Baccarat is a game that has a reputation for elegance and sophistication. It is often associated with high rollers and luxury, but it can also be enjoyed by players on a budget. In fact, the game has become so popular that it can now be found at many regular casino tables and even in some low limit areas. While the game has a reputation for being a high-stakes game, it is surprisingly simple to play.

The first thing to understand about Baccarat is that it is a game of two hands. Players can bet on either the Banker hand or the Player hand, and both hands are dealt with eight cards each. The Banker hand must be closer to nine than the Player hand in order to win. However, the Dealer can choose to draw an additional card on one or both hands if their total is too close to nine.

Once the bets are placed, the game begins. The Banker places his initial stake, and players take turns in a counterclockwise fashion to place their own stakes against the banker’s amount. If a player decides to “go bank,” they must announce this before placing their bet, and the rest of the players can add bets to the table until the total for their half of the table equals the banker’s stake.

The Dealer then deals the cards. If the Player’s or Banker’s first two cards total 8 or 9, this is a natural, and the bets are paid. The third card is then drawn if the initial two cards total 8 or 9. If the first two cards are 9 and 8, there is no need to draw a third, but if the first two cards are 7 and 8, the Banker must draw a third unless the Player’s hand has an 8.

It is important to know the rules of baccarat before you start playing. The game uses a special system to determine the value of each hand, and this differs from standard card games. For example, a pair of seven and six counts as 13 points, but a three and a six would count as 12. In addition, aces are worth 1, while tens, queens, and kings count as zero.

Ties occur in around 9.6% of rounds, and the Banker hand wins 51% of bets. In addition, baccarat’s low house edge makes it a good choice for players looking to maximise their winnings. Players should avoid the Tie bet and any other side bets, as these offer poor odds.

Baccarat is an easy game to learn, and it is very simple to play online. The rules are the same as in a live casino, but you can practice for free before betting real money. In addition, you can use casino bonuses to increase your chances of winning. You can find baccarat games at many online casinos, and they come in both RNG and live versions. However, you should check the number of decks used before you begin playing, as this can affect the house edge.