Baccarat is that exotic card game you see high-rollers playing in tuxedos at opulent casinos. While it may seem intimidating to those who have never played it, the game is actually a lot simpler than you think. With a little practice, you’ll be able to pick up this thrilling card game in no time.

The objective of baccarat is to beat the banker by having a hand that totals closest to nine points. To determine this, the dealer deals an ace and a king to the banker, and a seven and a six to the player. The hand that totals closest to 9 wins; however, if neither hand is a 9, further cards are drawn to determine the winner. Players can bet on the player, banker, or tie. The house edge on the banker bet is 1.06%, and the dealer takes a 5% commission on winning bets.

In addition to the player, banker, and tie bets, baccarat offers other side bets that pay out at higher odds. These bets are placed before the round starts and vary by establishment and platform. One of these side bets is the player pair, which wagers that the player and banker will receive identical cards on the deal, paying out at 11:1 odds. Another option is a tie, which pays out at 8:1 odds. Regardless of the type of side bet you choose to place, it is always important to set a budget for yourself before beginning your gaming session. This will help you stay in control and avoid making any costly mistakes.