Why Math Says to Skip Baccarat

Baccarat looks good with a small house edge of 1.06% on banker bets. But when you look closer, the math shows big flaws that make it a poor pick for smart players.
Math Troubles in Baccarat
The game’s set rules and 5% cut on banker wins build a system where odds are always against you. Not like smart casino games such as blackjack or video poker where skill cuts down the house edge, baccarat has no way for players to swing the odds in their favor.
Better Math Choices
Math checks of other games show better odds: 이 사이트에서 자세히 보기
- Blackjack: 0.5% edge with good play
- Video Poker: Less than 1% edge with smart choices
- Some Craps Bets: Edges as low as 1.36%
The tough setup in baccarat, with its charges on winning banker bets, results in worse math for players, unlike other games where smart plays can shift the game.
Basics of Baccarat
Main Game Points
Baccarat, though fancy, is simple.
It’s about two hands – the “Player” and the “Banker” – and betting on which will be closer to nine.
Value and Scoring of Cards
Card values are easy:
- Number cards are worth the number on them
- Tens and faces are zero
- Go over nine, drop ten (so 15 becomes 5)
How Cards Are Dealt
The deal goes by strict rules:
- Both hands get two cards to start
- If either gets eight or nine, that’s a ‘natural’ and wins
- Next cards follow fixed rules if there’s no ‘natural’
Win Odds
Chances show clear patterns:
- Banker hand: Wins 45.86% of the time
- Player hand: Wins 44.62% of the time
- Tie: Happens 9.52% of the time
This math shapes good bets and drives key decisions in play.
Game Play Core
The game lets you bet at the start but not make moves during play.
You’re just guessing the outcome, no skill needed.
Set rules decide every play after bets, marking Baccarat as pure chance.
House Edge Math in Baccarat

Edge Percentages
The math lays out what the casino gets over you:
Banker bets are down 1.06%.
Player bets lose a bit more at 1.24%.
The worst part: Tie bets drag a huge 14.4%, bad for players.
Good Bets, Based on Math
Banker bets are smarter because they’re first to react to the Player’s hand.
Yet they charge 5%, landing you an edge of 1.06%.
The Odds, Really
Stats say Player bets are not great due to tough rules.
The Tie bet is a bad move. It only wins about 9.6% of the time.
A $100 bet likely means:
- $1.06 lost on Banker bets
- $1.24 lost on Player bets
- $14.40 lost on Tie bets
This math shows the best bets in Baccarat and how fixed rules control the casino’s edge.
Understanding Baccarat Betting Options
Key Bets in Baccarat
Baccarat has three main bets that shape the game. Gambling Is Becoming a Social Experience
Player Bet Explained
The Player bet hopes the Player hand wins. It comes with a 1.24% house edge and pays even.
Banker Bet Strategy
The Banker bet is the best statistically. It has only a 1.06% edge.
It pays even too, but the 5% fee means it’s best for those who know baccarat.
The Tie Bet
The Tie bet is for identical hand totals. It pays well at 8:1 or 9:1, but with a 14.36% edge, it’s not a good gamble for keeping your money.