The game of baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It is played everywhere from sticky-floor California card rooms to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco. While it has a reputation for being a high-stakes game that attracts the attention of celebrity guests, the truth is that anyone can play baccarat with very little skill. The object of the game is to get the player hand or the banker hand as close to nine points as possible. A score of nine is the highest, and a seven is the lowest. The rules of the game are fairly simple, and there are only three possible outcomes per hand.

The simplest way to play baccarat is by placing a bet on the player or banker hand. Unlike blackjack, where players have their own cards, a croupier deals the cards to both sides of the table from a shoe that holds eight decks. Picture cards and tens are worth zero points; cards numbered from two to nine count as their face value; and aces count as one point. The dealer will draw a third card only if the player or banker hand total is less than seven. If the player or banker hands are equal, it is a tie and all bets are returned.

When a player or banker wins, the winnings are paid out in accordance with a fixed table of payouts. If a player wins, they will receive the full payout of 1:1 (although the house has a slight edge). Banker bettors win by a similar margin, but must pay a 5% commission to the bank.

While the rules of baccarat are relatively simple, it can be confusing to newcomers. One reason is that the game does not allow players to make playing decisions. Instead, they must rely on standard house rules to determine when the Player or Banker Hand will need a third card, and when it can be stood pat.

In most cases, the deciding factors will be whether the player or banker hand has the highest total. If the hand is a total of 8 or 9, it is referred to as a “natural” and no third card can be drawn. If the hand is a total of 6 or 7, it is called a “stand,” and the player must stay with their original bet.

The only other betting option in baccarat is on the tie, which pays off eight to one. However, the odds of a tie are very low. In fact, the tie bet is usually avoided by serious players who wish to minimize their house edge.

If you are interested in learning to play baccarat, there are several online resources available to help you understand the game. These include videos, articles, and forums that explain the game’s rules and strategies. In addition, many online casinos offer free baccarat games that you can practice with before committing real money. If you do decide to play for real money, it is recommended that you set a limit on your wagers and stick with it. A good tip is to use a score sheet to keep track of your wagers, and to only place bets when you have enough money to afford to lose them.