If you’re looking for a casino game that combines a little James Bond pageantry with a lot of easy-to-play gambling fun, look no further than baccarat. The table game, pronounced “bah-cah-rah,” is played with from seven to 14 players and a dealer area. The dealer does the work, and the only decisions you need to make are which hand you’re betting on, Player Win, Banker Win, or Tie. The payout is 95% of your wager if you bet on the winning hand.

You place your wager in a designated area on the table, which is labeled Player, Banker, or Tie. You can also choose to make a side bet on a Perfect Pair or a Player-Banker Tie. The payoff for a Player Win is +100 (1/1), the Banker Win is -105 (9.5/1) or -875 (8/1) if you bet on a Tie.

The goal of the game is to have the hand you’re betting on, either the Player’s or the Banker’s, come closest to nine in terms of total points. Cards are ranked according to their numerical values, and card suits have no bearing on the game. Numbers 2 through 9 are worth their face value, while aces are worth one point. If the total of your hand is higher than nine, you drop the first digit and subtract 10 to get the true value.

There are a few important rules to know before you sit down at the table. There is a fixed set of rules that dictates when the Player and Banker hands need to be drawn a third card. These rules can be complicated, which is another reason why many people avoid playing the game.

High rollers have long been attracted to baccarat for the cultural reasons Zender outlines, but the low house edge on player and banker bets is also an important factor. In fact, baccarat has one of the lowest hold percentages in the casino, making it a great choice for players looking to maximize their potential winnings while minimizing losses.

Baccarat is a fast-paced game with a deal every 30 seconds. This means that a losing streak can quickly wipe out your bankroll. That’s why it’s important to follow a strong strategy that includes money management techniques. This will help you stay in control of your bankroll and ensure that you’re not playing beyond your limits.