Baccarat continues to be popular among casino games because it offers the lowest house edge—typically around 1%. New baccarat players that want to know why this game is a good value would do well to learn the baccarat probabilities behind the three baccarat bets.

Baccarat Math—Baccarat Bets

The first step in understanding baccarat odds is learning the statistical difference between the “player” and the “dealer” position. The “player” position carries a house edge of 1.36%, whereas the “dealer” position has a house edge of 1.17%.

In terms of baccarat probabilities, the slightly higher edge of the “dealer” position means that the “dealer” will generally come out ahead in the long run. However, there is no way of knowing how much time will be necessary for the “dealer” to take the edge over the “player."

Baccarat Math—Consider the Number of Decks in Play

If you really want to be successful at working the baccarat odds, you need to locate the tables that use the smallest numbers of decks at once. By lowering the number of decks in use, a casino raises the baccarat probabilities and odds in favor of the baccarat players.

A typical game of six-deck baccarat has a house edge of 1.06% for the “dealer”, 1.24% for the “player” and 14.44% for the “tie” position. Compare this to the baccarat odds of a single deck game. In single deck baccarat, the house edge for the “dealer” is 1.01%, the “player” is 1.29%, and tie carries a house edge of 15.75%.

It is interesting to note that while the “player” and “dealer” positions carry lower house edges when fewer deck are in use, the house edge on the “tie” baccarat bets increases. This means that if you are lucky enough to find single deck baccarat, you shouldn't bet on the tie position. In light of these baccarat probabilities, the more prudent strategy is to stick to the “dealer” and “player” positions when the house edge inches up on the “tie”.

Baccarat Math—Enjoy the Game

You need to remember before playing baccarat that the game is ultimately set up to favor the house. Regardless of your momentary losses or gains, the casino will always win in the long run. Baccarat players that come to the table with the right philosophy can enjoy their wins in spite of their losses. After all, baccarat is about the experience more than the payouts.