Baccarat is a game of chance played with anywhere from six to eight standard decks of cards. Depending on the version of the game, the table can seat seven to 14 players in addition to a dealer. The goal is to correctly predict which hand will win the round, either the player’s or banker’s. The winning hand is the one whose total — when all of the pips (the dots on a playing card that represent clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) is closest to nine. Picture cards are worth zero points, numbered cards from 2-9 have their face value, and the ace is worth one point. The game is played by comparing the two hands to determine which has a higher total, and bettors place wagers on either the player or the banker.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the game or an experienced gambler, it’s important to establish a budget before you begin. Set your betting unit at 2% of your overall bankroll and don’t exceed it. This will help you stay in control of your gambling session and not risk more money than you can afford to lose. You may also want to consider setting a time limit for your sessions, such as 20 minutes.

In the world of casino games, baccarat is a game that has gained a reputation for sophistication and luxury. High rollers are often seen at the table and it’s no surprise that the 2013 film The Great Gatsby featured a baccarat game at one of Jay Gatsby’s parties. Baccarat is also a popular game at online casinos, where it can be found with stakes that are suitable for any budget.

While there is no definite strategy to play baccarat, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the rules and payout structure of the game. You can learn the basics by reading a baccarat guide, or you can practice in a free-to-play mode. Most online casinos have a practice or demo area where you can test out different baccarat strategies without risking real money.

Once you have a firm grasp of the basic rules of baccarat, it’s time to try your luck. Choose a table and position yourself counterclockwise from the dealer. When someone announces that they are “going bank,” a counterclockwise order of players will place their bets against the initial banker amount.

When the cards are dealt, each bet will be paid out according to the outcome of the hand. The winning hand is declared by the dealer or computer software, and those who placed bets on it will receive their payouts. The other option is to bet on the tie, which pays out eight to one, but it has a much larger house edge than the player or banker bet.

The best baccarat strategy is to focus on the Banker bet and avoid betting on the Tie bet, as it has the lowest house edge. You can also reduce the house edge by playing with fewer decks of cards, which will increase your chances of winning. The simplest way to do this is by finding an online casino that offers single-deck baccarat games.