Baccarat For Small Bets
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Baccarat has earned itself an air of sophistication over time, often associated with high rollers and luxury. But those with limited bankrolls can still enjoy its sophistication by making small bets and learning the fundamentals.
Lou is relaxing in the Peacock Lounge of Hard Rock Casino’s high-roller section and enjoying some musical beats booming from speakers. A dealer approaches and asks if he has played baccarat before; although he hadn’t, Lou confesses he was intrigued by its rituals and Bond-esque mystique.
Contrary to blackjack, where players use complex strategies for an edge, baccarat is a game of pure chance; yet that has not stopped affluent gamblers from flocking to it in large numbers. According to Bill Zender – former Nevada Gaming Control agent and casino executive who wrote an authoritative book on managing casino games – Asian high rollers in particular have increasingly made baccarat their go-to game over two decades.
Zender attributes the success of baccarat to its cultural relevance for Chinese and other Asian high rollers, who tend to prefer games where skill plays a lesser role than it does in America. And for those comfortable with chance-based gambling games like baccarat, the odds of winning at it can actually be very good; especially if following specific strategies.
One of the more widely utilized baccarat betting systems is known as “the Martingale,” wherein every loss requires you to double your bet; with the hope that one win can eventually cover all previous losses and provide you with a profit equaling that of the original bet. This method works best when combined with having sufficient bankroll for covering losses as well as discipline to follow it through.
Bet on the Player Hand as often as possible for optimal odds (1.5% house edge), and for as little as $20 bets. Banker hands offer slightly better odds but require more skill to play and money to wager upon them.
Bet on a Tie in BaccaratThe third bet you can make in baccarat is on a tie, paying 8-to-1 but according to an experienced gambler I know, its actual odds are 15-to-1 — making this bet one of the riskiest bets available at casinos. Still, many baccarat enthusiasts can’t resist placing large bets based on gut intuition or random trends when betting against this long shot!