Baccarat is a casino game that requires no skill and can be played for high stakes. The croupier deals cards from an eight-deck shoe and pays out wagers on Banker, Player or Tie depending on which hand is closest to nine. The goal of baccarat is to get as close to 9 as possible without going over.

Traditionally, the game has been a staple in casinos, but now it can be found at online casino sites, too. It is a popular choice in the high roller rooms, and it can even be played with real cash ($100 bills) on large tables. Baccarat is also a popular choice for Asian high-rollers and features in several of the movies that feature them.

In addition to betting on a player win, banker win or tie, players can place side bets as well. These bets are not guaranteed to win and their odds vary by establishment and platform. These side bets can be a fun way to increase your winnings and make the game more interesting.

The first step to playing baccarat is placing your bets. Once all the bets have been placed, the dealer will deal two cards to both the player and banker hands. The hand that is closer to nine is the winner of the round.

To calculate your total, simply add the values of the cards together. Aces are worth one, and all other cards equal their face value. For example, an 8 and a 3 would be worth seven points. Once you know your total, you must subtract 10 for scores over 9.

If you’re betting on a player win or banker win, you will receive 1:1 payouts if you are correct. However, if you are betting on a tie, you will have to pay the house a 5% commission on your winnings.

When the Banker wins, they must draw a third card if their total is 6 or 7 and will need another card on a 0-5 score. The Player must stand on a total of 7 and 6, but will need to draw a third card on a 0-5 score.

Baccarat’s popularity was boosted by the 1953 James Bond novel Casino Royal, which featured a game of Chemin de Fer between Bond and Le Chiffre. This led to an increase in the number of baccarat games at casinos, especially in the US.

While the basic rules of baccarat are fairly straightforward, it’s important to understand the different types of bets and their odds. The most common bets are the Player and Banker bets, which pay out at 1:1 or 2:1 respectively. Depending on your strategy, you might want to bet only on the Player or Banker bet or take a more risky bet such as the Tie. Regardless of your strategy, it is important to be consistent and stick with your bets until they change. In the long run, it is better to bet runs than to switch bets on a whim.