Whether you’re at a sticky-floor California card room or a tuxedo-laden casino in Monaco, baccarat is an elegant game played by players who want to make the most of their bankroll. The game is a fast-paced, simple to learn and a great option for those who prefer a simpler betting strategy than blackjack or roulette.

Before the cards are dealt, you place your bets on one of three winning outcomes: the Player hand, the Banker hand or a Tie. You can then adjust your bet for each round as needed. Once the bets are placed, the dealer will deal two cards to the Player and the Banker. The hand that totals closest to 9 wins. If it’s a tie, your stake will be returned to you. The Player and Banker hands will then be totted up.

Aside from the three bets you can make, you can also place a Super Six Bet. This side bet pays out 12:1 if the Banker hand is a 6 or higher. If you’re new to baccarat, it’s a good idea to stick with the main bets until you’ve had some practice.

The rules of baccarat are simple, but they can be confusing for new players. Unlike blackjack where there are specific rules on when to hit or stand, in baccarat it is up to the Caller to decide which hand needs a third card. This is to help prevent ties, which can happen if the Player and Banker both have a 7 or 8 after the initial deal.

Once the cards have been compared, the winner is declared and the bets paid out accordingly. If the Banker wins, a commission is paid out to the player. This can be 5% or more, depending on the game you play and your bankroll. The simplest way to calculate the win is to use a table of the game’s odds.

The best strategy for baccarat is to bet on the banker every time. This will give you the best chance to win, and it’s easy to do at most online casinos. However, you should always know your limits and avoid chasing losses. You can also play free baccarat games at online casinos to get familiar with the rules and learn the game before betting real money. The best online baccarat sites have the highest payouts and offer bonuses to new players. Some of these offer high minimum bets to attract a wide variety of players. Check out our list of top rated sites to find the right one for you.