Baccarat is one of the most classic casino games, evoking images of high rollers in tuxedos playing in opulent casinos. The game has a mystique that comes from its association with luxury and sophistication, but it’s actually an easy game to learn and can be played by players of all skill levels. It’s no wonder that the game has become so popular, spawning several variants and additional ways to bet.

In a typical game of Baccarat, the dealer passes out two cards to each of the participant spaces at the table—the banker space and the player’s space. Each player then places his or her chips on the hand they think will win that round. Players can also bet on a tie, which is a much safer option. The house edge for a banker bet is lower than that of a player’s bet, but the dealer does take a 5% commission on winning banker bets.

The goal of the game is to get your side’s hand closer to nine than the opponent’s. There are a few rules to the game, and some strategies that can help you increase your chances of winning. First, the game is played with six or eight decks of cards. The cards from two to nine are worth their face value, while the tens, jacks, and queens are worth zero points. The ace is worth one point. The dealer and the banker both have a hand, and the winner is determined by whose hand has the higher total.

When both the banker’s and the player’s hands have a total of eight or nine, that is called a “natural” and the game ends. If either of the hands have a total of five or less, they must draw a third card. The banker’s decision depends on the player’s third card—whether the player stood or asked for a card—and the amount of money that has been staked on the player and banker’s hands.

The best way to win at Baccarat is to be patient and stick to your plan. Always play within your limits and don’t be afraid to walk away from the table if you have reached your loss limit. Set your limits before you start playing, and never let your emotions get in the way of your strategy. If you’re feeling bored, try a baccarat variant like Lunar New Year Baccarat to change the pace of the game and keep things fresh.