Does Card Counting Work in Baccarat?
Curious if card counting works in baccarat? We break it down for you here. The very nature of the game of baccarat makes the process of card counting seem rather useless. In games like blackjack, you count cards because there are still plays you can make regarding the cards. However, in Baccarat, the game is almost decided before you start, and you are simply betting on your luck.
Some expert players have used card counting in baccarat, but is it practical? Especially when you consider the fact that your bets come first before anything, and there isn’t any control on your part after that.
Well, there are baccarat games that have side bets that are made after the game has commenced and for such games yes you may use card counting. Using the strategy in this context will increase the accuracy of your bets.
If you are curious about how baccarat card counting works, then follow along as we break it down for you.
Updated: 07th May, 2025
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How do you read cards in Baccarat?
When you count cards, the point is not to memorize each card as it leaves the shoe. You do not need a baccarat card counting app to be a pro at this strategy. You split different cards into value groups.
There are five groups of values, +1, -1, 0, +2, -2. So instead of remembering each card in a six or eight-deck shoe you only have to worry about five values essentially. We have an easy step-by-step guide on using this baccarat strategy. Do not get intimidated by the numbers, once you figure this strategy out your online baccarat gaming experience will be changed forever, for the better of course.
There is a system of assigning values to each card that simplifies the whole process. As we have mentioned earlier, there are five value groups.
0 – 9, 10, K, Q, J
-1 – 5, 7, 8
+1 – A, 2, 3
-2 – 6
+2- 4
Is card counting still effective?
However, in counting cards, you have to make a mental note of how many cards have been handed out to have an idea of the decks left in the shoe. Note that you are not trying to remember each card that has been handed out, but the approximate number of cards so far dealt. This helps with the accuracy of your card count. The figure you come up with as you count cards should be proportional or in direct relation to the decks in the shoe. When your card count and the decks in the shoe are in tandem, this is known as true count. Learn how card counting compares between baccarat and other popular table games.
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