Few casino games have the same air of sophistication and mystery that baccarat does. This is the game James Bond played, after all.
While in some cases the game is hidden in VIP rooms and behind velvet ropes, baccarat tables are also available in common casino halls, as well as in the best real money online casinos and sweepstakes casinos.
One of the most persistent superstitions in baccarat is the belief that the time you play affects your odds of winning.
As we’ll soon see, your odds stay the same no matter what time of day you play. However, everything else about your baccarat gameplay experience can change based on when you hit the tables. So read this guide written by our casino gambling experts to learn when is the best time of the day to play baccarat for you.
♠️ Baccarat 101: How the Game Works
Despite baccarat’s elegant reputation, it’s quite a simple game at heart.
There are two positions in each hand: the player and the banker. Before the hand, you can bet on whether the player’s or banker’s hand will win, or you can also bet on a tie.
Players don’t actually “play” a hand or make strategic decisions like they do in blackjack. They simply place bets on who they think will win.
Both the player and banker are dealt two cards, and the aim is to get as close to 9 as possible. Tens and face cards are worth nothing, aces count as one, and every other card is its face value.
If you reach double digits, only the digit on the right counts. A 13 would become a 3, for example.
The banker has slightly better odds of winning, making it the most popular bet in the game.
🌅 Morning Baccarat: Calm and Controlled
Playing in the morning is an excellent choice for newbies or casual players. The casino is likely to be sparsely populated at this time of day, making it easier to get a seat at your desired limit.
In many cases, you may well be the only player at the table, giving you plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Playing in the morning at a land-based or online casino won’t be as glamorous as playing deep into the night, but it won’t be as packed with pressure, either.
🌇 Afternoon Baccarat: Balanced Play
If you’re looking for more excitement than the morning shift offers (but you don’t feel quite ready for prime time just yet), then the afternoon is a wonderful compromise.
There’s more energy than in the morning, but the casino isn’t quite humming at full speed just yet. You’ll get more social interaction, plus better table variety.
Another benefit is that many casinos run special promos for players during this time, giving you a little extra value.
🌌 Night Baccarat: Glamour and High Stakes
Once you’ve got the game down, it’s time to graduate to the big leagues.
Nights are a magical time in a casino, with packed tables and high rollers everywhere. If you’re looking for thrills, this is the time to play. Expect bigger bets and more pressure.
Most players will be highly experienced, so they may not have much patience for anyone still learning the game. It’s best suited for those who already know what they’re doing.
🕰️ Choosing the Right Time for You
The “best” time to play will ultimately be up to you. If you want excitement, play at night. Mornings are for practice, and afternoons are somewhere in between.
Your ability to handle higher stakes and larger crowds will have a big impact on when you should play as well. Of course, you could skip those issues entirely by playing online, but sites may run promotions at certain times of the day that could impact your decision.
It’s a personal decision, and there aren’t really any wrong answers. But you can find some tips in the table below.
| Time of Day | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Morning (6 am - 11 am) |
Quieter tables, more personal attention from dealers, chance to practice without pressure |
Fewer tables open, lower energy atmosphere |
Beginners learning baccarat basics, casual low-limit players |
| Afternoon (11 am - 4 pm) |
Moderate table minimums, steady flow of players, balanced pace |
Still less variety than peak hours |
Recreational players, tourists seeking comfort play |
| Evening (4 pm - 10 pm) |
Peak energy, more tables open (including higher-stakes), exciting atmosphere |
Table minimums rise, harder to find lower-limit games |
Social players, medium-stakes gamblers, groups |
| Late Night (10 pm - 2 am) | High energy, thrill of fast-paced sessions, chance to play alongside serious bettors |
Expensive tables ($50+ common in Strip casinos, distractions, limited space at mini-baccarat |
High rollers, nightlife-seeking players |
| Overnight (2 am - 6 am) |
Very low minimums, quieter pace, dealers more relaxed, fewer distractions |
Limited table availability, fatigue can lead to poor decisions |
Dedicated baccarat enthusiasts seeking long playtime with smaller bankrolls |
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🟣 Myths About Baccarat and Timing
Some players will tell you that the banker goes on extended winning streaks at certain times of day. Strangely enough, these players never seem to have big wins to back up their big talk.
The truth is that each hand is independent, and the cards don’t care about the clock. Your odds are the same at noon and midnight, and you should make your decision based on probability, not old wives’ tales.
♦️ Conclusion
Your chances of coming out ahead at the table stay constant regardless of when you play. However, the time on the clock can affect how much fun you have along the way.
The earlier it is, the more likely you are to have a calm, relaxing time. On the other hand, nights and evenings are for excitement and jolts of adrenaline.
Ultimately, you should play at a time that suits either your mood or your playing style. No matter when you sit at the table, though, always remember to gamble responsibly.
If you play baccarat at an online casino, always claim a casino sign-up bonus. It will boost your bankroll and let you place more bets without digging deeper into your wallet.
Oh, and if a sophisticated British man in a tux sits next to you and starts ordering shaken, not stirred martinis, it might be a good time to run for your life.
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