Baccarat is that enigmatic card game you see in movies, where high-rollers play for large stakes at opulent casinos. Its mystique is often based on its refined style, which gives it the appearance of elegance and class. But don’t let the game’s appearance fool you: Baccarat is actually a simple, fun to play casino game that requires little to no technical skill.

Unlike blackjack or roulette, which have numerous wager options, baccarat has only three bet types. You can bet on either the player hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie. The payouts for these bets vary, and a tie bet offers the highest return on your money but is also a riskier proposition than the other two bets.

The objective of baccarat is to place your bets correctly as the dealer deals two cards to the Banker hand and the Player hand. In the end, whichever hand is closest to nine wins. The game is played from a six or eight-deck shoe and uses a basic set of rules. Aces are worth one point, 10s are worth zero, and other cards are equal to their face value.

Once all the players have placed their bets, the dealer shuffles the deck and deals one card to each box. He then reveals the Player box and then the Banker box. Depending on the bet, the banker or player may receive a third card. The winning bet is then paid out.

Aside from the three main bets, baccarat also features several other side bets. These are typically offered by different casinos and platforms, and their odds can be quite varied. For example, some sites offer a Super Six bet, which pays out if the Banker hand has a total of 6 points. Other games may have a Pair bet that lets you wager on whether the player or Banker will get a pair of cards, and this pays out at 11:1 odds.

Among the most popular baccarat strategies is the Martingale system, which involves increasing your bets after each loss until you win. However, this strategy can be dangerous if the game isn’t being played on a fair table. This is why you should always use a fair table and stick to the strategy that works best for you. In addition, you should never bet more than you can afford to lose. This will help you minimize your losses and maximize your profits.