Baccarat is a casino card game that’s played in many casinos across the United States and online. The rules of the game are simple, and the winning hand is whichever one comes closest to nine points when all the cards are added up. The game also has a number of side bets that pay out according to their odds of landing, but players should always check the payouts and house edge of these wagers before betting cash.

A player bets on either the banker or the player hand, and a dealer deals two cards to each. The player and banker must then agree on a rule for the hand, such as whether to draw a third card or stand. The winning hand is whichever one is closer to nine points, and bettors win or lose based on the outcome of this decision.

Despite being an extremely simple game, baccarat can be confusing for newcomers. The game is played with a table that has up to 14 slots for players, plus a space for the dealer and a spot reserved for the “banker’s” and the “player’s” hands. The numbered spaces are usually labeled to indicate which players should stand where, and the dealer won’t deal cards to the player or banker if they’re standing in the wrong numbered slot. The player’s and banker’s spots are typically marked with the letters B and P, although the game may use a different name for these spaces in some casinos.

After each round, the players and banker reveal their hands. The winning hand is the one that is closest to 9 points, with the player’s hand being the first to reach this goal. A banker’s hand will usually draw a third card when it’s less than 5 points, while the player’s hand will stand on a total of 6 or 7. In rare cases, the player and banker can have the same score, which is called a Tie. In this case, bets on the Banker and Player are returned, but those on the Tie are paid out.

Baccarat is an exciting game, but it’s important to have a plan before you start playing. Set your limits and stick to them. Determine how much you want to spend on a night at the tables, and cut your losses when you’ve reached your loss limit. This will help you avoid losing too much money and make it easier to come home with a profit when you play. If you want to play baccarat for real money, be sure to find a reputable online casino that offers safe and secure transactions. Good luck!