Baccarat is a high-stakes game that has captivated the attention of high rollers in Las Vegas and beyond. The game is played on a table in a roped-off area separate from the rest of the casino floor, and it involves a ritual passing of an eight-deck shoe. The players place their bets on the Banker, Player, or Tie hand. Each hand is dealt two cards and the winner is the one that comes closest to nine. Aces count as one point, 10s and face cards as zero points, and other cards equal their number value.

While the game is easy enough to play, it has an insidious charm that lures gamblers into betting too much. The game is a pseudo-form of roulette, with the same 3-2 payout odds, and it has a high house edge. The game also has several side bets, which vary in size and payout options. It’s essential to know the rules of baccarat before you start playing.

Most of the bets are placed on either the banker or player hand. The Player wins if the total is 9 and loses if it goes over 9. A third card may be drawn on either hand.

The game is slow-moving, and a minimum bet in a baccarat pit can run into thousands of dollars. The game has become a favorite of Asian players, and casinos are eager to cater to their large bets. Many operators are even introducing mini-baccarat, a faster version of the game.

As with most casino games, baccarat has some rules that must be followed. Players must sit in a special, designated area and bet with real cash. In American casinos, this means $100 bills stacked all over the table. European casinos, on the other hand, use oblong chips that are similar to blackjack.

There are several interesting side bets that can be placed on baccarat, but they vary by platform and establishment. A Super Six bet wagers that the Banker will win with a total of 6 points and pays out at 12:1 odds. Another popular bet is the Pair Bet, which wagers that the Player or Banker will receive a pair of identical cards on the deal and pays at 5:1 odds.

While the game is simple enough to learn, a proper strategy can help you maximize your chances of winning. A good rule of thumb is to always back the banker, despite the fact that casinos charge a commission on winnings. That small edge is worth it in terms of your chance of winning the biggest prize – the jackpot. Just remember to avoid the tempting Tie bet, which has a 14.1 percent house edge. Unless you are a high-roller with a lot of money to spend, the best baccarat strategy is to stick to placing player and banker bets only. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the thrill of winning without worrying about losing too much money.