Baccarat is one of the most popular table games in casinos and online. It is an exciting game with a simple betting system that can be mastered over time. The game is quick and can be very exciting, but a losing streak can wipe out even the largest bankroll in a matter of minutes. A few tips can help you stay in control and make smart decisions while playing baccarat.

In a standard round of baccarat, two cards are dealt to the Banker’s hand and the Player’s hand, and whichever hand totals closest to nine wins. Sometimes a third card is drawn, which can change the outcome of the hand. A winning Banker hand pays out 9:1 to the player, and a winning Player’s bet pays 8:1. If you place a bet on a tie, your stake is returned.

The number of decks in a baccarat game can affect the house edge, so it is important to know how many are being used before playing. The simplest way to do this is to look at the rules and details of the game you are playing, as these may vary from site to site.

In addition to wagering on a player win, a banker win or a tie, you can also make a variety of side bets on the game. Depending on the platform or establishment, these side bets can pay out different odds and payout amounts. The most common side bet is the baccarat pair, which wagers that both the player and banker will receive pairs on the deal. This bet pays 11:1 odds.