Baccarat is a casino game that’s easy to learn and exciting to play. Its low house edge makes it an attractive alternative to slots and roulette. It is also a fast-paced game, which can be played in just a few minutes per round. It’s important to practice good money management when playing baccarat. Decide how much you want to spend in advance, and stick with it. Using cash, instead of cards, can help you avoid getting carried away.

The object of baccarat is to wager on the hand that totals closest to nine without going over. Once the Banker and Player hands are dealt, the dealer will tally their totals to determine the winner. In the event of a tie, your stake will be returned. You can also place a bet on the Tie, which pays out 8:1. A score sheet is typically available at live baccarat tables to keep track of your bankroll.

There are three popular baccarat games: punto banco, chemin de fer, and baccarat banque (or deux tableaux). Each variation has its own rules, but the basics are the same. The game is generally played with six decks of cards and a group of players at a table. One player is designated as the banker and sets the initial betting amount. Other players then go in counterclockwise order and announce whether they want to play against the banker or add a bet on either the Player or Banker hands. The banker wins most often, but you can bet on the player or a tie as well.