Baccarat is a card game that is popular with players in casinos all over the world. It has a low house edge and offers several different bets that can help you win big money. It is also easy to learn and play.

The game of baccarat is played at a table that seats up to 12 or 14 players, and the dealer deals the cards in a shoe with eight decks. The shoe is passed from player to player, counter-clockwise, every time a hand is placed.

When a hand is won, the winner’s bet is paid out. When a hand is lost, the player’s bet is returned to them. In the case of a tie, bets on both the banker and player push.

Before the game begins, each player must place a bet on one of the three possible outcomes: their hand winning, the banker’s hand winning or a tie. The bets are paid out on a scale of 1 to 1, with the highest payout for the banker’s hand and the lowest for the player’s hand.

There are two types of baccarat games: traditional baccarat and mini baccarat. The former is a high-limit game in casino high-roller rooms and is played on the large table with a shoe containing eight decks of cards. The latter is the version of baccarat that is usually found in lower-limit or high-volume casinos.

Unlike many other card games, baccarat is a fast-paced game that requires little skill to play. Its rules are straightforward and the game is very exciting. It is a favorite of European tourists and non-Asian casino customers, who prefer a game that gives them more control over the outcome of their hand.

It’s easy to play baccarat online or in a land-based casino. All you need is a laptop or computer, a credit card and an Internet connection to start playing. The best way to get started is by finding a trusted online casino and downloading their software.

The most common baccarat betting options are the Player and Banker bets. You can also bet on a variety of side bets in addition to the standard bets. These bets offer some of the most interesting and lucrative payouts in baccarat, but they can also be risky for your bankroll.

You should always make sure you have sufficient funds to make a bet before placing it at the baccarat table. The odds of winning are small for some bets, and the house edge is high on many of them.

If you’re a beginner, you might want to try a practice session with free chips before betting real cash. This will help you learn the rules and develop your strategy.

Some casinos have a baccarat track sheet that players can use to record their wins, losses and ties. They range from simple tracking sheets to more sophisticated grids that record frequency of winning hands for both players and dealers.

In addition, if you’re planning on placing an expensive bet at the baccarat table, you might want to ask the dealer for advice. They can provide you with useful tips to help you win more often and keep your bankroll healthy.