Baccarat, which is pronounced BA-kuh-rah, has earned a reputation for sophistication and is often associated with high rollers and luxury casinos. It is actually one of the easiest games to play and requires little skill. In fact, the game is so easy that even children can be taught it in minutes.

The game consists of a banker hand and a player hand, with players betting on which will come closest to nine points. Cards are shuffled and dealt by a croupier from a dealing box called a shoe. There are from seven to 14 seats for players around the table, with numbered areas where players place their bets. A score sheet is usually provided to help keep track of scores. In addition to betting on the Player and Banker hands, players can also bet on a Tie and Super Six Bets.

Depending on the game, 8 to 12 decks of cards are used. Each card has a different value; picture cards and the Tens count as zero, while numbered cards from 2 through 9 count as their face value, with the Aces counting as one. When the total value of the two hands reaches a double digit, players must drop the first number to determine their true values. A total of 10 is worth 95% of the wager, while a tie results in an 8-to-1 payout.

Players should always know the rules of a specific game before playing. Whether they’re at an actual casino or at their favorite online casino, they should read the rules section of the site to find out how many cards are used in each round and what the house edge is. There are also some variations of the game that use a different number of decks, which can change the odds and pay-outs.

If you’re a beginner, the best way to practice is with free baccarat games. These are available at most online casinos and can give you a feel for the game without the risk of losing money. In addition, they’re perfect for practicing strategies and experimenting with bet amounts.

Once you’ve mastered the basic rules of the game, it’s time to move on to more advanced strategies. One popular strategy is to start with flat bets and fill out the results on a score sheet. After a few games, you’ll begin to see patterns develop. The shoes will zigzag between banker and player wins, with double win streaks for both sides appearing occasionally. When this happens, you should bet on the other side until the streak turns.

This strategy will allow you to increase your bankroll gradually and reduce the chances of hitting a dry spell. It’s also important to remember that if you win a bet on the Banker hand, you must pay the banker 5% commission at the end of the game. This is why you should set aside a small portion of your winnings before leaving the table. In addition, you’ll want to have enough money to cover your losses when the tables turn against you.