Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It has an easy-to-understand game structure and rules and is suitable for players of all ages. It is a fast-paced game and can be played with small stakes. This has made it a staple in many online casinos. It is also a popular choice for people looking to try their luck at the tables in land-based casinos.

The premise of the game is simple: players wager on either the Player hand, Banker hand, or a Tie bet. The aim is to get the hand closest to 9 points. The game uses a fixed set of rules for each hand, and cards are dealt according to that rule. The rules differ slightly depending on whether you’re playing the “punto banco,” “baccarat chemin de fer,” or a “baccarat banque” (or a deux tableaux) variation of the game.

During the game, the dealer will collect losing bets and pay winning bets. They will also take a 5% commission on the Banker bet. This is tracked in a commission box on the table. The dealer will also keep track of the frequency of the Player and Banker winning hands using a bead plate baccarat track sheet.

Unlike blackjack or roulette, which require intricate strategies, baccarat is much simpler and requires fewer decisions. While it is still a game of chance, there are some advanced strategy techniques that can boost your odds of winning.