Top Tips for Playing Online Live Baccarat & Sic Bo

Understanding the Games

As mentioned, before playing either live baccarat or live sic bo, it is essential that you have a proper understanding of your game of choice.

Baccarat Explained

Baccarat is a card game involving two hands, the player’s and the banker’s. The objective is to bet on which hand will have a total value closest to nine. Cards two through nine carry their face value, while tens, jacks, queens, and kings count as zero. An ace is worth one point. If the total value exceeds nine, the second digit becomes the hand’s value. For example, a hand consisting of 7 and 8 (totalling 15) is worth 5 points.

Players can make three types of bets: on the player’s hand to win, the banker’s hand to win, or a tie. Betting on the banker’s hand offers slightly better odds due to the game’s rules, but it typically involves a commission on winnings.

Sic Bo Explained

Sic Bo is a game of chance played with three dice. The main goal is to predict the outcome of the dice roll. Bets can be placed on various outcomes, including the total of the three dice, any single number appearing, two specific numbers appearing, or a combination of numbers. Each type of bet has different odds, and payouts vary accordingly.

For instance, betting on the total score of the dice to fall between 11 and 17 (excluding triples) offers a relatively low payout but has a higher probability of occurring. Conversely, betting on a specific triple can offer a high payout but is much less likely to occur.

Understanding the odds and betting options in both games is crucial for making informed decisions. In baccarat, focusing on bets with lower house edges can be beneficial, while in sic bo, diversifying bets to cover a range of outcomes may increase the chances of winning. Knowing the rules and strategies of each game enhances the gameplay experience and can lead to more successful outcomes.

Strategic Gameplay Tips

Once the basics have been mastered, it is time to start looking at strategic tips that may help improve the chance of winning. None of the following tips is complicated, but all of them will help build a winning strategy.

Baccarat Tips

• Banker Bet Strategy: The banker bet is one of the safest bets in baccarat due to its lower house edge, approximately 1.06%. This means for every 100 units wagered, you might expect to lose only 1.06 units in the long run. Despite a common commission of 5% on winnings from this bet, it remains the most statistically advantageous option. For example, if you bet 20 units on the banker and win, you would receive 19 units in winnings, after the commission.
• Money Management: Effective money management is critical in baccarat. Establish a budget before playing and divide this budget into units based on how long you wish to play. For instance, with a $100 budget, you might create 50 units of $2 each. This method helps limit losses and encourages disciplined betting. A common strategy is to increase your bet after a win and return to your original bet size after a loss, aiming to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses.
• Avoiding Tie Bets: The tie bet may seem appealing with payouts of 8:1, but its high house edge of around 14.36% makes it a risky choice. The probability of a tie occurring is relatively low, making this bet less favourable for consistent strategy. It’s generally recommended to avoid tie bets to preserve your bankroll.
• Following Trends: Some players like to bet based on observed patterns or streaks. While no outcome in baccarat is influenced by previous results, some find it useful to bet on the hand that has been winning. Remember, each hand is an independent event, but if following a pattern keeps your betting disciplined, it might be worth considering.
• Knowing When to Stop: Set winning and losing limits before you start playing. For example, if you’ve won or lost 20 units, it might be time to stop playing. This strategy helps protect your winnings and prevent large losses.
• Playing Fewer Decks: Games played with fewer decks may slightly reduce the house edge on the banker bet. If possible, choose tables that use fewer decks to increase your odds slightly.

Sic Bo Tips

• Choosing Bets Wisely: Sic Bo offers a wide range of betting options, each with different odds and house edges. Focusing on bets with lower house edges, such as the small or big bets, can be a more reliable strategy. These bets predict whether the total of the dice will be small (4-10) or big (11-17), excluding triples, and typically have a house edge close to 2.78%. This means they offer nearly a 50-50 chance of winning, making them a safer choice for steady play.
• The Low-Risk Approach: Beginners or those looking to minimize risk should consider sticking to simple bets. Apart from small and big bets, one can also place bets on specific doubles or any triple. Although the payouts for these bets are lower compared to more specific wagers, they provide a higher probability of winning, thus maintaining your bankroll over a longer period.
• Avoid High-Risk Bets: High-risk bets, such as specific triples or totals, come with high payouts but also a significantly lower chance of winning. For example, betting on a specific triple might offer a payout of 180:1, but the probability of hitting this bet is only 0.46%. Such bets should be made sparingly, if at all, as part of a broader strategy that primarily focuses on more reliable wagers.
• Diversifying Your Bets: To spread the risk, consider placing multiple bets that cover various outcomes within the same roll. This approach can include combining a bet on big with a bet on a specific double or betting on a range of number totals. By diversifying bets, you can increase your chances of winning on each roll, although it’s crucial to manage your bets to ensure you’re not just increasing your potential losses.
• Setting Limits: Before playing, decide on a maximum amount you are willing to lose and stick to it. Similarly, set a winning goal. If you reach your winning or losing limit, take it as a sign to stop playing. This discipline helps protect your bankroll and ensures gambling remains a fun and safe entertainment form.
• Analysing the Table Layout: Familiarize yourself with the Sic Bo table layout and the odds associated with each type of bet. Understanding where and how to place your bets efficiently can save time and reduce mistakes, especially in a fast-paced game environment.

Advanced Tips for Experienced Players

Experienced players can refine their strategies in both baccarat and sic bo by making use of advanced techniques and a deeper understanding of game dynamics.

Advanced Baccarat Tips

• Pattern Recognition: While each hand in baccarat is an independent event, some players track patterns in the outcomes of the hands to guide their betting decisions. This involves noting trends such as streaks of wins on the banker or player sides. An advanced player might adjust their betting strategy based on these observed patterns, bearing in mind that the fundamental odds of the game remain unchanged.
• Bet Variation: Instead of consistently betting the same amount, consider varying bet sizes based on the outcome of previous rounds or perceived patterns. This could mean increasing bets during a winning streak or reducing them after a loss. However, this approach requires careful bankroll management to avoid significant losses.

Advanced Sic Bo Tips

• Risk Management: Advanced players understand the balance between risk and reward. By selectively incorporating higher risk bets into their strategy, they can capitalize on the potential for higher payouts. For example, if small bets have been consistently winning, an occasional wager on a specific double might be warranted based on the state of play.
• Observing Dealer Habits: In live casino environments, some players observe dealers for any consistencies in dice rolling techniques that might affect the outcome. While the effect is minimal due to the randomness of dice rolls, keen observers might occasionally notice patterns that can inform their betting choices.
• Leveraging Bonuses: Take advantage of casino bonuses and promotions to extend playtime or increase bet sizes without additional risk to your bankroll. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to ensure these bonuses can be used effectively in your strategy.
• Psychological Stamina: Maintaining focus and discipline over long gaming sessions is crucial. Experienced players know when to take breaks and how to manage the psychological pressures of winning and losing streaks.

Incorporating these advanced tips requires a solid understanding of the games’ fundamentals, disciplined bankroll management, and a willingness to adapt strategies based on ongoing game dynamics.

Join the Action at mr.play

The live casino tables are always open here at mr.play and our friendly dealers are waiting to welcome you. Head over to the casino and join the action playing live baccarat and live sic bo today.