From sticky-floor California card rooms to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, baccarat has been enjoyed by many people across the globe. The game is a simple choice for casual players looking to try their luck, with high payouts and a low house edge. It is also a staple on casino floors, and was featured in the first scene of the 1956 film Bob le Flambeur (Chances Are).

Unlike many other table games, baccarat can be played with only six, seven or eight standard decks of cards. The goal is to correctly predict which hand will win the round, or if it will be a tie. The value of the hand is determined by the sum of the numbers, with only the rightmost digit being taken into account. A nine-point hand is worth a higher value than a six-point hand, for example.

In a typical game of baccarat, the banker and player hands are dealt two cards each. If the total points of either hand reach 8 or 9 on the first deal, the hand is a “natural,” and winning bets are paid. Otherwise, the table is consulted for the rules of the game and a third card may be drawn.

Once a winning hand has been established, the croupier will pay out all bets and announce the result. Then the next round begins, with new bets placed by the players. This process continues until the game is over.

Before playing baccarat, it’s important to set aside a limit for how much you want to spend. This will help you stay in control and prevent you from going overboard. It’s also a good idea to play in a regulated casino, which has been reviewed for safety and fairness by an independent body.

In the United States, a number of online operators are licensed to offer real money baccarat. These sites have been rated and ranked for their bonuses, games, banking methods and more. If you’re new to the game, it’s a good idea to check out free baccarat games before betting for real cash. These sites will let you practice your strategy without risking any of your money.

Getting started with baccarat is easy, as there are numerous regulated casinos online that allow you to play for real money. Some even offer live dealers. The best place to start is with an American online casino, which offers a variety of different baccarat games. Once you’ve chosen a site, deposit your funds using your preferred method.

Once you’ve deposited some money, choose which side of the table to bet on. The banker side has a slight advantage over the player side, but the odds will fluctuate throughout the game. In the long run, both sides will earn a small profit. However, the banker side has a lower house edge than other popular casino games. The 1-3-2-6 system is an excellent way to learn how to bet on baccarat, while making sure that you never lose more than two units of your bankroll.