit your goal (say, doubling your money), stop playing.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: If you’re on a losing streak, don’t keep betting bigger to win it back.

Popular Baccarat Betting Strategies

When playing baccarat, there are several betting strategies that can help improve your odds of winning. Here are some of the best strategies:

1. Martingale Strategy

One of the most well-known baccarat betting strategies is the Martingale strategy. This approach is based on doubling your bet after every loss. The idea is simple: when you lose, you increase your bet size in an attempt to recover your losses. Once you win, you return to your original bet size.

Example:

• First bet: $10
• You lose → Next bet: $20
• Lose again → Bet: $40
• Lose again → Bet: $80
• Win → You’ve recovered your losses and made a small profit
• After a win → Return to your original $10 bet

While the Martingale system in baccarat can be effective in the short term, it’s important to keep in mind that it can be risky. You might encounter a losing streak that forces you to bet larger amounts than you can afford. Always set a limit for yourself and avoid chasing losses.

2. Fibonacci Strategy

Another popular baccarat strategy is the Fibonacci strategy, which is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence. This sequence is a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the previous two (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.).

In this strategy, you increase your bet according to the Fibonacci sequence after a loss, and when you win, you move two steps back in the sequence. This method can help you recover losses more gradually, rather than doubling your bets like the Martingale method.

Example:

• Start with a $1 bet
• Lose → Bet $1 again (1st and 2nd numbers in sequence)
• Lose again → Bet $2 (next number in the sequence)
• Lose → Bet $3
• Lose → Bet $5
• Win → Move back two steps in the sequence and bet $2 again
• Continue following the sequence up or down based on win/loss

The Fibonacci strategy is often seen as a safer alternative to the Martingale system because it doesn't require you to double your bets after each loss.

3. Paroli Strategy

The Paroli system is often considered a positive progression betting strategy. Unlike the Martingale, where you increase bets after a loss, in the Paroli system, you increase your bet after a win. The idea is to take advantage of winning streaks.

Example:

• Start with a $10 base bet
• Win → Next bet: $20
• Win again → Next bet: $40
• Lose → Drop back to $10

4. Labouchere Strategy

The Labouchere system, also known as the cancellation system, is a negative progression strategy. You set a profit target, and from there, you create a sequence of numbers that adds up to that target.

Example:

• Profit goal: $15
• Sequence created: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Now follow this process:

Bet 1 + 5 = $6

• Win → Remove 1 and 5 → New sequence: 2, 3, 4

Bet 2 + 4 = $6

• Lose → Add 6 to the end → New sequence: 2, 3, 4, 6

Bet 2 + 6 = $8

• Win → Remove 2 and 6 → New sequence: 3, 4

Repeat until the sequence is cleared (profit goal reached)

The strategy continues until you have worked through the entire sequence and achieved your profit target. This strategy is often the most confusing for newer players, and so, isn't as common as the Martingale system or Fibonacci strategy.

Baccarat Pattern Strategy

Some players believe in using a baccarat pattern strategy, where they track previous hands to predict future outcomes. These patterns may include trends such as alternating between Banker and Player bets, or spotting a string of consecutive wins for one hand.

In land-based casinos, you'l often see players scribbling down results on scorecards, looking for trends like consecutive Banker or Player wins.

• The Zigzag Pattern: This occurs when outcomes alternate between Player and Banker. Players following this pattern might bet on the opposite of the previous result.
• The Streak Pattern: When one side (Banker or Player) wins multiple times in a row, some bettors ride the streak, increasing their wagers as it continues.
• The Big Road: A common tracking method in baccarat, this chart records wins in columns, helping players spot trends like clusters or chops (alternating wins).

Other Baccarat Betting Strategies and Systems

Beyond patterns and Martingale, here are several other betting systems that are popular among baccarat players, especially on sites like Rivalry, where low table limits and smooth interfaces make it easy to stay focused and stick to your strategy:

1. The 1-3-2-6 System:

This positive progression strategy involves adjusting your bets in a specific sequence (1 unit, 3 units, 2 units, 6 units) after each win. If you lose at any stage, you start over. It’s designed to maximize profits during short winning streaks while limiting losses.

2. Flat Betting:

Instead of chasing losses or increasing bets, you wager the same amount every hand. This conservative approach minimizes risk and suits players who prefer steady play over aggressive swings. Many pros advocate flat betting on the Banker due to its slightly lower house edge.

Betting on the Banker Hand: Your Best Bet

One of the easiest ways to improve your chances in baccarat is to focus on winning Banker bets. This is because the Banker hand is widely considered the best bet. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge, giving you a better chance of winning compared to betting on the player hand or a tie.

The house edge for the Banker bet is approximately 1.06%, while the Player bet is around 1.24%. A tie bet has a much higher house edge—typically around 14.36%—making it a less favorable option for most players.

Although the Banker bet is often the best choice, keep in mind that casinos typically charge a commission (usually 5%) on winnings from Banker bets. Despite this commission, betting on the Banker hand remains the most reliable option for consistent wins in baccarat games.

Ties Win: Should You Bet on Them?

When ties win, it’s exciting because the payout is high—usually 8:1 or 9:1. But the thing is, ties only happen about 9.5% of the time, and the house edge on tie bets is 14.36%, making it one of the riskiest bets in baccarat. Also, most experts in any baccarat strategy guide will tell you to skip it and stick to Banker or Player bets for better results.

Online Baccarat in 2025

Playing online baccarat is bigger than ever in 2025. You can enjoy live baccarat with professionally-trained dealers or try virtual games at top casino sites like Rivalry, known for its live baccarat options (think speed baccarat, lightning baccarat, spooky baccarat, and other spicier versions), player-first promos, and trusted reputation. With real-time action, there are live games available from trusted providers like Evolution and Live88, so you know you're in safe hands.

Rivalry regularly hooks players up with the best baccarat bonuses on the Internet, like welcome offers (a 100% deposit match bonus for new players), cashback promotions, a VIP Program and more, which are perfect for baccarat players. Just remember to check the T&Cs to make sure the game qualifies.

Baccarat Tricks and Techniques

Keep things short and sweet, here are some simple tricks that will help you play baccarat like a pro:

• Bet on Banker
• Choose Appropriate Table Limits
• Employ Betting Strategies
• Skip the Tie Bet
• Set a Budget
• Keep It Simple 

🔍 Pro Tip: Rivalry is a great platform to apply these techniques, especially with flexible table limits and quick-loading games that let you stay in the zone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some baccarat rules to follow to avoid making mistakes:

• Betting Too Much Too Soon: Starting with small bets is advisable, especially when experimenting with betting systems like the Martingale.
• Ignoring the Odds: The Banker bet is statistically the safest option, offering a slightly better chance of winning compared to the Player bet. However, it's important to remember that casinos typically charge a 5% commission on Banker bet winnings.
• Not Setting Limits: It's important to set a limit and have a plan. Without one, you could lose more than you can afford.
• Chasing Patterns: Baccarat outcomes are independent and random, so believing in patterns or streaks can lead to misguided betting decisions.

🎯 Responsible Gambling Reminder:

Baccarat is a fun, fast-paced game—but like all forms of gambling, it should always be played responsibly. Set a budget, stick to your limits, and take breaks when needed. Gambling should never be seen as a way to make money—it's entertainment first.

Players must be 18+ (or the legal gambling age in your region) to play at online casinos like Rivalry. If you ever feel like you're losing control, take advantage of responsible gambling tools or seek help from the support team, who can provide advice and direct your towards free resources.

Conclusion

In the end, the best strategy for baccarat is the one that fits your style and bankroll. Whether you prefer the Martingale strategy, the Fibonacci system, or the Paroli method, having a structured approach to your bets is key to long-term success. And remember, always manage your bankroll effectively, set limits, and avoid chasing losses.

Also, keep in mind that—like all casino games—baccarat is still a game of luck. But with the right strategy, you can increase your odds of walking away a winner. So whether you're enjoying a live traditional baccarat session or playing online baccarat, remember these strategies and enjoy the excitement of the game.

Ready to put your strategy to the test?

Sign up to Rivalry today and dive into a top-tier baccarat experience, with real dealers, great promos, and plenty of tables to flex your card skills and trial what you've learned. GLHF!