Banker vs Player (and what the commission really does)
- Banker bet: best baseline. Standard games charge a 5% commission on Banker wins to balance the slight edge.
- No-Commission tables: skip the 5% but apply special pay rules (e.g., Banker 6 pays 1:2). It feels cheaper; check the fine print—price can be similar or slightly worse than standard.
- Player bet: simple 1:1 payout, slightly higher long-run cost than Banker on most rulesets.
- Ties: high payout, high variance—treat as entertainment only.
Side bets: fun spice, expensive calories
Pairs, Super 6, Dragon, Perfect Pair—great theater, higher house cost. If you must, keep total side-bet exposure at ≤ 25% of your main unit (or skip entirely in short blocks).
Quick rule: Prefer standard Banker with 5% commission or a transparent No Commission table you understand (e.g., Banker-6 half-pay). Avoid stacking side bets.
Table limits & unit sizing
- Flat unit: 0.8–1.5% of your session bankroll per hand.
- Limit fit: pick a table where the minimum matches your unit—no forced “round ups.”
- Hand pace: live dealer ~60–75 hands/hour; speed tables more. Faster pace = lower unit.
12-minute baccarat block (plug & play)
- Min 0–2: choose a clear ruleset (standard 5% commission or known No-Commission variant). Lock a flat unit.
- Min 2–10: main wager on Banker (or Player if preferred); zero side bets or token micro-stakes only.
- Min 10–12: bank 15–25% on a new session high; stop if drawdown hits −15% from peak. Record hands played and net result.
Common mistakes (and fixes)
- Chasing ties/pairs after near-misses: variance bait → keep main bet flat; side bets optional and tiny.
- Switching rules mid-block: muddles pricing → commit to one ruleset per block.
- Raising after losses: progressions lift variance, not value → keep unit steady, end on time.
Quick checklist
- Ruleset understood (5% commission or specific No-Commission payout adjustments).
- Flat unit set; table min fits your plan; no side-bet creep.
- Timer on 12 minutes; bank peaks; stop at −15% from peak. 18+