The short truth about “consistent wins”
Baccarat is one of the fairest casino table games, but no betting system can flip the edge long-term. In standard eight-deck punto banco, the house edge is about 1.06% on Banker, 1.24% on Player, and roughly 14.36% on Tie when it pays 8:1. That’s why the core of playing “consistently” is table selection and bet selection—not progressions or patterns.
Some casinos advertise “no-commission” variants. Be careful: different versions change the math. For example, the Super 6/Commission-Free rules that pay only 1:2 when Banker wins with a total of 6 increase the house edge on the Banker bet to about 1.46%—worse than the regular Player bet. By contrast, EZ Baccarat keeps even-money Banker but pushes a three-card Banker 7, trimming the Banker edge slightly to ~1.02%.
Pattern-tracking and road maps are fun, but they don’t predict the next hand’s outcome. Scoreboards visualize history; they don’t change the probabilities on the next deal.
Quick rules and payouts, in plain English
You bet on which hand—Banker or Player—finishes closer to 9. Tens and face cards count as 0, aces as 1, all others at face value. Cards are dealt and, if totals are low, a third card may be drawn by fixed rules; players don’t “hit” by choice. Standard payouts: Player 1:1, Banker 1:1 minus 5% commission, Tie usually 8:1. The edges above assume eight decks and these common payouts.
Best bets and variants to pick or avoid
Standard baccarat (5% commission on Banker)
Banker remains the best long-term wager at about 1.06% house edge; Player is close behind at ~1.24%. Avoid the usual 8:1 Tie, which sits near 14.36%.
EZ Baccarat (Banker 3-card 7 pushes)
This version removes commission but turns a winning three-card Banker 7 into a push. Result: Banker improves slightly to ~1.02%. If the table offers Dragon 7 or Panda 8 side bets, skip them; their edges are much higher.
Commission-Free / Super 6 (Banker pays 1:2 on a 6)
Here, Banker’s edge worsens to about 1.46%. In this specific variant, Player is mathematically preferable to Banker for the main bet.
Pair and tie bets
Common pair bets and most “Egalité”/tie variants have significantly higher house edges than the main bets, even when they look tempting.
A simple, repeatable game plan
1) Choose the right table
Prefer standard 5% commission baccarat or EZ Baccarat over Super 6/“1:2 on 6.” This single choice determines most of your long-term results.
2) Default to Banker—except in Super 6
On standard or EZ tables, stick to Banker for the lowest edge. On Super 6, switch to Player as your default.
3) Skip side bets and the usual Tie
They spike volatility and the house edge. Focus on main bets only.
4) Ignore patterns and progressions
Road maps and betting ladders change variance, not expectation. Use them for fun if you like, but don’t confuse them with an advantage.
5) Don’t chase card counting online
With frequent shuffles and finite practical gain, counting has negligible real-world impact in online/live-dealer baccarat. Analysis shows only tiny reductions in house edge in extreme conditions.
Bankroll and session management
Decide your session budget and bet size before you start. A common, steady approach is a base unit near 1/50 of your session bankroll. Set a loss limit and a rough time limit; baccarat’s low edge can still grind a bankroll if you over-bet or over-play. If a casino temporarily lowers commission—say to 4%—Banker still has a small house edge (~0.6%), so discipline remains essential.
Side bets cheat sheet
| Side bet | Typical payout | What it covers | House edge (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon 7 (EZ) | 40:1 | Banker wins with a three-card 7 | 7.61% |
| Panda 8 (EZ) | 25:1 | Player wins with a three-card 8 | 10.19% |
| Player/Banker Pair | 11:1 | First two cards form a pair | ~10.36% (Player), higher for Banker |
| Perfect Pair (ver. 1) | 25:1 | Suited pair on either hand | Double-digit edge; varies by rules |
Numbers above come from combinatorial analyses on eight-deck shoes; exact figures vary with decks and pay tables, but they’re much higher than the main bets.
Fairness, licensing, and safer play
Only play at licensed operators. In Great Britain, you can verify a site’s status and see enforcement history in the Gambling Commission’s Public Register; the regulator also outlines live RTP monitoring and approved test-house procedures that keep games running as designed.
RNG games and live-dealer software are typically tested by accredited labs such as eCOGRA and GLI. Look for current seals or certificates in the casino footer or help pages.
If gambling stops being fun, use help resources. In the U.S., the National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER; in Great Britain, GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from all GB-licensed sites with one request.
FAQs
What’s the number-one way to play “consistently”?
Pick the right table and the right main bet. Standard/EZ tables with Banker defaults are your best baseline; avoid Super 6’s 1:2 on a 6 and skip side bets and the usual 8:1 Tie.
Does EZ Baccarat really help?
Slightly. By pushing a three-card Banker 7 instead of paying it, EZ trims Banker’s edge to around 1.02%—still not a player advantage, but marginally better than standard.
Should I follow streaks or road maps?
They don’t forecast the next result. Use them for entertainment only.
Is baccarat fixed online?
Licensed operators must use independently tested RNGs/live software, and regulators audit RTP and fault reporting. Always verify licensing and testing.
