As a game with unpredictability in its very essence, Baccarat has always managed to raise a certain amount of controversy. Thanks to its seemingly bulletproof structure which does not allow any strategies to penetrate its surface, it’s a tough nut to crack. Thankfully, there are players who enjoy tinkering with baccarat systems for more proficient betting.
However, baccarat strategies do exist and can be beneficial for your long-term results. For those whose passion for gambling rests on the very principles of chance and not knowing the outcome, Baccarat table is the very Mecca of suspense and thrill. And while the outcome of baccarat rounds cannot be predicted or manipulated, there is a difference between good and bad baccarat strategies. Generally, it revolves around maintaining tight control of your bankroll.
Baccarat betting systems are by far the most popular way of approaching this casino classic. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones.
Baccarat Betting Systems and How to Select the Best One
Top Baccarat betting systems should be able to help you improve your returns in the long run. However, betting systems in general are a controversial topic, and you should be aware of the downsides.
People would often argue that Baccarat betting strategy and systems can hardly bring sustainable results. The truth is, nothing can affect the outcome of a round of baccarat. The house edge and expected value in this game stay the same no matter what you do. As such, baccarat betting systems are designed around protecting your bankroll from losses or manipulating the stakes to try and win.
Casino Bloke will therefore present some of the main Baccarat system reviews and will gladly hear your feedback.
The most popular Baccarat betting systems are:
- Fibonacci
- Paroli
- Labouchere
- Martingale
- Shift 5
One thing you will definitely be able to control with these Baccarat betting systems is your bankroll, so this is where the accent should be placed when planning your approach and devising an optional Baccarat betting strategy.
As seen above, two of the most popular Baccarat systems preferred by the players are Fibonacci and Paroli, followed by Labouchere and Martingale.
If you still lack basic Baccarat knowledge about the house edge and optimal betting choices, it is important to mention that no self-respecting player will ever, under any circumstances, bet on Tie. This is, statistically, the bet with the worst possible odds and the highest house edge – 14.36%. Banker is the preferred choice of most Baccarat players unless you are looking to get rid of 5% commission, in which case you should go for the Player.
Having said that, we are ready to move onto Baccarat betting systems which refer to the methodology behind wagering and bet levels.
Fibonacci
This scheme is most commonly used with even-odd games and it follows the sequence where every next number is the total of the two preceding numbers. The best way to keep track and implement this system is to start the wagering process with a single unit, preferably the table limit, and increase it according to the Fibonacci sequence:
1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34 55…
In Baccarat, the system starts with the selected unit, which is repeated if the player loses and then increased on another losing bet. Each losing hand will result in a new increase until the player wins the hand, at which point the player should decrease the bet by going two numbers back in the sequence.
Every number in the sequence is the sum of the previous two, as per the Fibonacci sequence.
Why choose this Baccarat betting system?
Fibonacci is considered to be less damaging to the player’s balance than some other betting systems, so if you are afraid of drying out, this may be the way to go.
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Paroli
Paroli combines flat and progressive betting systems, introducing the first method with the losing hands and then switching to the progressive, gradually increased bets when the tide changes.
The startup amount is determined by the player and can be literally any percentage you choose – ideally, no more than 2% of the total you are willing to stake. The amount wagered remains unchanged for as long as you keep losing and doubles after the first win. The number of times one will double the bet is flexible and while some will restrict the bet doubling to three hands, others will be more daring in their progressions and press the bets until the winning streak expires.
It’s a very basic positive progression system in baccarat, though. Just double every time you win, and reset every time you lose.
Why choose this Baccarat betting system?
This system is very easy to learn and does not require having an abnormal budget, although there is a potential of draining your balance fairly quickly.
Labouchere
Labouchere is a negative progression system that is designed to make up for all the previously accumulated losses through a series of smaller winnings. One potential drawback of this system is its complexity; it starts with any sequence of numbers the player needs to write down.
1 2 3 4 5
The first bet should be the total of the first and last number, so looking at the sequence above, one will wager 6 units. In case you end up with a winning hand, remove 5 and 1 from the list and continue by betting the next first and last numbers total.
2 3 4
Should you happen to lose to original bet, add a new number to the sequence.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Why choose this Baccarat betting system?
Labouchere allows much more flexibility, enabling you to tailor your own betting pattern.
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Martingale
Just like Paroli, Martingale is also a cross between flat and progressive betting systems, only this time, you will flat bet for as long as you win and double the bets when you lose. This way, the players will end up with a positive balance once they finally win. Theoretically, this indicates that you will always stay ahead, but in reality, there is one tiny glitch that’s preventing Martingale from being a perfect betting solution – table limit.
Why choose this Baccarat betting system?
As a short-term solution, Martingale is an excellent choice.
Shift 5
This is a system still not as widely known as the rest from this list, although some preliminary reviews are quite favourable. We will not get into details about Shift 5 here, since we have already covered it in our What is Baccarat Shift 5 System? article.
How to choose the best Baccarat Betting Strategy?
Usually, the circumstances will determine the optimal Baccarat betting strategy.
For example, your current budget, the direction of the game and, more than anything else, what you yourself feel comfortable with. Not all players will respond well to a certain betting pattern not can they all be suitable for the budget at your disposal.
One other thing to bear in mind is your set of beliefs. Some of the above-described systems rest of the notion that winning and losing streaks exist, which may seem ridiculous to some, while others swear by it. Possibly, the best reference point to use when deciding on the optimal baccarat betting system is the money you can afford to wager in the long run.
Systems that are based on constant betting increases can cost you a fortune in only a single unfavorable hand, which means that some of the players will have no choice but to stick to the flat betting strategies, no matter how boring that is. If you find that unbearable, you can plan progressive betting according to your own budget and time. You can employ the selected system every second or even every third session – whenever you feel confident to try a different approach.
Play Only at the Best Casinos for Baccarat
Remember – no matter how good you are at baccarat, you need a good home to show off your skills. Choosing the right casino to play baccarat is absolutely crucial if you want to have a positive experience.
Once you are ready to manage your balance like a true professional, you can check out the Live Baccarat offer at Powbet, a casino known for its great promotional program, or the US friendly Vave.
If you’re looking for even more options for the good old game of Punto Banco, the Casino Bloke is here to help! Check out our list of top baccarat casinos for even more suggestions.