You may have heard some gamblers proclaim that no strategy can be used at the game of baccarat.  But what they meant to say is that no play-by-play, in-depth strategy (like the basic blackjack strategy) can be used at blackjack.  Far too often, after hearing this, many gamblers choose to avoid baccarat, thinking it is purely a game of chance.  Well, considering all casino games have elements of chance, this is not a good reason to keep from playing a game that gives one of the best Casino Advantages in the casino.

When baccarat is played with smart strategy tips, the House Edge has the potential of coming down to .6%.  Even if players do not even try using strategy, baccarat delivers a House Edge of 1.06%.  In order to get the House Edge down to below 1%, there are a few things to look for when choosing a casino to play baccarat at.  Although most casinos play baccarat with eight decks of cards and a 5% commission, sometimes it is possible to play baccarat during special promotions and tournaments that only use six decks and impose a 4% commission.  It is under these latter rules that players can take advantage of a .6% Casino Advantage.  Even if you cannot find a game with these conditions, you can still play on in a smart way that will help you win more hands than not.  While playing online baccarat, keep in mind the following:

• The Bank Hand offers a slightly lower House Edge than the Player Hand (even with a 5% commission)  Even though the odds are 50/50 for either hand to win, it is smart to make the majority of your bets on the Bank Hand.

• Pay attention to the amount of 4's and 6's leaving the deck.  If you see more 4's coming out of the deck, the Bank Hand has a slightly better probability of winning.  When you see more 6's coming out of the shoe, the Player Hand has a slightly better probability of winning.

• Bet with a streak, rather than against it.  If you notice at least three consecutive Player Hand or Bank wins, bet with the hand that is winning more often.  When hands begin to balance out, change back to betting on the Bank Hand most of the time.

• Do not keep up tie bets if the casino allows you.  The House Edge is too high.

• Always use money management skills when playing baccarat. This should entail setting yourself losing limits, as well as being comfortable with the stakes of the game.  If you think the stakes are too harsh on your bankroll, consider playing mini-baccarat, which has smaller stakes, but gives the same odds of winning.