Baccarat is one of the most recognizable casino games. It evokes images of men in tuxedos and women in posh evening dresses laying down chips as the dealer distributes cards. This thrilling card game may seem intimidating, but with a little time and effort it is easy to learn.

The basics of Baccarat are simple. The game is played with between six and eight standard decks of cards. Players place their bets on either the player hand, banker hand or a tie. The objective is to correctly predict which hand will total closest to nine. Each hand is dealt two cards and a score is determined by adding the value of each individual card and dropping the tens digit. For example, a hand with a seven and a six will have a score of 13. However, the score is only 9 if both the seven and the six are equal in value.

Players can play in person at a live table or online at a casino. Regardless of the location, the basic rules are the same. The game begins when the first player announces “go bank” or a similar option. Players then go in counterclockwise order to make their bets against the banker. Once all bets are placed, the dealer will deal the cards according to baccarat rules and pay out any winning bets. Then a new round is ready to begin.

While the main bets in baccarat are relatively straightforward, there are also a number of side bets that can make the game more exciting and lucrative. Depending on the establishment and platform, these side bets have different odds and payouts.

A baccarat banker must pay a commission on bets placed on the banker hand. This fee varies by casino and is usually around 5-10% of the bet amount. Players should be aware of this fee before betting, as it can significantly lower the winnings of a baccarat session.

Despite the high house edge of baccarat, it is still possible to win money with this classic casino game. To maximize your chances of winning, make sure to play the game responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. It is also a good idea to set loss and win limits, which will help you stay within your budget.

Baccarat is a popular casino game in casinos across the US and online. Its enigmatic nature gives it an air of elegance and sophistication, but it is easy to learn. Once you get the hang of the rules and strategy, you’ll be able to enjoy this exciting card game in no time.