Baccarat is a card game played for high stakes, often in exclusive gaming rooms at land-based casinos. Players wager on the banker, player or tie, with winning bets paid out in even money minus commissions and house edges. The game is also available at online casinos, where side bets add to the overall cost of the wager. These side bets are unlikely to increase your odds of winning, but may help you to increase your enjoyment of the game.

The game is based on a simple principle: the winner is the hand that totals closest to nine. Tens, jacks and queens count as zero points, while aces are worth one point. The game was originally played with the player’s and banker’s hands concealed and only revealed after the draw decisions were made. This version of the game is sometimes referred to as “Baccarat Banque” or “Baccarat à deux tableaux”.

Traditionally, the game has five different bets: the Player’s Bet, the Banker’s Bet, the Tie Bet, and the Super Six Bet. However, many online casinos offer more betting options. However, it is important to keep in mind that the more bets you make, the higher the risk and the lower the return on investment.

If you’re playing Baccarat online, the best strategy is to place your bets on the banker, as this bet has the lowest house edge. This bet is the safest, but it also comes with a 5% commission on any cash won. Players can also bet on the player or a tie, which both have a higher house edge.

Many people enjoy playing Baccarat in a real casino setting, where they can interact with the dealer and other players. However, some people don’t have the time or desire to visit a physical casino, or simply prefer to play in their home. Fortunately, there are several online casinos that feature live Baccarat games with real dealers.

The game is played on a large, square-shaped table with a raised area for the cards. The dealer is usually dressed in a formal gown, and the table is surrounded by padded walls to protect the players from noise and distractions. Baccarat is typically played with real cash, but some casinos have started using oblong plastic chips instead of bills.

Baccarat is popular at land-based casinos, as it is a game that requires no skill, but is still exciting to watch. The game is filmed from an elevated camera, which provides viewers with a bird’s eye view of the action on the table. Some casinos even use professional actors to play the role of the dealer, which makes the experience more authentic.