Baccarat is a simple game played by players against the banker. Each hand is dealt two cards and the aim is to get as close to nine as possible. Aces count as one, while tens and picture cards count as zero. If the cards total above ten the first digit is dropped (so a seven and a six would become a three). The player and banker both make decisions based on their knowledge of what the other players have done.

Generally, the Banker’s hand has a better chance of winning than the player’s hand but the outcome is still entirely based on luck. The table is divided into two sections and the players sit around it, some on the right and some on the left of the banker. The two groups of players play against the banker but not each other.

The game of baccarat is a relatively simple one to learn and is a favourite at online casinos. The main betting options are on the player’s hand winning, the banker’s hand winning or a tie. Many online casinos also offer a Super Six bet and a Pair bet. A Super Six bet pays out 12x the bet amount if the Banker Hand wins with six points. A Pair bet pays out 11x the bet amount if the Banker and the Player hands have matching cards.

While no strategy guarantees complete success in baccarat, a few useful tips can help increase your chances of winning. These include knowing the rules, setting limits and playing responsibly. Remember that gambling can be addictive so it’s important to set limits and stick to them.

As a result of the game’s popularity, many implausible legends have emerged about its origins and etymology. It is claimed that it originated in Italy, despite there being no contemporary evidence of the game before the 19th Century.

Baccarat is one of the most popular games in the world’s top casinos and it accounts for a significant share of their total annual win. Macau casinos have taken a huge lead in the industry and in recent years, it has even exceeded the Las Vegas Strip in terms of casino revenue.

Baccarat is a relatively easy game to play and the rules are straightforward. After placing your bet, the cards are dealt and the player’s and the banker’s hands are compared to see which has a total closest to 9. If neither the Player’s or the Banker’s hand totals 8 or 9, no additional cards are drawn and the round is over. However, if either of these hands have an eight or a nine, then the bets on them are paid and no further cards are drawn. If a tie is declared, then the bets on both the Player’s and Banker’s hands are paid out. A tie bet is not recommended unless the odds are very high. This type of bet is typically offered with odds of around 9 to 1 against.