Baccarat is a casino game that has gained a reputation for sophistication and is often associated with high rollers and luxury. But the game can be played with small bets as well. It is one of the few games in which players make ZERO decisions during play, so it’s important to know the rules before playing.

The main goal of Baccarat is to beat the other hand’s total by getting closer to nine. The player’s and banker’s hands are dealt two cards each. The value of each hand is determined by adding up the values of the cards and subtracting the tens digit from the sum. For example, a 7 and a 6 would total 13, so the second digit of 13 (the tens) is dropped, and the final value becomes three. If either the player hand or banker hand has a total of eight or nine, the winner is declared. If both hands have a natural, the round ends in a tie.

In the event that a hand does not have a total of eight or nine, further cards may be drawn to determine the winner. This is a rule that varies from one casino to the next, but is generally in place to avoid the possibility of a tied hand. A 5% commission is paid on winning banker bets, and a winning player bet qualifies for a payout of 1 to 1.

There are many ways to bet in baccarat, including the banker, player, and tie bets. Each type of bet offers different odds and payouts, so it’s important to understand the basics of each before playing. The most common bet is the player bet, which has a lower house edge than the banker bet but also has a higher variance.

Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran, it’s always best to set limits for yourself. This will help you keep your gambling in check and prevent losing more money than you should. It’s also a good idea to play short sessions, as the house edge will catch up with you over time. Lastly, you can use free baccarat games to practice before wagering real money. Many online casinos offer these games in demo mode, so you can practice without risking your hard-earned cash.