Baccarat Strategies & Tips

Philippines AcceptedBaccarat is one of the staple casino games that you will find in any casino around the world. There is no skill required to play the game of Baccarat as it is essentially an educated guessing game. Baccarat is a card game played between two hands, the dealer's hand, and the player's hand.

This page will explain the game of Baccarat, how to bet on the game and several popular strategies used by seasoned Baccarat players. You can try these strategies out at legal Philippines online casinos, mobile casinos, or at the tables in Manila.

How To Bet On Baccarat

Betting on Baccarat is successfully guessing who will win the draw. Players have three options they can bet on; the dealer, the player, or a tie. There is no skill involved in the game of Baccarat.

Based on the rules, the winning hand will be the closet cards totaling nine after the points are added up. Face cards and ten’s are considered zeros, ace’s count as one, and card values totaling more than ten subtract the first number of the total.

Bets are determined by where you place your chips on the table. A player bet has a house edge of 1.24%, and after a 5% commission, the house edge on a banker bet is 1.06%. A winning bet on a tie will pay out 8 to 1, but a tie bet is often considered a bad bet because the house edge is 14.36%.

Top Online Baccarat Casino For Filipinos
(Most Reputable)

Betonline Sportsbook And Casino

Screenshot of Betonline Casino website

BetOnline has all the Baccarat action you are looking for. Choose between three different Baccarat games and choose a minimum table between $1-$1000.

BetOnline is a great option for all Asian players. New Philippine players can claim a 100% bonus up to $3,000 over your first 3 deposits and take advantage of other great bonus offers over the life of the account.

Navigate to the table games section to see all the table games you can access under one single user account.

Visit Betonline Sportsbook & Casino

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Baccarat Rules

Baccarat logoThe best strategy you can use when playing Baccarat is knowing the rules. Knowledge of the rules and how the game plays out can help inform you to make better bets. Below you will find the rules of the game.

  • Bets are placed on the table before the cards are issued.
  • The hand starts when the dealer draws two cards for each player and then himself.
  • If either hand draws an 8 or a 9, both the dealer and the player must stand.
  • Player cards are always first drawn.
  • If the player’s total is five or less, then the player will receive another card. Otherwise, the player will stand.
  • When the numbers are greater than 9, the first number must be dropped (ex. 16 = 6).
  • If the player stands, then the banker hits on a total of 5 or less.
  • Only one additional draw is permitted depending on the card totals.
  • Tie bets pay out 8 to 1.
  • Player bets are paid out at 1 to 1.
  • There is a 5% commission on banker bets.

Are the rules the same when playing baccarat online?

Yes. The rules of the game are the same when playing online baccarat. Reputable online casinos will post their rules and ranks on the gameplay page for their users to access. The rules are posted for new players and anyone who may need them for reference. You will also find payout scales for tie bets and dragon bets which can sometimes vary from site to site.

Are the rules the same when playing live dealer baccarat online?

Yes. The rules of live dealer Baccarat are the same when playing the classic table game. One advantage of playing live dealer games online are the side bets. Players looking for the dragon bonus side bet will only find that option in the live dealer version.

Live dealer games traditionally have higher table limits. While you can easily find $5 tables (261 PHP) when playing live games, you can also find $1 (52 PHP) buy-ins playing the RNG games. However, live dealer Baccarat offers the traditional casino environment wherever you choose to play.

What Is a Dragon Bet?

A Dragon bet is a side bet that can be placed during a game of live dealer Baccarat when the hand is a natural winner, or when the hand wins by 4 or more points. Dragon bets are popular among Baccarat players because the payout levels can reach 30:1. The Dragon bet payout scale at BetOnline is currently:

  • Natural - 1:1
  • Win by 4 - 1:1
  • Win by 5 - 2:1
  • Win by 6 - 4:1
  • Win by 7 - 6:1
  • Win by 8 - 10:1
  • Win by 9 - 30:1

Baccarat Odds By Hand

Some experts suggest that betting on the banker every time is the best bet because of the estimated odds per hand. While there looks to be a slight advantage towards the dealer, players must remember that there is a 5% commission paid on banker bets according to the rules. Experts estimate that the odds of Baccarat are as followed.

  • Banker – 843%
  • Player – 615%
  • Tie – 543%

Strategy icon

Popular Baccarat Betting Strategies

Seasoned bettors choose to play Baccarat because the casino edge is small compared to other table games. Since Baccarat is essentially a guessing game with no real skill involved, most strategies involve gut feelings rather than solid math. Below you will find some strategies that are commonly associated with the game of Baccarat.

Follow The Shoe

Players who use the “follow the shoe” method are betting on the last winner. If the dealer won the last hand the player will bet on the dealer for the next hand. These type of bettors are essentially looking to ride a lucky streak.

Play The Chop

Players who choose to use the “play the chop” method are essentially betting on the last loser. These type of betters are also looking to ride a lucky streak.

Betting The Trend

This strategy is when bettors place their bets on who has been winning the most. For example, a bettor might bet on the player three times in a row before switching their bet. This type of betting works well when the flop seems to be leaning to one side repeatedly. Just remember the flop will change.

Positive Progressions

The positive progression strategy is when bettors increase their bet after each win and decrease their bet after each loss. In theory, this strategy will help increase winnings if you go on a streak while keeping your losses to a minimum if your luck happens runs out. Some experts swear by this strategy, but it has also garnered many skeptics.

Negative Progressions

The opposite of positive progressions. This strategy involves reducing your bet after each win and increasing your bet after each loss. The theory behind this strategy is that when you increase your bet eventually a big win will offset your losses. The biggest concern with this strategy is blowing through your money.

Flat Betting

Flat betting is a strategy used by many beginners and consists of placing the same “flat” bet every hand. This strategy is known to minimize risk but also decreases your chances of a big win.

Common Baccarat Terminology

Baccarat – The worst hand in Baccarat. Baccarat translates to zero.
Hit – When a stack of cards receives an additional card.
Hold – When a stack of cards does not need another card.
House Edge – The advantage the casino has over the player.
La Grande – The best hand in Baccarat. A score of nine.
La Petite – A score of eight.
Monkey – Slang for face card or a ten.
Natural – A pair of cards off the deck that equals an 8 or a 9.
Pass – A win.
Push – A bet that is neither a winner or a loser but rather pushed to the next round.
Run – A side bet option allowing you to bet on a series of hands.
Shoe –
An automatic card dealing machine the dealer uses. Shoes typically contain six to eight decks.
Shooter – The bank.
Skill –
A joke used to indicate a player has had a good run.

Baccarat Card Counting

Baccarat card counting has gained popularity in recent years. While the trade is only known to give a slight advantage to the counter, many experts agree that the edge is not worth the time. Card counting is most commonly associated with blackjack and poker.