Baccarat has long been synonymous with luxury and high-stakes gambling. Originating in 19th-century France, it quickly became a favourite among aristocrats and wealthy Europeans. Its simplicity, paired with just enough strategy to engage serious gamblers, made it a staple in the world’s most exclusive casinos, from Monte Carlo to Macau.

The game’s enduring appeal among the ultra-rich lies in its straightforward gameplay and the potential for massive wins. Unlike poker, which requires deep knowledge of hands, or blackjack, which demands constant decision-making, Baccarat relies heavily on chance, creating a thrilling atmosphere where fortunes can shift instantly. This makes it both exciting and sophisticated, a perfect match for high-rollers.

Hollywood has also bolstered Baccarat’s status, with its frequent portrayal in James Bond films reinforcing its image as the ultimate high-stakes game.

Baccarat Rules

At its heart, Baccarat is a straightforward card game with three betting options: the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. The game’s objective is simple: bet on which hand, Player or Banker, will come closest to a total of nine. In Baccarat, the hand names don’t refer to you or the dealer but rather two opposing sides of the table. To make it even easier, think of the Player as “Hand P” and the Banker as “Hand B.”

Knowing how the cards are valued is essential:

Cards 2 to 9 carry their face value.
Aces count as 1 point.
10s and face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 0 points.

Any hand over a total of nine subtracts 10 from its value, making the game all about coming closest to a perfect score of 9.

Graphic showing how the baccarat hand value is calculated

Capitalize on the Banker Bet

When playing Baccarat like the pros, the Banker bet is often the best statistical move. The Banker hand has a lower house edge (around 1.06%) compared to the Player hand’s edge (around 1.24%), making it the most favorable option. High rollers often bet heavily on the Banker hand, knowing that its odds are slightly better even after accounting for the 5% commission taken from Banker wins.

Casino experts like Frank Scoblete even recommend riding out winning streaks on the Banker hand. His strategy suggests placing consecutive bets on the Banker and switching to the Player hand only after a loss. It’s a calculated approach that minimizes losses while riding waves of Banker wins—exactly the kind of move that separates the amateurs from the billionaires.

The Third Card

Players start by placing their bets on either the Player, the Banker, or a Tie before the cards hit the table. After that, two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker. At this stage, a third card might come into play, based on a set of predefined rules that the dealer handles for you—no action needed on your part. But if you want a better understanding, here’s a quick breakdown of how the third card works in most Baccarat games:

Baccarat table outlining when the dealer draws a third card

If either the Player or Banker ends up with a total of 8 or 9 from their initial two cards, it’s called a "natural", and both hands stand. If the Player’s hand totals 5 or less, they’ll draw a third card. When the Player stands with a total of 6 or 7, the Banker only draws a third card if their hand totals 5 or less.

Avoid the Tie Bet—No Matter the Temptation

Although the Tie bet offers tempting payouts of 8:1 or even 9:1, it carries a high house edge (over 14%). Seasoned Baccarat players, including billionaires, know to avoid it. While a successful Tie bet can lead to a sizable payout, the odds of hitting it consistently are poor. Long-term success in Baccarat is about managing risk, and placing bets on a Tie is a fast way to chip away at your bankroll.

Manage your Bankroll

One of the critical factors that separate billionaire players from casual gamblers is disciplined bankroll management. Even at the highest levels of play, managing your money is paramount. High rollers set strict limits for how much they’re willing to bet—and, crucially, how much they’re willing to lose.

A great strategy is breaking your total bankroll into smaller session amounts. This way, even a losing streak won’t wipe you out. Smart players always walk away when they hit their limit, whether they’re up or down. This discipline ensures that the excitement of the game doesn’t lead to reckless decisions.

Betting Systems

While Baccarat is often considered a game of chance, certain betting systems can help players minimize losses and maximize gains during winning streaks. Two of the most popular systems among high-stakes players are the 1-3-2-6 and 1-3-2-4 strategies.

1-3-2-6 Betting System:

Start with a 1-unit bet.
After a win, increase the bet to 3 units.
Win again? Bet 2 units on the next hand.
On the fourth win, increase your bet to 6 units.
After the fourth round or a loss, return to the initial 1-unit bet.

1-3-2-4 Betting System:

Start with 1 unit.
Win, and bet 3 units.
Win again? Bet 2 units on the next hand.
After a third win, bet 4 units.
Like the 1-3-2-6 system, reset to 1 unit after a fourth win or any loss.

These systems are designed to capitalize on short winning streaks, allowing you to increase bets strategically while minimizing losses during down periods. However, they won’t overcome Baccarat’s inherent randomness, so remember to use them as part of a broader strategy.

Play the Long Game

One hallmark of billionaire Baccarat players is their ability to maintain their composure. Baccarat is a fast-paced game, and it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of quick wins and losses. However, experienced players approach the game with a long-term perspective. They understand that individual outcomes don’t determine overall success—what matters is playing consistently and strategically over time.

But don't just take our word for it. Here's how gambling legend Mikki Mase describes his success with Baccarat:

Conclusion: Think Like a Billionaire, Play Like a Pro

Mastering Baccarat is about more than just knowing the rules—it’s about refining your strategy and staying disciplined. High-stakes players win not because they rely on luck, but because they capitalize on every statistical advantage, manage their bankroll meticulously, and approach every hand with patience.

By focusing on the Banker bet, avoiding the Tie, implementing smart betting systems, and maintaining emotional control, you can elevate your Baccarat game to the next level. The billionaire mindset is all about playing smart and staying in the game for the long haul.

How to Master Baccarat Like a Billionaire