Is Baccarat a Game of Skill?
Most advice sites like ours will tell you that baccarat is primarily a game of skill. But, that’s not entirely the truth, since it still depends on an element of chance. Everything about online casino baccarat is also influenced by luck because no outcome is dependent on the last.
So, since baccarat is a game of chance, how can you influence how much you win? Many sites recommend betting strategies and some underhanded tricks. These are supposed to increase your chances of winning, though that’s hard to guarantee.
Then, you’re probably wondering: “how can I beat a game of chance like Baccarat” without these strategies? Well, we’ve got a list of handy tricks for you to try.
Keeping Score, Odds & Payouts
Before you do anything, learn the rules of baccarat and what you need to do while playing. Since the game has a strict set of guidelines, you can learn them quickly and just play. First, find out what the player and the banker have to do when they have a specific total. Secondly, factor in your bets and any rules about those.
- Since the aim of the game is to get a hand total of 9, the rules are based on this outcome.
- In baccarat casino games, your cards are dealt after you place a bet on yourself, the banker, or a tie. Experts always suggest taking the banker bet, even if you have to pay a 5% commission on a win.
- If neither you nor the dealer gets a natural nine or eight, then you get another card.
With the rules in mind, look at your possible bets: on the banker winning, on you winning, or a tie. As it’s such a straightforward game, you can then take a look at the statistics for a single deck of cards:
| Types of Bets | House Edge | Odds | Payout | Commission |
| Banker Bet | 1.06% | 45.8% | 1:1 | 5% |
| Player Bet | 1.24% | 44.6% | 1:1 | – |
| Tie Bet | 14.40% | 9.6% | 8:1 to 9:1 | – |
What You Can Try to Beat a Game of Skill
According to some expert blogs, your best strategy to play baccarat is to keep track of the cards (card counting) and bet on a progression system. Neither of these tricks will work online, and land-based casinos hate counters.
Even James Bond loses a hand or two in Casino Royale, so it’s okay to take the losses with the wins. After all, it’s about playing the game, not gaming the system.
Answer: “Is Baccarat a Game of Skill?”
No, baccarat is a game of luck that requires a little skill to play because of the rules. While this might seem ambiguous, it’s the conclusion of multiple expert players, high rollers, and others.
So, when you’re sitting at a baccarat table, remember that the universe is not against you. All you need to do is work on your play style and take the safest bet.
