Quick Answer: What Is Flat Betting In Baccarat?
Flat betting = using one consistent unit size.
Example:
- your unit is $10
- you bet $10 on Banker (or Player) each hand
- you don’t increase to $20 after wins
- you don’t double after losses
You can still take breaks or sit out hands, but your bet size stays stable.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Baccarat.
Why Flat Betting Works So Well In Baccarat
Flat betting doesn’t “beat” baccarat.
What it does is protect you from yourself.
1) It Stops Chasing
Most baccarat losses don’t happen from one bad hand. They happen when someone loses a few hands and starts pressing.
Flat betting blocks that habit.
2) It Keeps Your Average Bet Under Control
Expected loss per hour is heavily driven by your average bet size.
Flat betting keeps that number predictable.
If you want the simple math behind that, read How Game Speed Affects Expected Loss Rates.
3) It Keeps The Game Calm
Flat betting makes baccarat feel smoother because:
- your swings are smaller
- your emotions stay quieter
- you don’t feel pressure to “fix it” with one big bet
That’s huge for staying out of tilt.
Step 1: Pick A Unit Size That Feels Boring
If your flat bet feels exciting, it’s too big.
A good target is:
- session bankroll = 50–100 units
Example:
- bankroll $500
- unit $5 to $10
More units means more room to handle streaks without panic.
If you need help picking a table that fits your unit, read How To Choose The Best Baccarat Table Limits.
Step 2: Choose Your Default Bet (Banker Or Player)
Flat betting works best when you keep it simple.
Pick one as your default:
- Banker (common choice for long-term value)
- Player (fine if you prefer it)
Then stick with it.
Bouncing between bets is how people start “pattern chasing.”
Step 3: Add A Simple Stop-Loss And Win Goal
Flat betting is safer, but it’s not magic. You still need session rules.
Stop-Loss (Your Walk-Away Line)
Common options:
- 20–30 units (tighter)
- 30–50 units (more room)
Win Goal (So You Don’t Give It Back)
Common options:
- 10–20 units
- 20–30 units
These numbers aren’t “correct” for everyone. They’re just clean guardrails.
If you want a full bankroll plan, read How To Manage Your Bankroll During Baccarat Play.
Step 4: Use Flat Betting With Intentional Breaks
This is a simple upgrade most people skip.
Instead of playing every single hand, do one of these:
- sit out 1 hand every 10 hands
- take a 2–3 minute break every 30 minutes
- pause after a big swing (up or down) before you bet again
Why this helps:
- it breaks autopilot
- it reduces hands per hour
- it keeps emotions from stacking
Step 5: Know The Common Flat Betting Mistakes
Mistake 1: Flat Betting… But Adding Side Bets
Side bets can quietly destroy “flat betting discipline.”
If you want flat betting to work, keep side bets:
- rare
- small
- capped
Mistake 2: Flat Betting Until You Get Bored
Boredom is a bankroll killer.
When people get bored, they:
- increase bet size
- chase streaks
- add Tie bets
- place side bets every hand
If you feel bored, take a break. Don’t “spice” the session.
Mistake 3: Flat Betting With A Unit That’s Too Big
If one losing streak makes you want to double, your unit is too large.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Game Speed
Flat betting is great, but fast tables still increase session cost.
If you want to manage pace, read The Role Of Dealer Behavior In Baccarat Pace.
A Simple Flat Betting Plan You Can Copy
Here’s a clean plan that works for most casual players:
- choose a unit size that gives you 50–100 units
- default bet: Banker
- flat bet every hand you play
- sit out 1 hand every 10–15 hands
- stop-loss: 30 units
- win goal: 15 units
- no Tie bets, minimal side bets
This won’t guarantee profit, but it will keep your session controlled.
When Flat Betting Is Not Enough
Flat betting fails when:
- you don’t follow your stop-loss
- you chase after a bad run
- you “just this once” double
- you let side bets become the real game
So the success of flat betting is not the math. It’s the discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flat Betting The Best Baccarat Strategy?
It’s one of the best strategies for bankroll control and discipline. It doesn’t remove the house edge, but it prevents common betting mistakes.
Should I Flat Bet Banker Or Player?
Either can work for flat betting. Banker is often chosen because it typically has the best long-term value on main bets.
Can Flat Betting Still Lose Money?
Yes. You can still hit losing streaks. Flat betting just keeps losses from exploding due to bet increases.
Does Flat Betting Work Better On Slow Tables?
Often, yes. Slower tables reduce hands per hour, which can reduce expected loss per hour.
Can I Use Flat Betting With Side Bets?
You can, but it often increases volatility and cost. If you do, cap side bets strictly.
Where To Go Next
You now know how to use flat betting to keep baccarat sessions stable: one unit size, simple default bets, breaks to avoid autopilot, and strict session limits.
Next, we’ll talk about when (if ever) it makes sense to increase or decrease bet sizes during baccarat play, and how to do it without falling into progressions and chasing.
Continue with When To Increase Or Decrease Bet Sizes In Baccarat.
