Whether you’re playing the game in a sticky-floor California card room or in the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco, baccarat is a sophisticated casino classic. The rules may differ slightly depending on whether you’re playing the “punto banco” or “chemin de fer” version of the game, but the basic principle is the same: bet on which hand, Player or Banker, will be closest to nine when all the cards are dealt. The game is slow-moving and ritualistic, and a lot of thought goes into each decision made by the players and dealer. It’s no wonder it has captivated audiences from all over the world for generations, and Sean Connery is perhaps the most famous person to have ever played it.

If you’re new to baccarat, there are plenty of online games where you can try your luck before you risk any real money. It’s important to make sure you understand the rules before you start betting with real cash, as you could be setting yourself up for a fall. Thankfully, you can play free baccarat games for as long as you like, making it the perfect way to practice until you’re ready to switch to real money games.

Before the game begins, each player must decide how much to bet. The minimum bet varies from casino to casino, but $20-$25 is a common amount in the United States. Once the players have placed their bets, the croupier will deal two cards to the Player hand and one to the Banker’s. In some cases, a third card will be drawn for one or both hands. The winner is the hand that is closest to nine.

The game is relatively simple to understand, but there are some important things to keep in mind before you start betting with real money. First, the house edge is quite high, so it’s important to choose your bets wisely. The best bet is on the Banker side, as it has a lower house edge than the Player side. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t win by placing a bet on the Player hand.

Baccarat rules also require that players pay a five percent commission on winning Banker bets. This reduces the payout odds of a winning Banker bet to 19 to 20. In addition, a winning Tie bet qualifies for a payout of 8 to 1.

When you’re playing baccarat in real life, you should also set aside some money to spend on the game before you leave the house. This will prevent you from over-spending and ruining your night out. It’s also a good idea to avoid gambling with the same money that you use for your rent or bills, so that you don’t end up in debt.

Baccarat is a sophisticated game that can be played by people of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, there are many games available at land-based and online casinos. The game is easy to learn, and there are even tutorials for beginners. So why not give it a go today?