Tips for the Baccarat Player

Baccarat is a fun and simple game to learn how to play. No matter if you are new or a seasoned pro at the game, players are always looking for tips to improve their chances against the house. There are some things to take into consideration, both the good and bad.

The good thing is that there are only three possible bets in baccarat, which increases your chance of success. The Player wins less often, but pays no commission to the house. The Banker statistically wins more, but pays a 5% commission to the house. The Tie hits rarely (odds around 14%) and the pay off shows it with an 8 to 1 return.

Another nice opportunity is to choose the baccarat variation that best suits you. The three variations, Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque and North American Baccarat, all have very different odds depending on the responsibilities of the house. The worst odds are in North American Baccarat since the pot is banked by the house. In the other two versions, the players take turns at being the Banker and actually use their own money to bank the game.

Remember that baccarat is a game of chance. There is no way to get around that, and even the best "systems" can not totally take away the house edge, no matter what they promise. Baccarat is a big target for system "inventors" to sell you a pipe dream, so don't fall for something that sounds too good to be true.

Understanding the rules of baccarat is the first, most basic tip that must not be overlooked. Remember that the Player will be dealt the 1st and 3rd card each time. The Banker gains advantage by having the last play. Knowing the Player and Banker "Rules" of when they must take their third card is essential.

Just a few reminders like these are good to refresh you if you haven't been to the tables in a while, or if you are still new to the game. Go in prepared and play full of confidence.