Key Baccarat Tips
If you are new to baccarat, the game may seem a little intimidating. It is designed to look that way, but the game is really rather simple. There are only a few basic tips to remember for maximizing the enjoyment of your baccarat experience.
Key Baccarat Tip No. 1: Never Bet the Tie
In baccarat, you have the option to bet on the player, the banker or a tie. Although the odds on the banker are slightly better, some players prefer to bet on their "own" hand. A player should never bet on the tie. The odds on this bet are tempting, 7-to-1 and sometimes 8-to-1. However, the House edge is very large on this bet, over 14 percent, compared to around one percent for betting on the player or banker.
Key Baccarat Tip No. 2: Keep Track of Commissions
For every winning banker bet, the player must pay the casino a five percent commission. In a live casino, the dealer keeps track of the commissions and collects them at the end of the shoe or when the player leaves the table. Make sure you are also keeping track of how much you owe in commissions and that you have enough money to pay before you leave.
Key Baccarat Tip No. 3: Don't Worry About Trends
The casino will provide sheets that you can use to keep track of how often the banker or player wins. These trends have no predictive outcome on subsequent hands. You can follow trends if you like, but raising your bet with the expectation that a certain side is "due" to win will not improve your chances.
