Baccarat is a high-stakes card game that is played by the highest-rollers in casinos. It is an elegant game and has a very low house edge, but it can be difficult to win.

In a normal game, eight 52-card packs are shuffled and dealt by the dealer from a dealing shoe that releases one card at a time. The cards are laid out face down on a table that is covered in green felt and marked with numbers 1 through 12.

The game involves two hands: the Banker hand, and the Player hand. The Banker is dealt the first two cards and the Player is dealt the last two. The banker may call for a third card in certain situations.

Before you start playing, decide how much you’re willing to wager on each hand. This will help you stay within your budget and will make it easier to quit while you’re ahead.

You can play Baccarat for as little or as much money as you want, but be aware that the game can quickly change hands and can result in large losses if you lose too much. Also, be sure to read the rules of the particular casino you are playing at before you place your bets.

The basic rules of baccarat are simple, but they can be confusing at times. In most cases, each hand will require a third card, but the rules vary slightly depending on which side you are betting on.

Each card in the deck has a numerical value, with 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings having a point count of nine. Aces have a point count of one, and all other cards have a face value.

Whether you’re betting on the Player or the Banker, the total amount of points in each hand determines the winner. If both hands have the same number of points, the game is called a tie.

When playing a game of baccarat, you should never stand on a total of 9 or higher. If you do, the first digit is dropped from the total to determine the true value of your hand. Then, you must subtract the second digit to find out how much you’re winning or losing.

Some players think that Baccarat is a game of luck, but it’s actually a game of skill and strategy. It is also an extremely exciting and dramatic game that can be played by anyone, even if they have no previous experience.

Before you begin playing, you should learn the rules of the game and the odds. This will help you understand the probabilities of each outcome and make the most of your bets.

If you have questions about a specific rule or strategy, ask the dealer at the table. Most dealers are familiar with the game and will be able to answer your questions.

The rules of baccarat are similar to those of blackjack, but with a few exceptions. For instance, you can’t double down, but you can stand on a total of eight or less, and the dealer may call for extra cards.