Baccarat is a glamorous card game that’s famous for evoking images of high-rollers playing in opulent casinos. It’s an exciting, sexy game that’s not only fun to play but also offers some intriguing betting patterns and strategies. But, even though the game’s mystique may intimidate players, it is easy to understand and can be played with ease.

The goal of baccarat is to correctly guess which hand will win the round: Bank, Player, or Tie. Cards are dealt from a six- or eight-deck shoe. The banker and player hands each receive two cards, and a third card may be dealt to either or both of these hands. The hand that totals closest to nine wins the round. The values of the cards are as follows: Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings equal nine, while Aces equal one.

Before the game begins, players place their chips based on who they favor to win that round. The most common betting option is to back the Banker hand, which pays out at 1.06% advantage in favor of the house. Players can also choose to back the player hand, which offers a slightly higher edge, or bet on a tie.

After placing their bets, the dealer will deal the cards to the banker and player hands. A third card will only be drawn if the banker or player hand has a total of zero or higher. The higher-valued hand wins and the bettors’ stakes are returned. If the hands are tied, the bettors’ stakes are split between the winning and losing hands.

Baccarat rules vary by platform and establishment, but all offer the same basic gameplay elements and bet types. The most important rule is to never bet both the Banker and Player hands at the same time. This limits your potential winnings and increases your risk of losing if both hands lose. The best baccarat strategy is to always back the banker hand, which will yield the highest returns over time.

In addition to a banker and player bet, some online casinos offer additional side bets on the outcome of the game. These wagers typically pay a 5% commission to the house on all winning Banker bets. This is how the casino makes money on Baccarat, and it is a key reason why many players choose to play the game at reputable sites.

There are several strategies to winning baccarat, but the most important tip is to stay disciplined and limit your spending. Baccarat is a fast-paced game that can be fun to play, but it’s easy to get carried away. A good way to prevent this from happening is to limit your spending before you begin and treat the money as if it were your own cash. It’s also a good idea to try different baccarat variants, which can change the tone and feel of the game to match your mood. These are all great ways to have fun while maximizing your winnings.