Baccarat, a game that originated in Italy and France, is now one of the most popular casino games. It is played with up to 14 players seated around an oval table. There are two hands of cards dealt: the Player’s hand and the Banker’s. The objective is for players to correctly guess which hand will come closest to nine. Depending on the game, a third card may be dealt to either of the two hands. The player who bets on the Banker’s hand wins if that hand has a score of 8 or 9. Picture cards and ten value cards count as zero points. All other cards numbered 2-9 are worth their face value, and the Ace counts as one point. The game is often dealt from a shoe, similar to blackjack.

The game is relatively easy to play, and the rules are straightforward. Players place their bets on the Player, Banker, or Tie hand. They can also make bets on a specific number such as 9 or 8. Baccarat is dealt from a single deck, and the cards are placed face up. The Player’s and Banker’s hands are compared, and the hand with the highest total wins.

Traditionally, the Player and Banker hands are dealt from a six- or eight-deck shoe. However, some casinos now use a shuffled multi-deck shoe and deal the cards individually. Baccarat is played with a fixed amount of money, which must be set before the game starts. The table minimums vary by casino, but $20-$25 is common.

Bill Zender, a former Nevada Gaming Control Agent and casino dealer who wrote the book on managing casino games, says that baccarat is becoming increasingly popular with high rollers. He says that Asian high rollers have made it their game of choice for cultural reasons, and because it has one of the lowest house edges in the casino – about 1.2 percent on player and banker bets. The game is also fast-paced, and the winnings can be large.

The best way to win baccarat is to follow a strategy that combines flat betting with pattern trends. Start by placing bets on both the player and banker sides and analyzing the results. Once you have a good idea of what the patterns are, you can begin to make alternate bets on each side, following the trend until it changes. This strategy is a simple way to increase your profits while playing baccarat, but it can be risky if you chase your losses, so be sure to keep track of your winnings and losses with a baccarat score board sheet.

Another great baccarat strategy is the Martingale system, which is a betting progression that works on games that pay even money. It is particularly effective for games that have a fixed minimum bet, such as roulette. The strategy involves starting with a $10 bet and doubling it after each win. This can result in huge winnings, but you should always be aware of your limits and never exceed your bankroll.