9 Baccarat Side Bets Strategy: Dragon Bonus, Pair Bet, and More

Baccarat is known for its simple gameplay and low house edge, especially when betting on the Banker. But for many players, the real excitement begins with side bets. These optional wagers add extra action to each round — and, in some cases, a much bigger payout. If you’re tired of choosing between Player and Banker, side bets give you a new way to enjoy the game.

In this article, we’ll review 9 practical strategies that use popular baccarat side bets like Dragon Bonus, Player Pair, and others. These aren’t wild guesses — they’re based on actual odds, common patterns, and real casino trends.

Why Side Bets Matter in Baccarat

Side bets are extra wagers you can place before a round begins. They’re separate from your main bet on Player, Banker, or Tie. The catch? They usually have a lower chance of hitting — but when they do, the rewards can be worth it.

Side bets often involve combinations or specific outcomes like pairs, point spreads, or ties with specific values. A few popular examples are the Dragon Bonus, Perfect Pair, and Big/Small bets. These give players more variety and a chance for higher payouts. While they’re not for everyone, side bets can be a fun and strategic addition to your baccarat sessions, especially if you use smart betting techniques.

A Look at the Most Popular Side Bets

There are many side bets available, and each casino may offer a different mix. Some are simple, while others are more advanced. Here are the most common ones you’ll find in both online and land-based baccarat games:

• Dragon Bonus – Pays based on the margin of victory (e.g., win by 4+ points)

• Player/Banker Pair – Wins if the first two cards form a pair

• Perfect Pair – Wins if the pair is the same suit

• Either Pair – Wins if either Player or Banker gets a pair

• Big/Small – Bets on the total number of cards dealt

• Super 6 – Special bet when Banker wins with 6

• Lucky Bonus – Tied to specific winning margins or cards

• Royal Match – Involves suited King and Queen.

• Egalité – Bets on specific tie totals (e.g., tie at 6, 7, 8)

You can find the full baccarat side bet list on Baccarat.Wiki will explore all available options and their specific payout structures.

9 Side Bet Strategies That Work

Here are nine detailed strategies based on side bets in baccarat. These aren’t tricks or promises — just smart play methods considering odds, patterns, and timing. Remember, side bets are risky, so treat them as part of a balanced playstyle, not your entire strategy.

1. Banker Pair in Short Sessions

Side Bet: Banker Pair

Why it works: The Banker Pair bet wins if the first two cards rank similarly. This happens in about 7–8% of hands. The payout is usually 11:1, which can make up for several losses.

Tip: Use this in short sessions of 10–20 hands. If you hit the pair once, consider cashing out or stopping for a break. Don’t chase it endlessly — it’s about timing and discipline, not volume.

2. Dragon Bonus After Player Streaks

Side Bet: Dragon Bonus (Banker or Player)

Why it works: The Dragon Bonus pays when the chosen side wins by a large point difference, like 4 or more. Banker has a slight statistical edge overall so this bet can be more reliable on the Banker side.

Tip: After a streak of Player wins, shift your main bet and Dragon Bonus to Banker. Comeback wins tend to be stronger, and that’s when Dragon Bonus is most likely to pay out.

3. Perfect Pair with 8-Deck Shoes

Side Bet: Perfect Pair

Why it works: This bet wins if the first two Player or Banker cards are the same rank and suit. With more decks in play (like 8-deck shoes), the odds improve slightly, making this a better long-term option.

Tip: Only use this in 8-deck games, where the chances of a suited pair are better. Don’t waste bankroll on this in 6-deck or single-deck versions — the math just doesn’t favor you there.

4. Either Pair for Stable Action

Side Bet: Either Pair

Why it works: It pays if the Player or Banker is a pair. It hits more often than single-pair bets and pays 5:1, which is a good bet for players who like stable, smaller payouts.

Tip: Use this on streaks where you do not know what side to believe. Since both Player and Banker can win the side bet for you, it reduces decision pressure and increases your opportunity to have a return. 

5. Big Bet in Slow Games

Side Bet: Big

Why it works: Big payout if 5 or 6 cards are drawn in total; this occurs when third cards are drawn. It's a low-paying bet (1.5:1 or 2:1) but comes in fairly frequently (about 51%).

Tip: Play this in slow games to easily see when third cards are drawn. Don't play it in quick auto-shoe games where it's more difficult to see card draws and patterns.

6. Don't Take Too Much with Super 6 in Fast Games

Side Bet: Super 6

Why it works: It pays when Banker wins 6 points. It's a specific but profitable bet that pays 12:1. Although not common, it does appear to come up more frequently under some sequences, like small win sprees.

Tip: Don’t use this in turbo baccarat or auto-dealt games. If you can’t track outcomes properly, you’ll just be burning chips. In slower live dealer games, it becomes a more reasonable option. You can learn more about how to build a smart baccarat game plan here.

7. Egalité on Repeat Tie Totals

Side Bet: Egalité

Why it works: Egalité bets let you guess the total in a tie (like a tie at 6 or 8). Some totals appear more frequently than others. For example, ties at 6 or 8 are more common than 2 or 9.

Tip: If a tie at a specific number just happened, consider betting that same total again for the next few hands. Ties sometimes “cluster,” and repeating totals do happen in streaks.

8. Lucky Bonus During Low Wins

Side Bet: Lucky Bonus

Why it works: This bet is tied to specific low-score wins, like when Banker wins with 6. It’s similar to Super 6, but the rules vary depending on the casino.

Tip: Watch for rounds where winning totals are consistently low (6 or 7). These stretches often continue for a few hands, giving your Lucky Bonus bet a better chance of hitting.

9. Combo Play: Mix Player Pair and Dragon Bonus

Side Bet: Player Pair + Dragon Bonus

Why it works: When the Player is on a winning streak, it’s common to see both strong victories (good for Dragon Bonus) and starting pairs (good for Player Pair). Betting on both increases your chance of hitting one or both at once.

Tip: Use this combo after two or more Player wins in a row. If the trend continues, you could land a payout from the pair, the margin, or both. Just don’t over-bet — split your stake and stay consistent.

Quick Table: Compare the 9 Strategies

Strategy	Side Bet	Payout (Avg)	Risk Level	When to Use
Banker Pair Short Sessions	Banker Pair	11:1	Medium	Short bursts of play
Dragon Bonus After Player Streak	Dragon Bonus	Up to 30:1	High	After multiple Players wins
Perfect Pair in 8-Deck Games	Perfect Pair	25:1	High	Only with 8 decks
Either Pair for Beginners	Either Pair	5:1	Low	Consistent smaller hits
Big Bet in Quiet Games	Big	2:1	Low	Slow games where third cards appear
Avoid Super 6 in Fast Games	Super 6	12:1	High	Only with close observation
Egalité on Tie Totals	Egalité	Up to 220:1	Very High	After tie repeats
Lucky Bonus on Low Wins	Lucky Bonus	Varies	Medium	In low-score streaks
Mix Pairs + Bonus	Combo	Up to 40:1	High	During Player win streaks

Should You Always Use Side Bets?

Side bets can add fun and high-payout chances to your baccarat game, but they’re not the best choice for consistent profits. Most side bets have a higher house edge than the main game. That means they can eat into your bankroll if used too often or without a plan.

If you're playing just for fun or like chasing big wins occasionally, side bets can be worth it. But it’s better to treat them like a bonus — not your main betting method. Start small, use strategy, and stop when you're ahead.

Side bets make baccarat more exciting, especially if you use them wisely. With these 9 strategies, you can take smarter risks and enjoy the extra thrill without going in blind. Whether you prefer the Dragon Bonus or a quick shot at a Perfect Pair, there's a method that can fit your style.

Keep it fun, play smart, and if you want to dive deeper into the game, Baccarat.Wiki has tons of resources to help you learn more.