Baccarat (pronounced bah-cah-rah) is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It looks fancy and complicated but it is actually a very simple game to play and has one of the lowest house edges on the casino floor. It also appears in James Bond movies and has gained much of its popularity from that. However, many players are intimidated by this game because of its high table limits and velvet ropes. This article will help you overcome those fears and learn how to enjoy baccarat.

Unlike blackjack, where the player has to memorize rules and decide whether to hit or stand, in baccarat the decision is made for you. This is because the player only places a bet on either the Banker’s or Player’s hand. The rest of the players around the table place their bets against one of these two hands. Depending on the outcome of each round, a player can be paid out for winning Player, Banker, or Tie bets. The winner is determined by which hand comes closest to nine points. The game is played with from seven to 14 seats for players and a dealer’s area. The card values are the same as in blackjack: picture cards and tens are worth zero points; cards numbered 2-9 are worth their face value; the ace is worth one point.

The initial bet is placed by the banker, and players then go in counterclockwise order to announce if they want to “go bank” or not. If a player chooses to bet on the banker’s side, they can add more chips until their total is equal to or higher than the banker’s stake. Once everyone has placed their bets, the banker deals two cards to himself and to each of the bettors. If the banker’s or the player’s hand has a value of 8 or 9 points, it is shown right away and bets are paid. If it has a lower value, a third card is drawn and the results are compared.

A winning Banker hand qualifies for a 1 to 1 payout, while a winning Player hand wins your stake back plus an additional 50% of your original bet. If you correctly predict a winning Tie bet, you get 8 to 1. A losing Banker or Player bet forfeits your entire stake.

While the game of baccarat can be fun and rewarding, it is important to manage your money wisely. It’s best to set a spending limit and stick to it. This way, you can avoid getting carried away with your gambling and keep your winning streaks in check. It’s also a good idea to use the Martingale betting system, which is a common strategy for games that pay even bets.

Before you head to your favorite online casino, make sure that you’re familiar with the baccarat rules. You can do this by reading a reputable website that offers detailed guides and strategies for the game. The site should also have a list of recommended casinos that offer baccarat.