How to Use the Chinese Baccarat Strategy?

July 29, 2024
7 Minute Read

Baccarat is a table game particularly popular among Asian audiences, particularly Chinese gamblers, due to its simple yet high-octane action. Not surprisingly, Chinese players have devised strategies to purportedly increase their chances of beating the house.

Looking to master Chinese-style baccarat? Dive into our detailed guide to uncover expert Asian baccarat strategies and tips.

Elevate your gameplay with our comprehensive Chinese baccarat strategy insights.

What is Chinese Baccarat?

A group of men in suits is seated around a baccarat table, focused on their game in a casino. The atmosphere is serious, with players intently examining their cards and placing bets.

Baccarat is a popular fixture among casinos worldwide—-especially in China. While there isn’t a specific “Chinese baccarat” variant per se, the most popular baccarat game variants you will find at the tables of Macau, the gambling capital of China, are the traditional baccarat and no-commission baccarat variants (“Super 6”). 

Rules of Chinese Baccarat

As mentioned earlier, there isn’t an officially recognized variant of baccarat called “Chinese baccarat.” While some regional variations of table games may adopt unique house rules and cultural elements to distinguish them from their traditional counterparts, the basic rules of baccarat as it is played at Chinese tables remain by and large the same as traditional baccarat of no-commission (or “Super 6”) baccarat. 

Here’s a quick rundown on basic baccarat rules:

  • The goal is to wager on whether the Banker or Player will score a hand value equal to or closest to 9. 
  • The card values are as follows:
    • Aces = 1
    • Face cards = 0
    • All other cards from 2 to 9 represent their face value. 
  • The hand value is equal to the last digit of the sum of two cards.
  • Wagers are placed on either the Banker (pays out 0:95:1 in standard tables with the 5% going to the house as commission), the Player (pays out 1:1), or a Tie result (pays out 8:1).
  • The croupier deals two cards each to the Banker and Player hands.
  • Predetermined rules dictate when the Banker and Player are dealt a third card. No action is needed from the bettor.
  • The hand with the closest value to 9 wins. If both hands possess the same value and no more cards are drawn, the result is a Tie.
  • A good proportion of Chinese baccarat tables will offer no-commission baccarat. However, at these tables, a Banker win with 6 is paid out at half of the bettor’s wager. This variant also offers bettors the option to bet on a “Super 6,” which is a bet on the Banker winning with a hand of 6. It pays out at 12:1.

Gameplay and Strategies for Chinese Baccarat

Baccarat, as it is played at Chinese tables, is the same as it is for most baccarat tables in the world. As is the case with almost all baccarat variants, here’s how the gameplay goes: 

  • Join a baccarat table. Join a baccarat table at a physical casino or one of the hundreds of first-person or live dealer baccarat tables on offer at Lucky Block Casino. 
  • Place your bets. Once the betting time commences, select your chips and place them on the designated area which indicates the bet you wish to make. In single-player online baccarat, there is no time limit, while online live dealer baccarat and physical tables have a set time when you can bet.
  • Wait for the game to begin and the cards to be dealt. Once you’ve placed your wager and betting time is over, the croupier will deal the cards based on baccarat rules. Bettors only need to wait for the outcome once all cards are drawn.
  • Winners get paid out. Once the final outcome is determined, the croupier will announce the winning hand. If you made the wager on the winning hand, your bet will be paid out.

Here’s a quick rundown of some popular baccarat betting strategies regardless of variant. Do take note that none of these strategies guarantee a surefire win, considering baccarat is a game of pure chance. 

  • Try to reduce the house edge: The best way to keep the house edge at a minimum is to favor the Banker bet, which has the lowest house edge in the game at 1.06%
  • Martingale strategy: This aggressive baccarat betting strategy has you doubling your stake after every loss with the idea of recouping your losses and being up by twice your initial stake with the next win. However, this strategy can be extremely risky if you run into an extended losing streak.
  • Reverse Martingale strategy: This is a less aggressive version of the Martingale, which has you double your bet after every win to maximize your profits when you hit a winning baccarat streak. This means you would bet a flat amount until you win. This limits your losses in case of a losing streak while maximizing your profits each time you win a round. 
  • Flat betting strategy: The flat betting system is a conservative approach involves betting the same amount every round, minimizing risk and helping maintain your bankroll over time.
  • Secret pattern strategy: The baccarat pattern strategy involves looking for patterns in the game to inform your bets, although it’s important to remember that baccarat is fundamentally a game of chance, and patterns may not always predict future outcomes.
  • 1-3-2-4 strategy: The 1324 baccarat strategy involves a four-bet sequence designed to maximize profits while minimizing risk. Bet 1 unit, then 3 units, then 2 units, and finally 4 units. If you lose at any point, return to 1 unit.

Differences Between Chinese and Traditional Baccarat

A mixed group of men and women, dressed formally, is engaged in a game of baccarat at a luxurious casino. The setting is elegant, with chandeliers and upscale décor, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the game.

Baccarat, as it is played in China, is essentially the same game as traditional baccarat. The gameplay mechanics remain the same, as do most betting options save for no-commission baccarat tables that offer other side bets, and so does the house edge. 

Perhaps a better way to highlight the differences between baccarat as it is played at Western baccarat tables and at Asian baccarat tables are the customs during the conduct of the game. Here are some customs at Asian baccarat tables that players ought to be aware of:

  • Superstition. Asian gamblers, in general, are superstitious. Saying words that could be misconstrued as homophones or synonyms for loss or interrupting players when peeling the cards is frowned upon.
  • Pinching the cards. Each player has their own style in pinching and peeling the cards. Be patient, don’t interrupt, and don’t rush them. 
  • Pay attention to verbal cues. Players may shout words like “kong” (to express their desire for a face card) or blow on cards to avert certain unwanted numbers. It’s all part of the game. Observe and watch the game unfold.
  • The presence of lucky charms and accessories. Expect some players to wear red apparel or accessories, which is a lucky color in Asian cultures. Some players may bring lucky charms and set them on the table at times 
  • Mind your manners. While the game can be vigorous and energetic, a modicum of respect and a quiet demeanor is always appreciated. Feel free to celebrate wins, but avoid being excessively loud or talkative.

Tips for Playing Chinese Baccarat

Beginners and professional baccarat players alike can employ these strategies regardless of variant and regardless of where you’re playing:

  • Always bet on the banker. Banker bets offer the lowest house edge in the game with 1.06% compared to Player bets with 1.24% and Tie Bets with 14% and above. 
  • Avoid making side bets. Avoid making side bets on Banker and Player Pairs; their higher payouts are offset by their extremely high house edge that favors the house winning. 
  • Stick to a preset bet amount. Keep your bet sizes the same as much as possible. This helps you avoid chasing losses in case you’re on the wrong end of a losing streak.
  • Play only with money you can afford to lose. Baccarat is a game of chance; therefore, set a budget before playing and stick to it. 
  • Quit when you’re ahead. Baccarat offers some of the lowest house edges out of all table games. Whenever you win, take profits and leave the table once you’ve hit your goals.

Conclusion

With a solid grasp of Chinese baccarat, including its rules, customs, and strategies, you’re ready to enhance your gameplay. Though similar to traditional baccarat, the unique cultural elements make it even more exciting.

For an even more modern twist, try playing baccarat with cryptocurrency at Lucky Block. Happy playing!

Learn more on baccarat:

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

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