Baccarat is the enigmatic card game that evokes images of high-rollers in tuxedos and ladies in couture evening gowns laying down chips at a glamorous table. Although the game appears to have an aura of sophistication, it is actually quite simple and can be enjoyed by anyone from any location. Those who wish to play the game should first understand the rules and payouts, which are based on the outcome of a bet.

A croupier, or dealer, deals the cards from a deck that has been shuffled together. The cards are placed in a dealing box called a shoe and are released one at a time. Baccarat tables are usually covered in green felt and have numbered areas marked on it for player bets, banker bets and tie bets.

The objective is to have a hand total that is as close to nine as possible. Cards are ranked in ascending order, with nine being the highest, and the Ace being worth one point. When the value of a card crosses or enters into double digits, only the last digit is important. For example, a total of 15 is counted as five points in the game. The croupier will then add up the value of the hand to determine its winner.

There are several side bets that can be placed in Baccarat, and they vary by establishment and platform. The most common are the Player Pair and Banker Pair bets, which wager that a player or banker will receive identical cards on the deal. The Player Pair bet pays out at 11:1 odds, while the Banker Pair bet offers 8:1 odds.

Unlike most casino games, Baccarat has only three betting outcomes: a player win, a banker win, or a tie. When a player wins, he or she will receive a 1:1 payout. However, the player must pay a 5% commission on winning Banker bets.

Another popular baccarat strategy involves counting cards, which is an activity that many players do in their spare time. The idea behind the process is that a player can gain an advantage by learning the pattern of the cards being dealt in the game and using that information to predict the outcome of future hands. However, players should be aware of the legality of this practice and be careful not to get caught in any illegal schemes.

In addition to a good Baccarat strategy, players should always set their limits and stick to them. This is particularly important when playing at a live casino, where the tempo of the game can be fast and it can be easy to lose a lot of money in a short period of time. It is also advisable to play at a table that is not too busy, as this will increase the chances of making a winning bet. Additionally, it is important to know that you should never bet more than you can afford to lose, and when you have reached your loss limit, leave the table.