Baccarat is a table game that has a long history and can offer players plenty of excitement. However, it is important to know the rules and strategies of baccarat before betting any money. The best way to ensure that you will have a good time playing is to set limits for your spending in advance and stick with those. It’s also a great idea to practice with a friend or family member to get an understanding of the rules and strategy of the game.

Eight 52-card packs are shuffled together and then dealt by the croupier from a dealing box called a shoe. Each player and the banker are dealt two cards each. Depending on the result of each hand, a third card might be drawn for either the banker or the player. The winning hand is that which totals closest to nine points.

In some casinos, you can place side bets on the player pair or the banker pair of cards. These bets have different payout odds and may vary by establishment or platform. For example, the Super Six Bet wagers that both the Banker and Player hands will receive identical pairs of cards on the deal, paying out at 11:1 odds.

The minimum bet for a baccarat game varies by casino, but it is typically $20-$25. Some casinos have a higher minimum bet to encourage higher rollers, while others have a lower one to attract casual players. In addition, the 5% commission paid on banker bets is generally not included in the minimum bet.