There is a reason we keep coming back to the casino. It's the thrill of being one step closer to that elusive jackpot. Although you know, rationally, that all games have an in-built house advantage, you also know that if you play your cards right (literally) that you could find yourself substantially wealthier than when you first arrived. Of course, you could just have a thing for that busty cocktail waitress by the slot machines, but we’ll assume for all intents and purposes that money is your goal.

It's important that when it comes to baccarat that you learn good money management techniques. Many of the principles upon which these techniques are based can be applied to all casino games. Others, though, are game–specific.

Tip #1:
Take note of the house commission on the banker hand

Many players erroneously assume that the banker is synonymous with the house. This is not true. The banker and player are merely two hands on which all table players can bet. These two hands have their own unique rules, regulations and procedures. When looking at the odds, it's clear that the player hand has a slightly lower house advantage than the bank. You might think that the banker hand is the better choice, but bear in mind that the house will take a 5% commission on all your wins on banker hand. In many casinos, this commission is not taken after a successful win on each round, but rather when the player wants to leave the table and move on to other games. If you're not careful about good money management, you can find yourself in the unfortunate position of owing the house more than you realize. If necessary, keep a written and running count of how much you owe the house at each stage of the game. This will help mitigate any unfortunate financial blunders.

Tip #2:
Use the pocket trick to determine when you’ll walk away

The pocket trick is an effective and easily trackable tool to manage your bankroll. You keep the bankroll for the current baccarat game in one pocket and place all your bets with it. When you win, you place all your winnings in the other pocket. If, or when, you find that your left pocket is empty, it is the best time to quit the table. This will help you hold on to the game limit and keep yourself from betting with your winnings.

Nifty huh? No counting out chips, using protracted calculation and trying to remember how much of your current kitty is original bankroll and how much is genuine profit. Just two pockets.

Tip #3:
Don’t get caught in a punto- or banco-only rut

if you find that you're coming up against a streak of either the player or the bank hand trumping, then free yourself up to vary your bets on both hands at different points in the game. This won't make a statistical difference to your chances, but it can help with the crucial psychological dimension to the game –helping to keep you motivated if you find yourself on a bit of a losing streak.

Learn more about baccarat:

• Baccarat Tips
• Baccarat Strategies
• Baccarat Game Reviews/Previews